It’s not easy to teach kids how to handle money, although financial literacy can have lasting benefits for them. It sounds like a boring topic to kids; many parents are not sure how to explain those math and financial concepts to their children.
Fortunately, there are children books on this topic that can be used as great tools for parents to educate children on personal finance in a more fun and practical way. Here are my seven favorite children’s books that teach kids about money:
1. Bunny Money (Max and Ruby)
By Rosemary Wells
In this “Max and Ruby” story, Ruby planned to buy something nice for grandma, for which she had been saving money for a while. But when she took her brother, Max, to buy the gift, unexpected spending occurred and Ruby’s money was running out. Could they still buy gifts for grandmother as planned? This cozy little story teaches kids basics of counting and using money, and the concept of saving and spending.
Age Range: 3-5 years
2. The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense
By Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain
This is a classic Berenstain Bears story tailored to teach young children about money and responsibility. Through reading the story, children are learning about how to save, count, keep track of money, and behave responsibly.
Age Range: 3-7 years
3. Lily Learns About Wants and Needs (Cloverleaf Books – Money Basics)
By Lisa Bullard
This is an excellent financial literacy book for young children. Financial lessons were simplified using daily life situations that kids often encounter. The illustrations and supporting texts help kids understand real-life examples and triggers thoughts on how to make smart money decisions.
Age Range: 5-8 years
4. Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday
By Judith Viorst
This cute classic picture book provides useful lesson on money-saving to kids. Both kids and parents can easily identify with the situation. The book is fun and educational, teaching kids how to count money and how to spend it smartly.
Age Range: 4-8 years
5. The Kids’ Money Book: Earning, Saving, Spending, Investing, Donating
By Jamie Kyle McGillian
This is a thorough financial guide for kids on all major money issues, such as making a budget, investing earnings, differentiating needs from wants, and sharing the wealth through donation. With vivid illustrations, the information is presented in a thoughtful yet interesting manner. The examples are helpful for putting the information into practice.
Age Range: 8-12 years
6. The Everything Kids’ Money Book: Earn it, Save it, and Watch it Grow!
By Brette Sember
As kids are already familiar with the basics about money, they can start to learn about more advanced money lessons. This book covers history of money, the banking system, how credit cards work, how to make investment, and even how to start their own small business.
Age Range: 8-12 years
7. Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss
By Walter Andal
This is a book for children to get comprehensive knowledge about finance and economics, and learn how to handle money responsibly. Using easy-to-understand language and interesting illustrations, the book gives important lessons on budgeting, savings, and investing.
Age Range: 9-12 years
Getting financial education through reading children’s book is a wonderful way to trigger interests in money management, teach kids about money, and help them form good habits on saving and spending. Those essential lessons will have profound impact on how they take care of their money when they grow older.
I still have my Berenstain Bears books! I love reading them to my kids. And I’m definitely getting the Max & Ruby book, my kids LOVE them 🙂
Great book suggestions. I have 4 children who would love Max and Ruby and Berenstain Bears
What a great list! Thanks so much for sharing! And I love how you pit the age groups for the books! Makes it easier to navigate like that with little kids!
Thank you for the awesome book recommendations!! I need to get some of these for my kiddos. It is never to early to teach them how to be responsible with money 🙂
Excellent book selection! I honestly feel that children are capable of learning any and everything when it’s presented to them in a fun and relatable way. Thanks!
Super helpful list! I appreciate you listing the age categories as well. Thank you!
Ooh I think “Lily Learns About Wants and Needs” might have to go on my shopping list! We’re currently teaching our youngest, who is 5, about the difference between wants and needs, and it’s been a bit of a challenge (because he needs that 55th Hotwheels car, don’t you know? lol).