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Cover of The king of the Golden River; or, The black brothers

The king of the Golden River; or, The black brothers

John Ruskin (1839)

SubgenreFairy Tale Retelling
Age groupChildren 5-8
Content ratingG
Pages56 (Quick Read (<250))
SettingSecondary World
CSM age6
Goodreads3.92/5 (1987)

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Death

Protagonist archetypes

OrphanComing-of-Age Protagonist

Synopsis

The King of the Golden RiverThe Black Brothers: A Legend of Stiriaby John RuskinA fairy tale of what happened to two men who tried to get rich in evil ways and of how the fortune they sought came to their younger brother, whose kind and loving heart prompted him to right action. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of 19th century stories for children.

Is The king of the Golden River; or, The black brothers appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 6 and up.

A classic Victorian fairy tale teaching moral lessons about greed and kindness. Contains mild fantasy peril and consequences for evil actions (the brothers face magical punishment), but no graphic content.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death.

Who'll love this

Young readers will enjoy the magical adventure of a kind boy who helps a fairy king and is rewarded while his greedy brothers learn hard lessons.

Tags

Children'sFairy Tale RetellingClassic LiteratureMoral Tale