How Does Money Work? (StoryBots)

April 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 2-Young readers take a compelling journey with Bing, a curious robot, as he seeks to discover what money is and how it works. The story kicks off with Bing's boring trip to a bank, where he dozes off as two bankers try to give him the information he seeks. Waking up and running out of the building, Bing meets Chole and Zan, who enthusiastically guide him through the intricacies of money and how it works with their lemonade business. During this encounter, money is not discussed. However, financial literacy concepts are featured. These terms, including budget, income, expenses and surplus, appear in bold print. While the terms may seem out of place in an otherwise simple text, they serve as building blocks for young minds to grasp fundamental economic concepts. The cartoonlike illustrations add a whimsical touch to the narrative, making it visually appealing for young readers. Despite the title suggesting a focus on money, the book emphasizes the entrepreneurial aspect of creating wealth-this title misalignment diminishes the book's value as an informational text. The use of basic vocabulary, rhyming couplets, and short sentences make this a quick class read-aloud and a book that young students can read on their own. It could also be used in a classroom setting to aid in developing market day activities or creating mini-economy experiences. VERDICT Not a necessary purchase for a school library.-Lynne Stover

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