Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock

July 1, 2006
Gr 3-5 -Twin brothers are very different, especially in the way that they deal with money: Rock is a spender and Brock is a saver. Their grandfather hires them to do chores and then encourages them to save by matching the total amount of money that they have accumulated from their pay each week. Brock manages to amass $512 in 10 weeks, while Rock spends his money as soon as he earns it, purchasing a fanciful array of toys, gum, and yard-sale items, all of which are comically depicted in the bright cartoon illustrations. Ultimately, Brock uses his proceeds to buy a fancy telescope and some gifts for family members, generously putting his remaining $50 dollars into a joint savings account that he shares with his brother. Evidently Rock learned his lesson as the tale ends with the twins in their old age as millionaires. A section entitled -Do the Math - contains charts showing the cash accumulation and what would have happened if Brock had spent some money during the 10 weeks. An explanation of compound interest and advice about saving are included. While the rhyming text has some awkward passages, this picture book is a good way to examine the issue of saving vs. spending." -Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI"

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