the_weirdling's review
3.0
This is largely a retelling of the story of King Midas, but with something that children value far more than gold - chocolate!
As a big nerd of classical antiquity, I really liked the idea behind this book. Also, on principle, I am a big fan of trying to tell all the stories in new and different ways. So, I was excited to settle down and read this to my 8 year old.
The book did what it set out to do, but it did little more. Except for the initial concept, it was not especially clever. At times, it came off as a little preachy even, regarding the protagonist’s obsession with sweets.
My 8 year old (and kids’ options about such books should probably matter more than my own) enjoyed the book. She was excited to read through it. So, it pleases its target audience well enough. However, I’ll say this, when she talks about fun books she’s read recently or makes references to literature she’s read or has had read to her recently, this book never comes up. It’s one of those books that is enjoyed for the moment while you read it, but largely forgotten after you’re done with it.
As a big nerd of classical antiquity, I really liked the idea behind this book. Also, on principle, I am a big fan of trying to tell all the stories in new and different ways. So, I was excited to settle down and read this to my 8 year old.
The book did what it set out to do, but it did little more. Except for the initial concept, it was not especially clever. At times, it came off as a little preachy even, regarding the protagonist’s obsession with sweets.
My 8 year old (and kids’ options about such books should probably matter more than my own) enjoyed the book. She was excited to read through it. So, it pleases its target audience well enough. However, I’ll say this, when she talks about fun books she’s read recently or makes references to literature she’s read or has had read to her recently, this book never comes up. It’s one of those books that is enjoyed for the moment while you read it, but largely forgotten after you’re done with it.
kleedc73's review against another edition
4.0
A cute twist on the classic Midas touch tale. Great for kids ages 6-10.
middle_name_joy's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kathrynwilliams's review against another edition
3.0
Read aloud with the boys. I did skim or skip some sections where adults spoke harshly to the main character but overall we enjoyed this. The idea of turning things to chocolate made them giggle.
r_danae's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
it’s a kids book idk what to say.
agatha_hopkins's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
samiism's review against another edition
3.0
I never got to read this book when I was a kid because I didn't have much money to buy it and it wasn't available at the school library. But I remember looking at the cover longingly. A young boy kissing his mother on the cheek...but the mother had turned to chocolate! Must've been a fascinating take on King Midas' touch.
John is a little shit of a boy, but when he began tasting nothing but chocolate, I felt jealous. Just a bit. I would love it if everything I ate tasted like the Hershey's milk chocolate. But then like John, I also realized the disadvantage to this. You see, I once LOVED dark chocolate. My stepdad got wind of this, so he started giving me bars of dark chocolate almost every day. Sweet man, he is. But after a few weeks of nonstop dark chocolate, I grew tired of it. Now, I can no longer stomach dark chocolate. This is what happened to John. Too much of something is bad enough, according to the Spice Girls. And I would just hate it if I grew tired of Hershey's milk chocolate.
The ending fell a bit flat for me. But it's a children's book, so whatever.
John is a little shit of a boy, but when he began tasting nothing but chocolate, I felt jealous. Just a bit. I would love it if everything I ate tasted like the Hershey's milk chocolate. But then like John, I also realized the disadvantage to this. You see, I once LOVED dark chocolate. My stepdad got wind of this, so he started giving me bars of dark chocolate almost every day. Sweet man, he is. But after a few weeks of nonstop dark chocolate, I grew tired of it. Now, I can no longer stomach dark chocolate. This is what happened to John. Too much of something is bad enough, according to the Spice Girls. And I would just hate it if I grew tired of Hershey's milk chocolate.
The ending fell a bit flat for me. But it's a children's book, so whatever.