10 Childhood Books to Start Your Kid’s Financial Future Young

Growing up, I hated having to put money away in savings or setting some extra dollars aside for a family vacation. It was the absolute worst! But I am so thankful and am indebted to my parents for teaching me wise money habits, and showing me how to save just the right amount to keep me, and my account, happy!

Just like learning a language, it is better to start kids off young when it comes to finances. Whether it be using a piggy bank that they decorated themselves, using an envelope system, or simply making them do it (whether they like it or not), parents need to be showing their kids what using money wisely looks like. One way to do so is through reading!

You might be curious as to how reading will teach children to use money wisely without putting them to sleep from boredom. But the truth is, there are so many children’s books that talk about money that will not put them to sleep, rather get them excited about all the things they can do with their money!

1. A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams

This story covers the story of Rosa, and how she, her grandmother, and her mother, save every coin and penny they can, so they can buy a new, comfy chair after their home is completely wrecked by a disastrous fire. This book teaches the value of saving, even if it is small.

2. One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent by Bonnie Worth

If your kid is a history fan, then they will most certainly enjoy this travel through time story book with the one and only Cat in the Hat! Join The Cat in the Hat as he travels through different cultures and time, learning about currency and trade in other countries and where money is today! Although not a book on learning how to manage finances, this is an easy read and relaxing as well!

3. Arthur’s Funny Money by Lillian Hoban

This book follows the story of young Arthur, who really wants to buy a hat and a t-shirt, but does not have the money. So with the help of his sister Violet, they come up with a business idea that they think will suffice. Although the ride is not perfect and they make mistakes on this adventure, this brother and sister duo learn the value of profit and cost along the way.

4. The Berenstain Bears’: Trouble With Money by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Follow the story of Brother and Sister Bear, who are trying to save up for the Astro Bear video game. While they are working towards their goal, they each become a little greedy, and even more spoiled with every page you turn. Read as they learn their lesson about how saving is worth it, and being greedy with money can be harmful.

5. Just Saving My Money by Mercer Mayer

In Just Saving My Money, a book from the Little Critter series, Little Critter really, really wants a skateboard! But his dad tells him that he needs to buy it with his own money. So Little Critter does many different things to earn money, including walking the dog, doing chores, and selling his own lemonade. Your own little critters will learn the value of working hard and earning their own income, as well as saving up for something worthwhile.

6. Amelia Bedelia Means Business by Herman Parish

In the first of her chapter book series, Amelia Bedelia wants a brand new bike for herself! Her parents decide to split the price with her, but even half of the cost is still very expensive for Amelia. So with creative ideas and money making ways, Amelia learns how to work through hard obstacles, taking responsibility for her own actions, all while saving money and making her own income at the same time.

7. The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis

An intermediate book for older children, The Mighty Miss Malone talks about a young girl that lived in Indiana during the Great Depression. Deza is a smart girl, and when her father is in search of a job and leaves, but ends up being gone for longer than expected. Deza sets out with her family in search of their father, and learns lessons concerning life during the Great Depression, and how struggles can make you strong.

8. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

Labled as the Bestseller in Children’s Chapter Books on Amazon, The Lemonade War is about a brother and sister battle, but a lemonade battle. Evan is really good with people, but doesn’t quite have the smarts. On the contrary, his sister Jessie is incredibly smart with math, but not so good with people. The book lays out their war as they go back and forth for who is more successful. This book is filled with resources like marketing tips, business diagrams and definitions of terms, and even practice math problems for kids. Not only a great story, but a wonderful tool as well!

9. Alexander, Who Used To Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst

In the beginning of this book, Alexander is very excited! He was give one dollar by his grandma, and in his eyes, he was very rich! But he began to think of all that he could do his one dollar, whether it be save up for walkie talkies or buy a whole bunch of gum. But soon his money starts disappearing very quickly. This is a humorous read and teaches kids the consequences of spending their money quickly and without thought.

10. Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells

Max and Ruby want to buy their grandmother a special birthday present, but in their heads, it is each something they individually want. So when the money disappears and they are struggling to buy something for their grandmother, they realize where their priorities were when it came to money. This teaches children about giving up their selfish money-spending habits and realize where they need to be saving their money.