Money Books for Kids

I consider myself financially responsible and I owe that important skill mainly to my mom being a great role model.  Growing up I learned that if you want something then you save until you have enough money to make the purchase.  The few times that I needed a loan from my dad, I always paid interest.  And, those were just a few of the money skills that I learned growing up.  Help your students learn too with these money books for kids.

In a world full of lots of wants, I think it’s important that we teach our children how to manage money, the importance of saving, and the generosity of giving.  Here are a few books to help nurture financial literacy.

Learning About Different Denominations of Bills and Coins

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A Penny’s Worth by Kimberly Wilson is a clever treat. Penny feels great coming off the minting press. But, soon she discovers that the bigger denomination are the ones who get all the love. Does Penny have a place in the world? Full of puns and a quick primer on basic coin values. Also, check out Wilson’s book, A Credit Card Takes Charge.

Practice counting coins in The Coin Counting Book by Rozanne Lanczak Williams.  It includes photographs of real money.  Make sure to grab a bag of real coins to use alongside the book.

Jenny Found a Penny by Trudy Harris is a story about a girl who finds, collects, and works to accumulate a dollar to make a purchase.  Throughout the book, the reader learns to count money to a dollar as well as an important lesson on sales tax.

For even more coin-counting practice in story form, check out The Penny Pot by Stuart J. Murphy.  This book is part of the MathStart series.

We all need to know how to count our money.  Enjoy these counting books for kids.—> Counting Books for Kids

Children’s Books About Earning, Raising, Saving, and Spending

I Am Money! by Julia Cook and Garrett Gunderson lets the money do the talking to teach kiddos about earning, saving, spending, and giving away.  The format is very playful but drives home some important lessons.

I appreciate Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins because it throws in some business learning too.  Can a winter lemonade stand be successful?

One Hen by Katie Smith Milway is the story of how one idea to raise money for food grew into a huge food resource. Change happens one idea at a time by one person at a time. I loved the resourcefulness and determination showcased throughout the story.

In Grace for Gus by Harry Bliss, Grace uses her musical, artistic, and dancing talents to earn money to donate to a class fund to buy a pet. The illustrations are filled with little details that will keep you staring at the pages for a long time.

How the Second Grade Collected $8205.50 to See the Statue of Liberty by Nathan Zimelman is a little jam-packed at times, but funny.  Second graders discover that raising money isn’t always easy.  Kids will learn about profit and expenses in this colorful story.

Books for Kids About When Money is Tight and Sharing Wealth

A New Coat for Anna by Harriet Ziefert tells the tale of one mother who trades valuables for wool in this post World War II setting.  This story gives a glimpse into other ways to acquire goods when money isn’t available.

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams is the story of a family who saves money to purchase a nice new beautiful chair for their new home they had to move to after all their possessions were lost in a fire.

My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tololwa Mollel is a Tanzania tale of a boy who saves money to purchase a bike and the disappointment of not having enough money to do so.  Then, his father gives him a bike and the boy decides to use his money to purchase a cart to pull behind the bike to help the family carry goods to the market.   The book illustrates determination and generosity which are two important money and life skills.

More Books Featuring Money for Kids

I love when I learn things from children’s books.  Priceless Facts About Money by Mellody Hobson is filled with super interesting facts in an approachable manner.  Did you know if you fold a dollar bill just right that Washington’s head looks like a mushroom?

A Dollar’s Grand Dream by Kimberly Wilson is the story of a dollar that dreams of being richer perhaps a thousand-dollar bill or greater.  But, is being richer really equal happiness?  Follow along a dollar bill’s dream.

A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts is a story about a boy who finds a bill on the floor of the store. He initially thinks it is $1, but it turns out to be a $100 bill.  Should it matter if it’s a $1 or $100?  What is the right thing to do? This is a realistic look at all the thoughts that one goes through when making a decision and the importance of being honest.

Putting the “Do” in Donate by Susan Beachman and Lynnette Khalfani Cox tells the story of a boy who is given a gift of a $100 with the stipulation that he has to use the money to help someone in need.  Seeking advice from his friends, he brainstorms ways of getting the most value for his money.

I also wanted to share my absolute favorite piggy bank for kids.  I’ve given Money Savvy Pig as a gift and will use it with my own boys when they get older.  I like that it has four compartments spend, save, donate, and invest.

Printable Book List of Money Books for Children

Grab a printable list of the books shared above.

Learn more about money from my colleague, Family Finance Mom, too.

Have you discovered any great books about financial responsibility for kids?  How do you teach financial responsibility?  Do you believe in allowances?  I’d love for you to comment below.