Summary

Chapter 1 – John Midas is a young boy who is well-behaved and is part of a loving, secure family. His mother is kind, and his father is very intelligent. John has a younger sister, named Mary, whom he plays practical jokes on occasionally. John enjoys school, gets along with this teacher, Miss Plimsole, plays the trumpet, and is a part of the school orchestra, overseen by Mrs. Quaver. He also has a crush on Susan Buttercup, an adorable girl known for having the best collection of marbles in the neighborhood.

John’s only major fault is that he loves candy, especially chocolate. He spends all of his money on it. He never shares it, either. One morning, his mother discovers red spots on the end of his nose. His mother worries he is sick with measles, but John’s father suspects him of eating...