The King of the Golden River A Legend of Stiria

John Ruskin's "The King of the Golden River" is a Victorian classic that blends fantasy with a powerful moral lesson. It tells the story of three brothers: the cruel and greedy Hans and Schwartz, and their kindhearted younger brother, Gluck. After their mistreatment of a mysterious visitor leads to the ruin of their fertile valley, the older brothers attempt to claim the legendary treasure of the Golden River, only to face dire consequences for their selfishness. Gluck, however, embarks on his own journey, demonstrating the transformative power of kindness and compassion. This fable explores themes of good versus evil, the importance of empathy, and how true wealth comes from generosity, making it an excellent read-aloud or independent read for children aged 7-11.