Kids Books About Money: 10 Stories to Develop Financial Literacy

September 2, 2022

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I love to read books to my kids before they go to bed. It’s a special time when we relax, joke around, and maybe learn a thing or two. Since I’m a bit of a money nerd, I often choose kid's books about money.

Over time, my obvious tricks of getting my kids interested in money books have worked. Now, they call for them by name. Maybe they are being nice to their nerdy Dad, but I don’t mind. I think they're going to grow up to be super happy, wealthy and generous kids (#ProudPapaAlert).

Each of the books has a different theme. Some are about delayed gratification and spending smart while others teach the importance of saving and investing. 

Here are 10 different kids books about money that we’ve enjoyed and ones we’re excited about reading as a family.

1. If You Made a Million

This book helps kids grasp just how big $1 million really is! With a little humor and goofiness, Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician helps children count coins, dollars and the many things you can buy with your money. 

One of my favorite parts happens near the end of the book. They discuss how compound interest works and review the importance of enjoying the work you do for a living. 

This book has so many life and money lessons and it’s fun for young kids too. 

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Counting money and different denominations
  • Understanding what money can buy
  • Investing and compound interest
  • Finding joy in your work
  • Giving back

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  4-8
  • Author:  David M. Schwartz
  • Illustrator:  Steven Kellogg
  • Pages:  40
  • Date Released:  1994

2. Money Monsters

Author Okeoma Moronu-Schreiner has developed this book about money as a series. The first book in the series is called “The Missing Money”. 

We enjoy this one because, unlike some other money books, Money Monsters is more of a modern book. The story discusses new financial terms like fintech apps, online savings, and using a debit card for kids

While the story is new and modern, the lessons are tried and true. The little boy featured in the story, Kai, learns all about saving and making plans for his money. Even in my 30’s, I need to remember those lessons!

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Saving and planning
  • How banks work
  • How technology can help us save
  • Making money
  • Managing money

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  3-7
  • Author:  Okeoma Moronu-Schreiner
  • Illustrator:  Sandhya Prabhat
  • Pages:  33
  • Date Released:  2019

3. Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday

Sometimes when we get some money, it vanishes super fast! That’s what Alexander learns the hard way in this children’s money book. 

Alexander gets a dollar from his grandparents on Sunday, but many things “happen to him” (AKA he spends all of it quickly) and he ends up with almost nothing to show for it. This story teaches kids to learn the importance of making a plan for your money so you’re happy with how you’ve used it. 

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Smart spending
  • Saving your money
  • Peer pressure and money
  • Delayed gratification

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  4-8
  • Author:  Judith Viorst
  • Illustrator:  Ray Cruz
  • Pages:  32
  • Date Released:  1978

4. Bunny Money

This kid’s story is a tale of a bunny, named Max, who joins his sister Ruby as they are shopping for a gift for their Grandmother. Max’s impulse spending makes the trip somewhat of a disaster but Grandma still loves them both in the end. 

The book is cute, funny and helps kids learn the importance of shopping with a list! This is a tactic that many adults even forget so kids who read this book will be reminded of how important shopping with a plan can be. 

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Shopping with a plan
  • Delayed gratification
  • Avoiding impulse purchases
  • Buying gifts for family

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  3-5
  • Author:  Rosemary Wells
  • Illustrator:  Rosemary Wells
  • Pages:  32
  • Date Released:  2000

5. Lemonade in Winter

Pauline wants to have a lemonade stand. The only problem is that it’s winter!

Her parents try to convince her that it’s not the best idea because no one will be on the streets and no one will want cold drinks on a cold day. Pauline, and her little brother, are determined to be successful despite the weather.

This children’s book is for that budding young entrepreneur in your life!

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Counting money
  • Small business management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Making money

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  3-7
  • Author:  Emily Jenkins
  • Illustrator:  G. Brian Karas
  • Pages:  40
  • Date Released:  2012

6. One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money

Similar to other Dr. Seuss books, this one includes creative rhymes and illustrations that keep kids engaged. They also walk through interesting facts about money, different denominations, and where the idea of money even came from!

