Money Books for Kids that Teach Financial Literacy
What are the best money books for kids?
Since money is a big part of our everyday lives, it’s likely that your kids have a basic understanding of what money is and how it works.
From using money to purchase things at the store to earning money at your job, there are a few basic financial concepts your kids are probably aware of.
If you want your kids to understand more than just the basics, you’re going to have to teach them.
One of the best ways to educate your kids on finances and money management is through books.
If you’ve ever looked for books about money for kids, you’ll know that there isn’t a big selection of books to choose from.
That means finding good money books for kids can be a little challenging.
If you’re having a hard time finding books about money that your kids actually want to read, I’m here to help!
Types of Money Books for Kids
The type of books you use to teach your kids about finances will depend on their age and level of understanding of financial concepts.
When it comes to books about money management for kids, you’ll find two basic types of books to choose from:
Fictional books featuring stories related to money and financial concepts
These books are great for younger children who are just beginning to learn about money.
Fictional books of this type provide a relatable story for your kids to enjoy while also teaching a lesson about finances and money management.
Nonfiction books with practical money advice
Older kids can benefit from nonfiction books that provide them with actionable advice and information they can apply to their own life and finances.
What’s great about these types of money books for kids is that they often include kid-friendly aspects, like fictional stories or real-life examples, that reinforce the financial concepts discussed and make the information a little more entertaining.
Both types of books are great ways to introduce financial learning to your kids.
Whether your children are young and just beginning to learn about money or are older and looking for more in-depth financial education, here are some of the greatest finance books for kids…
The Best Money Books for Kids that Teach Financial Literacy
These 12 finance books for children are a great way to teach them about financial literacy in a fun and interesting way.
The reading level range of the money books is from age 3-14 years old. It’s been sorted from youngest to oldest.
From cute story books aimed at teaching young kids about money to more in-depth money guides with kid-friendly text to help older kids learn about financial topics, these are some of the best finance books for children you can find.
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12 of the Best Money Books for Kids
Money Books for 3-6 year olds
1. Earn It!
By Cinders McLeod
Book Reading Level: 3-5 years old
Knowing that you need money to buy things is one of the first lessons kids learn about money.
To give your kids a solid foundation in financial literacy, your kids also need to learn that money must be earned.
With the help of Earn It, your kids will be on the path to understanding that earning the money they have can be a satisfying experience.
The book follows Bun, an adorable bunny who dreams of being a rich and famous singer. But instead of instantly skyrocketing to stardom, Bun learns she must practice hard every day and earn her fame. This kid’s book is part of a financial literacy series that also includes Save It and Spend It.
Note to parents: If you don’t like the idea of kids doing chores for money (as you believe chores should be done regardless of whether one is paid as a responsible member of a household), you might not like this book.
Another aspect that might not feel right is how Bun wants to be a “rich and famous” singer as opposed to a great singer, appearing as though the goal is to be rich and famous.
All that said, it’s a cute children’s book. You can address these concerns with your kids as you read the book so they take from the book what you want them to.
Quotes from Earn It!:
“Carrots are money in Bunnyland. Bun earns 1 carrot a week for walking Buck. Bun earns 1 carrot a week for singing to her brother. Bun loves to sing. Bun has big dreams…”
“You know, Bun, bunnies don’t just get famous overnight. Why not? Well, you have to work at it. How do I start? You could take singing lessons. But lessons cost money…”
Reading of Earn it!:
2. The Missing Money: Money Monsters
By Okeoma Moronu-Schreiner
Book Reading Level: 3-6 years old
Learning about the banking system is an essential element of financial literacy.
But if your kid doesn’t know anything about how a bank works, the entire process is probably pretty confusing to them.
With the help of The Missing Money: Money Monsters, younger children can learn all about the banking system in a fun and kid-friendly way.
The book follows Kai as he makes his very first trip to the bank. After Kai deposits his money at the ATM, the ATM monster eats all his money. After that, he has a hard time understanding exactly where his money went.
Through colorful illustrations and a kid-friendly story, the book outlines:
- The processes banks use to keep our money safe
- How we can use tools the banks offer to make the most of the money we have
From protecting our money with armored trucks to the usefulness of mobile banking apps, this book covers every important aspect of the banking system in a way a kid of any age could understand.
Quotes from The Missing Money: Money Monsters:
“But now Kai was worried. He had big plans for all that money. There were so many things that he wanted to do. There were so many things that he wanted to buy.”
“Conversation starters:
- Making money: How did Kai get his money? Tell me about a time you had money. What did you do with the money? What are some other ways people might get or make money?
