Here is a compilation of the best children’s books that will increase their financial literacy
Top 10 money books for kids. Source: pexels.com
Reading bedtime stories creates a special bond between children and their parents. It’s a daily tradition in many families. Why limit your reading to fairy tales when the world of finance is no less exciting?
“How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000: Earn! Save! Invest!” by James McKenna, Jeannine Glista, and Matt Fontaine
Recommended age: 10+
The authors are co-creators of Biz Kid$, a national financial education initiative based on the Emmy Award-winning TV series of the same name. In this book, they explain how to earn your first $100 dollars, cover the basics of saving and investing, and nurture the mindset of a wealthy person. The inspiring tutorial also provides valuable budgeting lessons including handling debts, resisting shopaholism, as well as setting short-, medium-, and long-term goals. This book seriously approaches the matter of finding a job, is rich in helpful advice on creating a CV and preparing for the job interview. Kids will also discover different types of interest and investments they can encounter on the path towards their first million. The good thing is authors don’t promise the path will be easy or that money will multiply by magic affirmations. They highlight the importance of work and wise financial decisions.
“If You Made a Million” by David M. Schwartz
Recommended age: 6-10
Many people dream of becoming millionaires, but not everyone will know how to handle such a handsome sum of money. The book by the author of more than fifty children’s non-fiction books prepares kids for being rich from an early age. The book uses elements of fairy tales to engage young readers with earning money, investing it, accruing dividends and interest, and watching savings grow. It explains the benefits of banking services and illustrates brilliant financial opportunities that come to those who save and invest money.
“One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent” by Bonnie Worth
Recommended age: 4-8
Bonnie Worth has been the Vice President and publisher of Random House Children’s Books for many years. She is also the printing house’s best-selling author who has continued the educational work of Dr. Seuss after his death. The book “One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent” is a must-read for those curious about what money is. Here the Cat in the Hat explains the history of monetary transactions, what objects have served people as money, and what banks are for. This fascinating reading can be used by parents and teachers alike. Despite the simple language, the book bears accurate historic facts and concise explanations. This is a nice introduction to the world of finance.
“Bunny Money” by Rosemary Wells
Recommended age: 3-5
Although dedicated towards the youngest readers, the book teaches powerful lessons about spending and saving, wants and needs, and the value of money. Besides, it will help them understand basic maths. Moreover, all that is done through a clever and funny story with precious illustrations that won’t leave children indifferent. Reading about bunny’s spending decisions, children are also introduced to short-term and long-term savings goals as well as the concept of affordability.
“Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money” by Emily Jenkins & G. Brian Karas
Recommended age: 3-7
This picture book which is suitable for preschool children, tells a story of two entrepreneurs-to-be overcoming challenges in their first business endeavours. It’s a nice illustration of the retail aspects such as buying supplies, advertising, presentation, expenses and profit. The main characters count money and try different methods to boost their sales. Therefore, parents and kids can invent both maths activities and creative discussions based on the story plot. The book also shows both sides of different coins and explains their worth. It is also notably well-written and illustrated.
?“Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock” by Sheila Bair
Recommended age: 4-8
To save or to spend? That’s a dilemma for twins Rock and Brock who receive a savings challenge from their grandfather. The story is written using rhyme, so it is very engaging and memorable. The book gives a nice illustration of compounding interest and thriftiness.
“Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss” by Walter Andal
Recommended age: 8-12
This book provides an all-round, but simplified overview, for kids’ understanding of major economic forces and mechanisms influencing one’s personal finances. It describes the stock market, foreign currency exchanges, saving and investing and more interesting topics. Children will figure out how to earn, save, invest, and even donate money. Another very important chapter deals with “good” and “bad” credit, describing outcomes of mishandling credit money. The author has an MBA in International Finance and working experience in banking and insurance. Therefore, he can really explain how finances work from the inside.
“Heads Up Money” by D.K. Publishing
Recommended age: teenagers and young adults
This great repository of financial facts answers a lot of children’s “Whys and hows” about supply and demand, free trade, globalisation, inflation, wealth and happiness, and financial crises. In other words, it tells the role of money in both individual human lives? and global economic processes. The book also explains basic business principles, the role of ethics in business decision-making, market trends and hidden costs. It is written by the renowned author Marcus Weeks in consultation with Derek Braddon, Professor of Economics at UWE Bristol Business School. Thus, it gives profound economic knowledge besides practical knowledge about handling money.
“Broke Millennial Talks Money: Scripts, Stories, and Advice to Navigate Awkward Financial Conversations” by Erin Lowry
Recommended age: teenagers and young adults
This unconventional piece of money advice covers the aspect of financial education usually omitted by finance authors: money talk. At the same time, many unwise financial decisions and missed opportunities are caused by the inability to discuss money properly. Readers will learn how to negotiate their salary at a job interview, ask about a raise, talk about finances to friends and family. Most of this knowledge is applicable for young adults, but even teenagers will appreciate the correct ways of telling friends you can’t afford the same lifestyle they can, or discuss expenses with parents.
“I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi
Recommended age: teenagers and young adults
This New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller has been revised to include new insights on money and psychology. The book offers a simplified approach to financial literacy that focuses on motivation and goal setting. However, it includes a lot of useful modern tools and techniques to use while handling finances. It’s a must-read for older kids preparing to go to college as they will find out about student loans, savings and investment strategies, setting up bank accounts, etc. The author motivates young readers to be financially responsible without excessive thriftiness, encouraging them to both enjoy life at the moment, and gradually build wealth for their future needs.
SEE ALSO:
Pay Space
Our editorial team delivers daily news and insights on the global payment industry, covering fintech innovations, worldwide payment methods, and modern payment options.
