The Best Books for Teaching Kids About Money of 2024

Are you struggling to get your kids to understand the value of money?  Are you looking to make sure you set them up for success?  I’m sure you answered yes to both of those questions.  Imagine taking your child to open their first bank account, and they break out a piggy bank filled money that they have saved.  Instead of spending all their money on candy and toys, they put half of every dollar in their piggy bank. You can make that a reality by teaching kids about money. This list contains some of the best money books for kids. Keep reading to find out how to go about explaining money to a child or even a young adult.

If you find this list valuable, be sure to check out our other comprehensive reading lists here.

Last update: 2024-04-28

Award-Winning Money Books for Kids

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

A Chair for Mother is a Caldecott Honor award winner who follows a young girl, her mother and grandmother who lose everything in a house fire. All three ladies work extremely hard to save enough to buy a chair for all of them to enjoy. (Ages 4-8 years old) 

This book makes the list as it illustrates how to save money and ultimately how to find value in the simple things.  This is one of the few books about responsibility for kindergarten students.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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Recommended Children’s Books About Money

Little Critter: Just Saving My Money by Mercer Mayer

Little Critter: Just Saving My Money is the perfect story to teach your child responsibility at a young age and teaching money.  Little Critter wants to buy a new skateboard, but how will he get it without his dad’s help?  He must save his own money by doing chores and even selling lemonade.  Through his efforts, he learns the real value of a dollar. (Ages 4-8 years old)

This book is included on this list as it is one of the perfect books about responsibility for kindergarten kids.  Little Critter: Just Saving My Money is a simple read for new readers.  Sentences are easy to read, and images are bold and intriguing while still providing a valuable lesson.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money by Bonnie Worth

If you thought that the Cat in the Hat had books for every situation, you are right. One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money is about being practical and letting your little one know that money does not grow on trees.  This book is one of the best finance books for kids, as Dr. Seuss takes readers through a history lesson on money. (Ages 4-8 years old)

This book is a beautiful addition to this list, Dr. Seuss not only teaches us about traditional paper money but earlier techniques used in many cultures like bartering.  One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money also provides information on the bank, paying interest and even minting coins. All of this is done in Dr. Seuss’s true rhyming fashion to make things just a little more entertaining.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain

Most children ask for toys without even realizing what they cost or where the money originates. The Berenstain Bears, another childhood classic, aims to teach your child that money cannot be plucked from a tree, but instead it must be made.  It’s time for Brother and Sister to make their own money as Mama and Papa fear that they think money grows on trees.  They open a lemonade stand and even begin a pet walking business to make money for themselves.

The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money is included on this list as a great way to use recognizable characters for teaching money.  This book is excellent for use in schools to accompany a money centered lesson or perfect for at home when looking to explain money to a child. (Ages 3-7 years old)

Last update: 2024-04-28

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Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins

Have you ever heard of selling lemonade in the wintertime?  That is exactly what Pauline and John-John are doing in Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money.  (Ages 3-7 years old) 

This book makes the list as a cute story which introduces a new way to teach children about money.  Throughout the story, the two characters’ count things like quarters, lemons, and limes in preparation for their lemonade stand. This is one of the most popular and one of the best money books for kids.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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When Times Are Tough by Yanitza Canetti

Sometimes it may be hard to explain the concept of no to your child.  There are times when you may want to purchase something for them, but the money isn’t there.  When Times are Tough introduces kids to a fake family with real economic hardship.  These are hardships that many families experience every day.  Although these hard times occur When Times Are Tough focuses on how the family can overcome each obstacle. (Ages 5-7 years old)

When Times Are Tough is a critical book to have on the list as all families are not well off and able to provide as much money for kids as they wish they could.  It helps kids to understand that although times may be hard, they won’t be hard forever.  It also provides a sense of optimism within hard times.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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If You Made a Million by David M Schwartz

If You Made a Million helps children identify and count money in a fun and unique way. It not only teaches kids to count various coins but shows other ways to make the same amount with different currencies. Marvelosissimo, the Mathematical Magician, takes kids through coins, dollars and even talks about investing money.  (Ages 6-10 years old)

This book makes the list because it adds a fun spin on learning to count money.  It also includes information on checks, something that is still a mystery to many millennials.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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Recommended Children’s Books about Shopping

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Those Shoes is the tale of Jeremy, a normal little boy who wants nothing more than the most stylish pair of shoes.  Everybody at school is wearing them, and Jeremy sees his opportunity when his shoes fall apart.  However, for Jeremy’s grandmother, her money will not allow for “wants.”  Still, Jeremy will stop at nothing to get the shoes he wants, even if that means settling for a pair that is too small. Jeremy must learn to appreciate the things that he has instead of lamenting over the things he wants. Those Shoes is one of many great children’s books about shopping. (Ages 5-8 years old)

In an era where children are wearing expensive shoes like Yeezy’s and Jordans, this is a great book for teaching kids about money and the differences between a “want” and a necessity.  It also teaches children how dangerous it can be to long for what we can’t have.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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Lily Learns About Wants and Needs (Cloverleaf Books Money Basics) by Lisa Bullard

