Several fairy tale archetypes originate with the Greek myth Cupid and Psyche (including, especially, Beauty and the Beast). This beautiful version by a mother-daughter team (don’t judge this book by its cover; it is much more compelling inside) draws from the best parts of several ancient variants and retains the darkness and interest of the myth. The boys are fascinated with it.
Author: Charlotte Craft/Thomas Bulfinch/Lucius Apuleius
Illustrator: Kinuko Y. Craft
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Posted in Picture Books
Tagged Beauty and the Beast, Charlotte Craft, Cinderella, Cupid and Psyche, fairy tale, Kinuko Y. Craft, Lucius Apuleius, Mythology, Thomas Bulfinch, translated, Valentine's Day
“Don’t you think there’s such a thing as
enough?” Mr. Midas persisted. “Don’t you
think that things are best in their places? I
mean, don’t you think there’s a time for
spaghetti and a time for roast beef and even a
time for pickled herring and garlic toast, as
well as a time for chocolate? Or would you
rather have chocolate all the time?”
“Chocolate all the time,” John replied
emphatically. “Chocolate’s best, that’s all.
Other things are just food. But chocolate’s
chocolate. Chocolate–”
“I think I understand,” Mr. Midas broke in
sharply.
You’ve heard of King Midas’s golden touch? This book is a fun (relatively) contemporary update, the story of a schoolboy (John Midas) who has the bad luck of actually getting what he most wishes for.
If you’re looking for the original, golden, version of the story, we quite like the picture book by Charlotte and Kinuko Y. Craft.
Author: Patrick Skene Catling
Illustrator: Margot Apple
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Posted in Chapter Books
Tagged Charlotte Craft, food, I read this as a kid, King Midas and the Golden Touch, Kinuko Y. Craft, Margot Apple, Mythology, Patrick Skene Catling, The Chocolate Touch