The Chocolate Touch

The Chocolate Touch is a children's novel that reimagines the myth of King Midas for a modern audience. Instead of the gift of turning items to gold, young John Midas receives the ability to turn everything his lips touch into chocolate. John is a boy who cannot control his appetite for sweets, particularly chocolate. When his parents and doctor restrict his candy consumption due to health concerns, he discovers a mysterious coin and encounters an unusual candy shop owner who offers him a special chocolate in exchange for the coin. The story follows John as he discovers and learns to live with his new chocolate-creating power. His gift leads to numerous complications and challenges in his daily life at home and school. The narrative explores themes of self-control, consequences of excessive desires, and the importance of moderation. Through John's experiences, the book presents a clear message about the relationship between choices and their outcomes.

Readers describe this as a modern retelling of King Midas that teaches children about moderation and consequences. Parents and teachers report it works well as a read-aloud book for grades 2-4. Liked: - Clear moral lesson without being preachy - Humor throughout keeps kids engaged - Short chapters good for reluctant readers - Memorable scenes students reference months later - Opens discussions about self-control Disliked: - Some found the ending abrupt - Character development feels limited - A few parents noted the protagonist's behavior can be irritating - Some called the story predictable Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (13,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,100+ ratings) Scholastic: 4/5 Common reader comment: "My students laughed at John's predicament but understood the message about greed." Teachers frequently note using this book to introduce Greek mythology and teach cause-and-effect relationships.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl A boy's visit to a magical candy factory leads to consequences based on his choices and actions.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis Four children enter a magical world where enchanted food plays a role in their fate.

Matilda by Roald Dahl A young girl discovers she has special powers that help her deal with unfair situations in her life.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster A boy travels through a mysterious world where his decisions and actions create direct consequences for his journey.

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl An orphan boy's adventure begins when magical food transforms his life and leads him on an extraordinary journey.

🍫 The story was inspired by the author's own son John, whose love for chocolate rivaled that of the book's protagonist. 📚 First published in 1952, The Chocolate Touch has remained in print for over 70 years and has been translated into multiple languages. 👑 The original King Midas myth dates back to ancient Greek mythology, where the greedy king's wish for the golden touch ultimately leads him to nearly starve. 🎨 The book's original illustrations were created by Margot Apple, known for her work on over 50 children's books including the popular "Sheep" series. 🌍 Patrick Skene Catling wrote the book while living in London, though he set it in America to make it more relatable to American children.