Priceless Facts about Money

Starred review from October 15, 2024
Two youngsters embark on a journey peppered with history, trivia, and skits while teaching money lessons. Meet Mellody and John, the young stars of this currency showcase. Their very first dialogue offers a taste of the intriguing information to come, from the ancient Mayans' use of cacao beans as payment to the origins of the piggy bank. The book offers a chronologically and geographically broad timeline of the history of money, encompassing the past 3.9 billion years (starting with meteorite crashes that scattered metals--"the very first bank deposit") and referencing practices across five continents. Readers will find themselves eagerly sharing the facts gleaned here, including the centuries-old origins of terms and expressions still used today. Mellody and John's fun banter crucially reflects their experiences with money, such as their families' differing attitudes toward allowances. Both are savers as well as givers, sharing stories about giving to charity. In one especially entertaining section, a cat and a bunny converse in money-related catchphrases that are separately defined at the bottom of each page. Stevens' watercolors are appropriately realistic and appealing, whether depicting Mellody's pretend bank or Elizabeth II's butler ironing a 10-pound note. Messages about money's use as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself, ensure that readers will think about their own purposes for their savings. Mellody and John are Black. A variety show brimming with esoteric and practical information. (index)(Nonfiction. 8-12)

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October 18, 2024
Grades 4-7 Many money management books for kids focus just on saving and spending, but Hobson's debut includes fascinating facts and figures as well. The history of money is thoughtfully established, beginning 3.9 billion years ago when meteorites created the earth's metals, or "the first bank deposit," to 25 years ago when digital debit was first used by smartphones. Hobson introduces a number of money topics through dialogue that depicts her and her friend (and future business partner) John as children. They discuss bartering, if they get an allowance, and what they spend it on--kid-friendly discussions creating appeal and relatability for younger readers. Hobson also reveals fascinating money facts--like the popular nicknames for money and why--and gross ones, too, like how filthy dollar bills are. Money management topics are mentioned, ranging from profit and loss to compound interest, and finally, the work is rounded out with an index for easy reference. Both entertaining and educational, this read will help kids discover a plethora of interesting financial facts to share.

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