November 15, 2023
A walking, talking billfold of cash takes readers through the ins and outs of money. Held together by a shiny gold clip and often accompanied by anthropomorphic coins, our narrator is a smiley, positive presence who eats pizza and rides a bike, just like us! Money explains its value as well as how to earn it (mowing lawns, selling lemonade), spend it, save it, and share it. The narrator uses clothing as a metaphor to explain different forms of money--sometimes the narrator dons "digital and crypto clothes," though the author doesn't elaborate on these. A similar reference to "credit card coats" is accompanied by a warning on overspending. Most commendable are reminders of readers' self-worth: Though readers are encouraged to invest in themselves, it's made abundantly clear that money does not confer value to people. A message about earning interest is followed by a wordless page of coins and bills passing by a bank and a credit union--concepts that are a bit too advanced to describe in detail for this book's audience. For now, tracking savings in a clear jar (not a piggy bank) is advanced enough. A guinea pig appears throughout the cheerful, textured art, making a suitably cute sidekick for the narrator. An educational and uplifting foundation in financial mindsets and rules of thumb. (money tips) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2024
Grades K-2 This is a chipper little introduction to money and what it can--and can't--do. A cheerful cartoon wad of $20 bills acts as narrator and dispenses conventional wisdom about earning, saving, and spending money judiciously. Our narrator also talks about some refreshing aspects of having money, such as being able to spend it on personal-improvement projects (such as trombone lessons or art classes) or, better yet, being able to share it to help out people or special causes that need support. Readers are reminded that while money may seem important, people should never be judged by material items, and that each individual should be valued for exactly who they are, and not what they have. Money can buy cool stuff, true, but there's no way money can buy happiness. The upbeat illustrations (be sure to check out the end pages) help keep the tone light, and the basic economic lessons blend seamlessly with the social-emotional aspects. This unique offering makes a great read-aloud and should start some interesting discussions.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.