Once upon a time, nestled in a sunny kingdom full of blooming flowers and laughing streams, lived a king named Midas. King Midas was mostly a kind king, but he had one big, big love: gold! Oh, how he loved sparkly, shiny, sunshine-yellow gold. He loved golden coins, golden statues, even golden spoons! He wished everything could be gold.

One sunny afternoon, while walking in his beautiful garden, King Midas found a funny, sleepy old fellow with twinkly eyes napping amongst the roses. This was a special friend of a very magical person named Dionysus, who loved nature and happy celebrations. King Midas was very kind to the sleepy visitor, gave him a comfy pillow and a cool drink (of water, not gold!).

When Dionysus heard how kind Midas had been, he came to the palace with a big, friendly smile. "King Midas," he boomed cheerfully, "you were so kind to my friend! As a thank you, I will grant you one wish. Anything you desire!"

King Midas's eyes sparkled brighter than any gold. He didn't even have to think! "Oh, wonderful Dionysus!" he exclaimed. "I wish... I wish that everything I touch turns into beautiful, shiny gold!"

Dionysus chuckled, "A big wish! Are you sure?" "Yes, yes!" cried Midas, clapping his hands. "Alright then," said Dionysus, with a magical wave of his hand. "Your wish is granted."

King Midas could hardly wait! He tiptoed over to a rose bush. He gently touched a soft, red petal... Shimmer-Zap! The rose turned into hard, shiny gold! He giggled. He touched a little stone on the path... Bling! Solid gold! He ran around his garden, touching twigs, leaves, even a garden gnome... Zap! Clink! Bling! Everything turned to beautiful, but very hard, gold. He was so happy!

But then... rumble, rumble... his tummy began to rumble. It was dinner time! A servant brought him a delicious-looking loaf of bread, still warm from the oven. King Midas reached for it eagerly... Clunk! The bread turned into a heavy, golden lump. He couldn't eat it! He reached for a juicy pear... Clank! A hard, golden pear. He tried to take a sip of cool water from his goblet... Ting! The water inside turned solid gold too!

Oh dear. King Midas was very hungry and very thirsty. Suddenly, all the gold didn't seem so wonderful. He looked at his beautiful golden rose, but he missed its soft petals and sweet smell. He looked at his golden food, but his tummy just rumbled louder. Gold wasn't very tasty, and it certainly wasn't very cozy.

With a very sad face, King Midas found Dionysus again. "Oh, please," he begged, "this golden touch is terrible! I can't eat, I can't drink! I miss my soft roses! Please take this wish back!"

Dionysus smiled kindly, because he knew this might happen. "Don't worry, King Midas," he said gently. "Go to the river that flows at the edge of your kingdom. Wade into the water and wash your hands."

King Midas ran as fast as his royal legs could carry him to the river. He splashed his hands in the cool, clear water... Swish, swoosh, sparkle! He felt the strange magic flow out of his fingertips and into the river, making the riverbed shimmer with tiny golden specks.

He nervously picked up a smooth, grey pebble from the riverbank... and it stayed a smooth, grey pebble! He laughed with relief! He hurried back to his palace and ate the biggest, most delicious dinner of bread and pears and drank cool, wonderful water. It was the best meal he had ever had!

From that day on, King Midas still thought gold was pretty, but he learned that some things are much, much better. Things like yummy food, soft flowers, the feeling of cool water, and warm hugs from people you love. Those were the real treasures.

And now, it's time for you to drift off to sleep. Sweet dreams... maybe you'll dream of sparkly rivers, but remember what King Midas learned! Goodnight.