- Money management: Where did Kai’s money go? Where do you keep your money? Why do you think adults keep their money in a bank?
- Banking basics: who does the money in a bank belong to? Why do the ATM and armored truck need to be super secure? Do you think banks are secure? How do you keep your money safe?
- Fintech: How did Kai check on his money? Have you used a phone app? How can Kai get his money out of the ATM/BANK? Have you ever seen an ATM card?”
Money Books for 4-8 year olds
3. Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense
By Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
Book Reading Level: 4-7 years old
Use the classic characters from the Berenstain Bears to teach your kids about money with this cute book aimed at teaching your kids the basics of financial literacy and money management.
In the classic book, Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense, Papa Bear decides it’s time to teach Brother and Sister how to budget their money.
The kids know that money can be used to buy the things they want, but they don’t know how to manage the allowance they get each week.
Papa gives the bears a checkbook to help teach them how to balance their funds, allowing them to use the checks to purchase things at home, just like adults do in real life.
Throughout the book, Brother and Sister learn a valuable lesson about spending and keeping track of their money – one that your kids can surely apply to their own allowance.
Reading of The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense:
4. One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent
By Bonnie Worth
Book Reading Level: 4-8 years old
Do you have Cat in the Hat fans at home?
This cute book, which is part of the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library, provides an educational introduction to money in all shapes and forms.
From the ancient practice of bartering to the form money takes in different cultures, the Cat in the Hat explains it all in One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent.
After a brief history of money and how it has developed over the past centuries, the book then turns to the history of the banking system. Your kids will even get an inside look on how coins are minted.
All the information outlined in the book is written in classic Dr. Seuss fashion in a fun and engaging way, which means your kids are sure to enjoy learning as they read.
Reading of Once Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent:
5. Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock
By Sheila Bair and Barry Gott
Book Reading Level: 4-8 years old
Rock, Brock and the Savings Shock is a money book for kids that will give your children a lesson in saving with fun illustrations and an interesting premise that kids can relate to.
The book follows Rock and Brock, twin brothers, who are offered a challenge by the grandfather. He told them he would give them $1 per week for 10 weeks. For every dollar they save, he’ll match it. But if they spend any of that money, they won’t get any more.
While one brother uses the money to buy new things, the other saves the money. At the end of the 10 weeks, they compare their funds to see that the brother who saved ends up with so much more in the end.
This educational children’s book was written by the 19th Chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporate (FDIC) who later became president of Washington Collage, which means she’s well versed in financial literacy.
Throughout the story, she provides readers with a solid foundation on which to build as they start learning more about money and savings. Geared toward younger readers, this easy-to-follow financial book is a great starting point when teaching your children about financial literacy.
Note to Parents: There’s a study guide, written by the office of the Vermont State Treasurer, that helps to reinforce the key lessons and generate thoughtful discussion.
Quotes from Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock:
“Listen now, for here’s the trick, each buck you save, I’ll match it quick. But spend it, there’s no extra dough, so save your cash, and watch it grow.”
“Unfortunately, most of us don’t have wealthy grandpas who will match our savings each week. But banks will keep your money safe and give you a little extra money every year. This money is called interest.”
Review about Rock, Brock and the Savings Shock:
“Rock is a spender and Brock is a saver. 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…this picture book is a good way to examine the issue of saving vs. spending.”
– School Library Journal
Reading of Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock:
6. Isabel’s Car Wash
By Sheila Bair
Book Reading Level: 4-8 years old
Understanding the concept of money can be difficult for young kids. If your kids have ever asked to buy a toy at the store only to find out they don’t have enough money, you probably know that fact all too well.
This cute story is a great way to help your young children understand the value of money, as well as how to earn it.
In Isabel’s Car Wash, the main character, Isabel, wants to purchase a new doll. But the doll costs $10 and she only has 50 cents.
To earn the extra money that she needs to purchase her new doll, Isabel decides to hold a car wash.
She borrows money from her friends to purchase the supplies, then opens her car wash business. After earning money from her business, she’s able to buy her doll and pay back her friends.
Each step of the way, the book explains how a business works and how starting your own business is a great way to earn money.
A variety of financial topics are covered in the book – including costs and profits, business management, investing, and stocks.
All these complicated topics are written about in a way that is easy to understand and relate to as a child.
Note to Parents: There’s a study guide written by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. It goes over the key lessons in the book and even has a business start-up activity!
