There is never a better time to begin learning the importance of understanding the fundamentals of money than when we are children. Financial literacy, unfortunately, isn’t a standard class in schools across the country. While some middle and high schools offer personal finance classes, they typically focus on counting money and using a checking account. Those classes teach the bare minimum, leaving much to be desired in real financial literacy that will help children as they grow into financially responsible adults.
We’ve gathered 12 children’s financial literacy books covering a range of money-related topics. Take a look at our recommendations to help your child learn about the history of currency, what money does, and even how to invest it. This list is not exhaustive. However, it covers most age ranges and is even enlightening for adults.
The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense by Stan and Jan Berenstain
This classic book teaches kids about the importance of saving money, budgeting, and making smart financial choices. Follow along as Brother and Sister learn a tough lesson about financial responsibility from Papa.
One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library) by Bonnie Worth
This heartwarming story featuring everyone’s favorite Dr. Seuss character, The Cat in the Hat, follows a young girl who learns about the value of money through her grandmother’s stories. Featuring varying forms of money from different cultures, this book discusses the history of money, the banking system, bartering, and much more!
Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock (Money Tales) by Sheila Blair
In this funny and informative book, twin brothers Rock and Brock learn about the importance of saving money when they’re forced to live on a tight budget.
Isabel’s Car Wash by Sheila Blair
What starts out as an idea to raise money for a doll turns into an entrepreneurial crash course on what owning a business means. This adorable story teaches children about investors, overhead costs, supplies, and profit.
A Kid’s Activity Book on Money and Finance by Allan Kunigis
This fun and interactive book is packed with activities to help kids learn about money management, investing, and more. Activities include puzzles, rhymes, quizzes, word searches, and other attention-keeping exercises.
The Everything Kids’ Money Book by Brette Sember
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of financial literacy for kids, from budgeting to investing. Children learn the fundamentals of how money is created, how to use it, what credit cards are, and how to save money.
Investing for Kids: How to Save, Invest, and Grow Money by Dylan Redling and Allison Tom
This book teaches kids about the basics of investing and how to grow their money over time through advice and activities. The knowledge imparted—with the help of Mr. Finance and Investing Woman—includes the concepts of “risk” and “reward,” understanding interest via stocks and bonds, and digital trading.
National Geographic Kids: Everything Money by Kathy Furgang
This informative book covers all aspects of money, from earning to saving to spending. Not only does it cover the dollar, but it also teaches about international money and is packed with fun facts, brilliant photos, and practical advice.
The Story of Money by Betsy Maestro
This informative book covers all aspects of money, from earning to saving to spending. It covers the history of money worldwide, from ancient Sumeria to today’s credit card. Packed full of reference photos, this book is best for 6-10-year-olds.
Not Your Parents’ Money Book: Making, Saving, and Spending Your Own Money by Jean Chatzky
Written by financial guru Jean Chatzky, this comprehensive guide covers all aspects of financial literacy for kids, from budgeting to investing. It also includes ideas on how children can earn money and save it. This book also provides a brief historical overview of money throughout history.
On Your Mark, Get Set, INVEST: A Kid’s Guide to Saving Money, Spending Wisely, and Investing in the Stock Market (Invest Now Play Later Series) by Luke Villermin
In a play on “The Tortoise and the Hare,” Villermin’s children’s book teaches kids the importance of “slow and steady wins the race.” This book teaches children what money is, where it comes from, and what it means to have, spend, and save money, as well as how to create and maintain a budget. In addition, he provides practical, needed advice on the stock market and investing.
Kid Start-Up: How YOU Can Become an Entrepreneur by Mark Cuban, Shaan Patel, and Ian McCue
For the entrepreneurial and money-savvy child, this How-To guide from business moguls Mark Cuban, Shaan Patel, and Ian McCue details how a business works. From idea to reality, kids follow along and learn how to run a business and use money effectively.
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