When my kids ask, “Will you buy me that?”, I usually answer, “No, but you can save up to buy it yourself.”
One of my goals for 2024 is to help my children learn more about money. More specifically, how to earn, save, and spend their money wisely and generously, which is why I am so excited about these informative and empowering books.
The following collection includes books that teach readers about different types of money, how they can earn it, and what they can do with it.
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MONEY
I Am Money by Julia Cook and Garrett Gunderson, illustrated by Josh Cleland
(Ages 4 and up)
With its engaging illustrations and narrator, this book does a wonderful job of informing readers of the basics of money and how they can earn it, save it, spend it, and share it. I really like how cleverly different forms of money are introduced and especially how credit cards are addressed. I also really love how the book touches upon investing in yourself. In addition to buying “things” you can also buy lessons and classes to become better at the things you like to do. Then you can earn more money by making a career of your passions. A surprising amount is covered in a very intelligent and inspiring way.
Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
(Ages 4 and up)
This charming story follows a brother and sister who decide to put an end to their boredom with a lemonade stand. Despite the cold weather outside, the siblings find coins in the couch cushions to buy supplies and sell lemonade to a few brave customers. This is a great way to introduce coins and their value in a fun and entertaining way.
A Penny’s Worth and A Dollar’s Grand Dream by Kimberly Wilson, illustrated by Mark 
Hoffman
(Ages 4 and up)
These two books use a plethora of puns and amusing illustrations to introduce readers to the value of a penny and dollar.
Not-So-Common Cents by Sarah Wassner Flynn
(Ages 7 and up)
Filled with eye-catching photographs, this National Geographic Kids’ book is filled with fascinating facts about money. From its history to how to earn, spend, save, or invest it as well as different types of money around the world, there is a ton of interesting information in here for kids to soak up.
ENTREPENEURSHIP
Cooler Than Lemonade by Harshita Jerath, illustrated by Chloe Burgett, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
When Eva opens a lemonade stand, she is frustrated by her neighbor who opens a competing business. The resilient Eva develops new ways to grow her business in this wonderful story about creativity and entrepreneurship. There is so much to love about this one including a recipe for a special treat at the end!
Little Daymond Learns to Earn by Daymond John illustrated by Nicole Miles,
(Ages 5 and up)
When Daymond doesn’t have enough money to buy the poster he wants at a fair, his mother encourages him to think about what he is good at and how he can use his talents to earn money. With the help of his friends, he starts a booth to sell t-shirts he designs. Tips for how to start a business are included in the back.
How to Sell a Rock by J.K Coy
(Ages 5 and up)
After learning about entrepreneurship in school, Sebastian gets the idea to sell rocks to make enough money to buy the skateboard of his dreams. The only problem is that no one wants to buy a rock. During a chance encounter with a mailman, Sebastian realizes he can repurpose the rocks as gate holders and sets upon marketing them to his neighbors. This simple story is a great way to introduce the concept of planning and executing an idea to make money.
INVESTING
Investing for Kids: How to Save, Invest, and Grow Money by Dylin Redling and Allison Tom
(Ages 6 and up)
Boy, do I wish I had this book as a kid (or even in my 20’s!). Using kid-friendly language and graphics, this insightful book teaches children a variety of aspects about money including how to earn it as well as the pros and cons of saving it verse investing it. Most notably, the book addresses the fundamentals of investing and how to weigh the risk verse the reward. I personally appreciated the breakout boxes as the end of each chapter noting the most important points as well as the examples of real-life examples of entrepreneurship and investors.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Each book in the below series stars an adorable bunny who learns financial responsibility. Cartoony illustrations and simple text skillfully explain economics in a child-friendly way. We found SAVE IT! to be particularly helpful in learning how to earn money, make tough decisions regarding how to spend it, and ultimately save for something you really want.
Earn It stars an exuberant bunny who wants to become a rich and famous singer. She learns a valuable lesson from her mother that everyone has to work hard to earn their success including walking her dog to receive money for singing lessons.
Save It by Cinders McLeod, 2019
It can be so temping to buy something that you want immediately, but this brilliant story teaches the value in fiscal responsibility. Cartoony illustrations and simple text skillfully explain how to earn money, make tough decisions regarding how to spend it, and ultimately save for something you really want.
Spend It focuses on a bunny named Sonny who wants to buy everything with the money he has saved from his allowance. He realizes, however, that toys cost different amounts and he has to make a difficult decisions on which toy he wants and can afford.
Wonderful list!
I just want to add a shout out for the “Reading Makes Cents” program which is based in Virginia. Each year they select a few books focusing on financial literacy and create detailed lesson plans for all participating classrooms/teachers to use. Some great free resources that parents are also welcome to browse! https://www.readingmakescents.com/