Review of Isabel’s Car Wash:
“Today, with children growing up in a complex global economy, it’s never too early to teach them about the value of saving and investing. Isabel’s simple story about risk and reward takes an intimidating topic and makes it accessible and fun for the next generation of investors. Sheila Bair has done parents, and all of us in the financial literacy field, a valuable service with this book.”
– Mary L. Schapiro, CEO, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and Chairman of the FINRA Investor Education
Reading of Isabel’s Car Wash:
7. A Kids Activity Book on Money and Finance
By Allan Kunigis
Book Reading Level: 5-8 years old
Sometimes, your kids need to do more to understand complex subjects like money management.
In addition to reading books on the subject, finding fun activities that involve learning about money is a great way to supplement your kid’s reading.
A Kids Activity Book on Money and Finance is a fun way to get your kids actively learning about money while also having a good time.
The activity book features a variety of fun activities that help them learn more about money management, including:
- Word searches
- Crossword puzzles
- Rhyming games
- Quizzes
- Games
Through each activity, your child will have a chance to learn a variety of money management skills, including how to count money, ways to earn money, how to save money, and tricks for borrowing and growing their money.
Money Books for 6-10 year olds
8. If You Made a Million
By David M. Schwartz
Book Reading Level: 6-10 years old
What if you could make a million dollars?
The idea may seem like a big deal to your kids.
With If You Made a Million, they can learn different ways making $1 million is actually possible.
The book follows Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician, who explains a variety of financial concepts related to earning money, including:
- Investing and accruing dividends
- Savings and interest
The fun story and kid-friendly text is a great way to introduce your young readers to basic financial concepts without bogging them down with boring facts and figures.
It’s the sequel to How Much Is A Million.
Note to Parents: There’s a study guide written by the author. It lists activities parents can do with their kids to further understand and analyze the key concepts in the book.
Review of If You Made A Million:
“From simple penny antics to the complicated concept of how a check clears a bank, the book makes money matters matter to readers.”
– School Library Journal
Reading of If You Made a Million:
9. Meko and the Money Tree
By Eulica Kimber
Book Reading Level: 6-10 years old
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Money doesn’t grow on trees!” In fact, I bet you’ve said that exact same thing to your kids at least once.
In Meko and the Money Tree, your kids will learn that money can grow on trees – if you take the proper steps to invest your money properly. Planting a seed of savings is the first step toward growing your own money tree.
The relatable story in this kid-friendly book outlines the concepts of budgeting and money management in such a way that your kids will not only understand, but also be excited to get started managing their own money.
Quotes from Meko and the Money Tree:
“Think of your money TREE as your potential. There is a place inside of you, full of potential and possibilities. Money doesn’t grow on trees, and you can only spend each dollar once. I choose to spend our money on things that give us the ability to make more money in the future.”
Reading of Meko & The Money Tree from the author:
Money Books for 9-14 year olds
10. Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss
By Walter Andal
Book Reading Level: 9-12 years old
Frustrated by the lack of kid-friendly financial resources available, author Walter Andal set out to create a money management guide aimed at kids.
Finance 101 for Kids is an informative and entertaining book aimed at helping children start out on the right financial path from the beginning.
The book can help your kids learn:
- The history of money
- How to start earning money
- The basics of saving and investing
- The advantages and pitfalls of credit
- What the stock market is
- About different currencies and foreign exchanges
- The importance of giving back
As an overall guide to finances and money management, Finances 101 is a great way to provide an educational foundation to your older kids. Once your kids understand the basics of money management, they can start to practice more complex ideas and move on to more in-depth financial topics.
Quotes from Finance 101 for Kids:
“People need income to obtain money. There are many forms of income. It can be received in the form of a salary. It can be earned as a profit from having a business. It can be from an investment. Or it can be a gift from friends and family.”
“Even though credit benefits a lot of people, credit can also be harmful. Remember that everything you buy with credit has to be repaid with interest at some time in the future. That time in the future is specific, not just anytime you want to pay it back; there are deadlines. Not using credit correctly can cause a situation in which debts get too big and out of control.”
11. The Survival Guide for Money Smarts: Earn, Save, Spend, Give
By Eric Braun
Book Reading Level: 9-14 years old
Reading about finances and money management can get a little boring – especially for kids.
So, it’s important to find books that are engaging, as well as educational, when looking for books for your older readers.
Through a variety of kid-friendly tactics, The Survival Guide for Money Smarts provides your kids with a thorough foundation of financial education without being boring or dry.
