Spending Money

November 1, 2015

K-Gr 3-Introducing beginning readers to financial literacy, this set explains money, banking, and budgets with simple, straightforward sentences that kids will understand. Students learn about the hows but also, more importantly, about the whys: Why is it important to save money (Saving Money)? Why are there different types of money (Counting Money and Types of Money)? Wants and needs are addressed as well, and the distinction between the two are made explicit, thanks in large part to accompanying images of "wants"-a Frozen DVD, the Angry Birds app-and "needs"-school supplies, clothes. Crisp photos and backgrounds in bold hues are abundant and provide visual interest; similarly, the diverse cast of children featured in the photos are believable as they go about their tasks of counting change and window shopping. VERDICT An excellent addition to school and public library collections.

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