Children should be introduced to the concept of money at an early age. Once a child learns to count, coins can be used in simple lessons. Counting mountains of pennies can be fun. In this title of the “Money Matters” series, readers are presented with American coins, learn that five pennies equal a nickel and ten pennies equal a dime, etc. The coins are shown in actual size and color. The one-dollar bill equals one hundred pennies, shown in a nice full-page picture. A one-hundred-dollar bill is also shown along with the ten, twenty, and fifty dollar bills. An illustration of an oriental child, counting a stack of one hundred dollar bills that appeared to equal more than two thousand dollars seems a bit unrealistic, to say the least, and also a bit prejudiced. The books in this series all follow the same format, with a note to parents about the “Blastoff Readers” and its five levels. This particular title is a level two, targeting grades K-three through varied simple sentences and some repetition. The book closes with a glossary defining words bolded in the text; a list of further reference and reading material, including books and websites; and finally an index. The importance of money in our society makes this series quite useful and the text and illustration are well done and should easily engage young readers. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot; Ages 5 to 8.
11/01/2015
K-Gr 3—Introducing beginning readers to financial literacy, this set explains money, banking, and budgets with simple, straightforward sentences that kids will understand. Students learn about the hows but also, more importantly, about the whys: Why is it important to save money (Saving Money)? Why are there different types of money (Counting Money and Types of Money)? Wants and needs are addressed as well, and the distinction between the two are made explicit, thanks in large part to accompanying images of "wants"—a Frozen DVD, the Angry Birds app—and "needs"—school supplies, clothes. Crisp photos and backgrounds in bold hues are abundant and provide visual interest; similarly, the diverse cast of children featured in the photos are believable as they go about their tasks of counting change and window shopping. VERDICT An excellent addition to school and public library collections.