Each of the book’s chapters outlines a basic guide to earning, saving, spending, and giving money. In addition to educational information, the book supports the topic through:
- Choose-your-own-adventure style stories that outline hypothetical money situations in which your kids need to make decisions about how to manage money
- True stories about kids who made smart financial decisions with their own money
- Vocabulary boxes to help your kids understand more complex terminology that comes along with money management
- Helpful tips, tools, and strategies for kid-friendly money management
As your kids read the book, they’ll also have a chance to put the lessons into action with the worksheets and trackers included in the book.
Quotes from The Survival Guide for Money Smarts:
“There’s something about money that makes people act totally weird. For example, we heard about a person who paid $24,300 for a suit of armor…for his guinea pig. Somebody else bought a $95,000 truffle. In case you didn’t know a truffle is a fungus, kind of like a mushroom. This truffle was a very special kind. Only highly trained dogs could find it. Still, could a fungus really be worth that much money?
Most of us can’t afford costly truffles, or armor for our guinea pigs. But we still find plenty of ways to make silly choices with our money. We buy brand names when cheaper versions are just as good. We buy a video game and then quit playing it after a week. We buy the large popcorn at the movies (the sign says it’s the best deal!) even though we’ll never make it halfway through that grocery bag of popcorn. Many of us don’t plan ahead or save enough.”
Review of The Survival Guide for Money Smarts:
“A superb, reader-friendly resource for young people, ideal for children’s library collections. The Survival Guide for Money Smarts is a guide created especially to be accessible to teenagers and young adults, but doesn’t talk down to the reader or gloss over tough issues. Chapters address how to make a budget plan; tips for being a smart and mindful consumer; the basics of saving accounts, checking accounts, prepaid cards, and credit cards; investments; and more.”
– Midwest Book Review
12. How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000
By James McKenna
Book Reading Level: 10-14 years old
If you’re searching for a book with actionable advice that your kids can implement into their own lives, How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000 is a great choice. This informative book lays out a plan for kids of any age to start earning, saving, and growing their money.
The book discusses simple strategies to help your kids learn the three basic concepts of money management:
- Earning money: The book will help your kids learn how to get a job or start a business to start earning money.
- Saving money: Your kids will also learn the importance of saving money and strategies for money saving.
- Growing money: Readers also get advice on how to grow their money by investing it and earning compound interest.
In addition to pages full of actionable advice and informational graphics aimed at kids, the book also includes worksheets to help them along the way, including a business plan template and a personal budget tracker.
Whether your kids want to learn how to save up to purchase a new bike or are interested in starting their own business, they can benefit greatly from the advice offered on the pages of this money book for kids.
Quotes from How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000:
“There are five ways you can reach your short-term goal and get your hands on $100. 1. Get an allowance. According to Time Magazine, 61% of American parents give their children an allowance. Maybe you’re in that majority. Maybe you get an allowance in exchange for doing chores or as a way for you to learn about money. If so, that’s great because saving part of your allowance is an easy way to get started on the road to financial freedom.”
Review of How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000:
“As you follow their plan, your interest will grow—and so will your money. Meanwhile, excuse me; I’ve got to re-read a few sections.”
– Bill Nye The Science Guy
Final Thoughts on Financial Books For Kids
It’s never too early to start teaching kids how to manage their money.
Reading a book is a fun way to learn these important financial lessons.
These 12 amazing money books for kids are some of the best books out there to teach your kids financial literacy.
If you’re looking for money books for parents on how to teach kids about money, The Opposite of Spoiled is an informative read.
This book discusses difficult questions your children might ask you about money like “Mommy, are we rich? Are we poor?”
The author covers many topics including allowances, the tooth fairy, chores, charity, savings, birthdays, holidays, cell phones, splurging, clothing, cars, part-time jobs, and college tuition.
The book also helps you instill good values like patience, generosity and modesty through money talks.
Here’s my full review of The Opposite of Spoiled.
Savings Tip: Many of these financial books are available through Audible, an Amazon company with the world’s largest selection of audio books. If you don’t already have Audible, you can get a FREE 30 day trial, which gets you 2 FREE books! Even if you cancel within the free trial period, the books are yours to keep!
Recap of Children’s Books on Financial Literacy
Money Books for 3-6 years old:
Money Books for 4-8 years old:
- Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense
- One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent
- Rock, Brock and the Savings Shock
- Isabel’s Car Wash
- A Kids Activity Book on Money and Finance
Money Books for 6-10 years old:
Money Books for 9-14 years old:
Related Articles on Best Finance Books for Kids :
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad Review
- Your Money or Your Life Review
- The Opposite of Spoiled Review
- Money sayings and quotes that will change your life forever
- Funny money quotes and one liners
- Money mantras that will attract wealth into your life
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