Build your child’s money skills while you read
Amazing reading resource from the CFPB
It’s important to you to get the most out of reading time with your child. Money as You Grow Bookshelf lets you build on the time you may already be spending on reading together, and helps you bring money topics to life through storytime.
Get started
- Browse through the list of books and choose one you’d like to read with your child, for ages 4 to 10. The books should be readily available at your library or bookstore.
- Download the reading guide, which helps you explain the key ideas covered in the book and gives you questions to ask during reading time and activities for afterward.
- Have fun reading together. Hold the book so everyone can see it and ask questions as you go. See 9 ideas to keep reading fun .
Want to bring the book club to your library? Get started with our how-to guide and order free resources from GPO .
Reading guides
| Key ideas | Age | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | A Bargain for Frances by Russell HobanSee how Frances had to work on prioritizing when she bought a tea set. | Setting goals, Staying true to yourself | 6+ |
 | A Chair for My Mother by Verna WilliamsCheck out how the family follows through after they save enough for a new chair. | Setting goals, Earning | 6+ |
 | Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith ViorstFind out what Alexander learns about self-control after he overspends. | Prioritizing, Saving | 4+ |
 | But I’ve Used All of My Pocket Change by Lauren ChildSee what happens after Lola makes some spending choices that she regrets. | Making decisions, Spending | 4–8 |
 | Count on Pablo (Cuenta Con Pablo) by Barbara deRubertisFind out how Pablo practices flexibility at the vegetable market. | Solving problems, Earning | 5–7 |
 | Curious George Saves His Pennies by Margaret and H.A. ReySee how a savings bank helps George practice sharing and borrowing. | Making decisions, Sharing and borrowing | 4–7 |
 | How Much Is That Doggie in the Window? by Bob MerrillShare in the feelings that come with doing things to help other people. | Prioritizing, Spending | 3+ |
 | Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich SmithSee the ways Jenna takes small steps to reach her goal. | Solving problems, Sharing and borrowing | 4+ |
 | Just Shopping with Mom by Mercer MayerCheck out the way the children help Mom with spending at the store. | Prioritizing, Spending | 4+ |
 | Lemonade in Winter by Emily JenkinsSpot the ways Pauline and John-John exercise flexibility at their lemonade stand. | Solving problems, Spending | 3–7 |
 | My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tololwa M. MollelSympathize with Sarumi as he uses self-control to resist salespeople at the market. | Setting goals, Saving | 4–7 |
 | Ox-Cart Man by Donald HallUnderstand how the farm family set goals to make and grow things to use and eat. | Earning, Setting goals | 4+ |
 | Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen by Cari BestSee how Sally Jean uses patience and creativity to get what she really wants. | Solving problems, Earning | 4–8 |
 | Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen ChinnFind out how small amounts make a big difference during Sam’s trip to Chinatown. | Prioritizing, Sharing and borrowing | 4–8 |
 | Sheep in a Shop by Nancy ShawFind out how the sheep solved the problem of not having enough money. | Making decisions, Solving problems | 4+ |
 | The Berenstain Bears & Mama’s New Job by Stan and Jan BerenstainSee how Mama’s hobby became a way of earning money for the family. | Setting goals, Staying true to yourself | 4+ |
 | The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money by Stan and Jan BerenstainCheck out ways the Bear family helped the cubs with saving their money. | Making decisions, Spending | 4+ |
 | The Purse by Kathy CapleFind out how Katie felt when she set a goal of buying a new purse. | Solving problems, Setting goals | 4+ |
 | The Rag Coat by Lauren MillsSee how Minna stayed true to herself when her classmates talked about her coat. | Solving problems, Sharing and borrowing | 6–9 |
 | Those Shoes by Maribeth BoeltsSee what happens when Jeremy prioritizes buying a pair of black high tops. | Prioritizing, Sharing and borrowing | 5–8 |
 | Tia Isa Wants a Car (Tía Isa Quiere Un Carro) by Meg MedinaCheck out how Tia Isa keeps track of her savings for the car she wants. | Solving problems, Saving | 4–8 |