Lily is a typical child, carefree, and oblivious to what things cost. It wouldn’t be right if Lily didn’t want new clothes, skates or even a bike.  However, after a drive around town, Lily’s dad soon shows her the difference between a want and a need. (Ages 5-8 years old)

Practicality is a lesson that all children need but seldom receive.  Lily learns this lesson in Lily Learns About Wants and Needs.  The story successfully puts Lily in scenarios many children potentially experience every day.  However, instead of being on the receiving end of a “no,” this story gives parents a chance to provide a lesson instead.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

When something gets, old and worn most people throw it away, but not Joseph.  Although Joseph has a coat that is filled with holes, he doesn’t give it up that easy.  Joseph soon turns his worn coat into a jacket, a vest, and much more.  Your child can guess what Joseph will turn his coat into as they flip through the pages of the book. (Ages 3-7 years old)

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat teaches children that although something may get old and worn, there may still be a use for it.   It teaches them to be resourceful, and that something can always be made from nothing or very little.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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Recommended Financial Books for Young Adults

Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets about Money — That You Don’t Learn in School! by Robert T. Kiyosaki

You may have heard of the original Rich Dad Poor Dad book, which many adults have named the number one personal finance book on the market, however did you know there was one for your teen too?  Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets about Money — That You Don’t Learn in School is a great read to introduce your young adult to money management and give them the ability to make smart choices. Robert Kiyosaki’s book also includes tips for success, quizzes to ensure your child is retaining the material and strategies for staying on the course to financial freedom.  (Ages 13-18 years old)

Rich Dad Poor Dad is one of the leading publications concerning financial literacy. Therefore, it is only right that Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens makes this list.  As teens get older and begin work, it’s important that they not only realize the value of money but how to manage it as well.  Not learning important skills about money can be detrimental to their financial future.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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Get a Financial Life by Beth Kobliner

Get a Financial Life was created to help young adults navigate through the financial realm and make the smartest financial decisions. For a generation which is consumed with student loan debt, struggling to pay rent and still have money to live, this book is a necessity. In Beth Kobliner’s book, Get a Financial Life, she attempts to teach adults how to lower their debt, boost their credit scores, and make smarter financial decisions. (Young Adult+)

This book makes the list as most young adults have often settled into a pattern of debt.  They are often robbing Peter to pay Paul until their next payday.  Get a financial life wants us to get away from that notion and to create a fiscally sound life.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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Recommended Books for Teaching Money to Middle-Grade Readers

The Kids’ Money Book: Earning, Saving, Spending, Investing, Donating by Jamie Kyle McGillian

The Kids’ Money Book: Earning, Saving, Spending, Investing, Donating is perfect for teaching your child budgeting, investing, and even donating. The book begins with the Money Matters quiz, which will assess how your child spends or saves the money they receive.  It also teaches kids the history of money and how to get the most out of your income, also known as their allowance.  (Ages 8-12 years old)

This is a great way to begin teaching money to kids and gain feedback from kids who have used the techniques mentioned in the book.  It will address questions that kids may begin to have as they get older.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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National Geographic Kids Everything Money: A Wealth Of Facts, Photos, And fun by Kathy Furgang

National Geographic Kids Everything Money provides a host of information about what money is, how we use it, and what people did before they had physical money.  It is one of the most informative books to teach kids about money. The book also goes into detail about how money has changed over time, spending money, digital money, and more. (Ages 8-12 years old)

National Geographic is a great book to add to this list as they are known for providing a wealth of information that is intriguing, thought-provoking, and wonderfully displayed. This book answers the questions that many children may have regarding money.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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A Smart Girl's Guide: Money (Revised): How to Make It, Save It, and Spend It by Nancy Holyoke

A Smart Girl’s Guide: Money (Revised): How to Make It, Save It, and Spend It introduces your child to a variety of tips and tricks surrounding money.  It includes tips and even quizzes for making money, saving money and of course, spending it. It even provides information about credit cards and budgeting.  (Ages 10-14 years old)

A Smart Girl's Guide makes the list for giving girls the money education that they need in order to set themselves up for a prosperous future.  Many parents even say it inspired their daughter to begin saving and applying the concepts learned in the book.  It even goes as far as to provide business ideas for your child.  Don’t be surprised if you see a lemonade stand in your driveway or are home of the next cookie business.

Last update: 2024-04-28

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Summary of the Best Books for Teaching Kids About Money

Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:

Last update: 2024-04-28

Did you ever think that you would be buying finance books for kids? It is important now more than ever to make sure your child is financially sound and able to make smart decisions when they aren’t around you.  This list is full of children’s books about money as well as books for young adults.  There are several resources available to you when explaining money to a child.  Those Shoes is a great option for teaching children the difference between wants and needs.  The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money is another favorite for young children which will help them learn about responsibility and money management.  However, children aren’t the only ones who may need some help learning about finances.  Teens and young adults can also benefit from the books on this list. There are several great financial books for young adults on this list, including Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets about Money from the same author as an adult favorite, Rich Dad Poor Dad.  No matter who you are shopping for, this list will have something for everyone.

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