Kids can learn neat tidbits like why we use copper for pennies instead of bronze and why paper money is actually made from cotton and linen. 

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Why we have money
  • How money is used
  • The history of money

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  4-8
  • Author:  Bonnie Worth
  • Illustrator:  Aristides Ruiz
  • Pages:  48
  • Date Released:  2008

7. Trouble With Money

From another well-known book series, Berenstain Bears, the Berenstain cubs learn about spending, saving, and making money in this kid's book. After Papa Bear loses his cool with their “spend-thrift” ways, the cubs decide it’s time to “earn their keep”. 

They learn that it’s not only fun to spend money, but it’s fun to make money too. This way, you’re getting the opportunity to help others as well. 

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Saving money
  • Smart spending
  • Allowance and chores
  • Making money
  • Contributing in your neighborhood

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  3-7
  • Author:  Stan Berenstain
  • Illustrator:  Jan Berenstain
  • Pages:  32
  • Date Released:  1983

8. Just Shopping with Mom

Have you ever gone shopping with your kids and they have a terrible case of the “wants”?! Well, that’s what this story is all about. 

Mom takes her 3 kids (who appear to be all under 5 – yikes!) shopping and the children make the trip a bit of a disaster. She miraculously keeps her cool and helps the kids learn about patience when it comes to shopping. 

Fun side note:  Tell your kids to keep their eye out for the little mouse on each page. It’s a way to keep their attention and have a good giggle. 

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Patience with shopping
  • Shopping with a plan and a list
  • Wants vs. needs

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  3-7
  • Author:  Mercer Mayer
  • Illustrator:  Mercer Mayer
  • Pages:  24
  • Date Released:  1998

9. A Chair For My Mother

After a devastating fire at their home, a family loses a lot of their personal belongings. The neighborhood helps get this family back on their feet with some furniture, but one thing is still missing after the fire … a comfortable chair for the working mother to sit in at the end of her long workdays. 

The story is told through the eyes of the daughter as her family saves their coins in a big jar so they can eventually get this comfortable chair. It’s a feel-good story that would make an excellent Mother’s Day read!

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Saving money
  • Making money
  • Savings goals
  • Giving back

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  4-8
  • Author:  Vera B. Williams
  • Illustrator:  Vera B. Williams
  • Pages:  32
  • Date Released:  2007

10. Curious George Saves His Pennies

After finding a toy he really loved, Curious George is encouraged by the Man in the Yellow Hat to save up his money. George starts coming up with new and unique ideas to achieve his savings goal.

If your kid is interested in getting that next new shiny toy, this book may set them on a path to earning their own money. They just may enjoy that toy even more if they saved up enough to buy it themselves!

Money Lessons Learned:  

  • Saving money
  • Buying toys
  • Making money 
  • Keeping your money safe

Book Details:

  • Recommended Age Range:  4-7
  • Author(s):  Margret Rey and H.A. Rey
  • Illustrator:  Margret Rey and H.A. Rey
  • Pages:  32

Final Thoughts on Kids Books About Money

These books are a great starting place to begin healthy discussions about money with your kids. We’ve used a lot of them with our kids and we’re already seeing positive benefits like smart spending, saving for big goals and charitable giving. 

After reading one of these books with your kids, take some time and ask them what they think about the story. Perhaps it reminds them of something in their everyday lives. The conversations you’ll have with your little ones will be memorable and they could have an impact on their financial well-being for decades to come. 


What are your favorite kids books about money?

Please let us know in the comments below.



Andy Hill

Andy Hill, AFC® is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping families build wealth and happiness. With millions of podcast downloads and video views, Andy’s message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world. When he's not "talking money", Andy enjoys being a Soccer Dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing on his hammock.

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