KidFinLit Series: 10 Children’s Books That Teach Kids About Earning Money

The definition of Financial Literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. Financial literacy is the foundation of your relationship with money.

Most will agree that financial education and smart money management is a critical life skill. However, it is nearly impossible to be financially healthy without the ability to earn money. Learning about careers at a young age shows them the world of opportunities available to them. It also teaches kids accountability and the importance of smart decision making. Exploring interests and talents at an early age can provide motivation and purpose as they get older, which can enhance their quality of life. While they will be exposed to career curriculum in high school, introducing kids to careers earlier sets them on a better path to embrace career opportunities, helps to equalize the playing field and empowers students of every race, gender and ethnicity.

Conversations around careers with kids should be light and fun – the purpose is to just get your child thinking and exploring. As you talk about different career choices, you will notice their wheels start to spin about what type of job may work for them based on their personality and interests. An easy way to start these conversations and introduce earning money is through children’s books that have the lessons woven throughout the story. The lessons taught are more memorable and impactful if they can relate with the characters in the story. Just being exposed to careers at a young age can spark an interest or passion that can lead your child to endless opportunities as an adult.

Below are 10 books that teach valuable lessons about earning money:

What Shoes Will You Wear?, by Julia Cook. Myrtle and Erytle are twins who don’t look alike or act the same, but they both love shoes! Their father uses this passion to discuss career options with them as they apply to the type of shoes worn in that profession. This is a great conversation starter for parents and their kids to spark their imaginations on what they enjoy and want to become when they grow up.

When I Grow Up , by Al Yankovic. At Show-and-Tell, Billy amazes his classmates and teacher with wildly imaginative ideas of the careers he wants to pursue as an adult. This story perfectly illustrates ‘You can be anything you want’, and is sure to open up your kids imaginations and create a fun conversation around the possibilities.

Rosie Rever Engineer, by Andrea Beaty. Beaty created a full series dedicated to kids pursuing their dreams and passion, including Ada Twist, Scientist and Iggy Peck, Architect. In this book, Rosie dreams of being an engineer and constructs inventions in her room at night. This series is a great way to inspire kids to pursue their passions.

Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day?, by Richard Scarry. In Busytown, everyone has an important job that keeps the town running smoothly. Through detailed and creative illustrations, this classic book shows the importance of having a job, and helps kids visualize what someone does all day in their job. Parents and kids can discuss who they know that has the jobs shown in the book, and why each is important for their town.

Peppa Pig and the Career Day, by Candlewick Press. Its career day at school and people from all around town are coming in to talk about their jobs. This book simplifies careers by breaking them down into what they do all day long, and why they are important. The job descriptions are relatable and simple for kids, helping them to understand more about the jobs they see and hear about everyday.

The Berenstain Bears and Mama’s New Job, by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Mama Bear makes the best quilts in Bear County, and decides to open her own quilt store. Kids reading this will be exposed to ideas around being an entrepreneur, the importance of prioritizing and may be inspired to pursue one of their passions.

Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do, by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook. The clothesline shows a mail carrier uniform, artist brushes and a chef’s apron. This is a beautifully illustrated and simple book for the younger kids, where they guess what someone’s job is based on what they wear, and simplifies jobs into something that kids can understand and relate to – their clothing.

When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree., by Jamie L.B. Deenihan. When a child is disappointed by the lemon tree her Grandma gives her for her birthday, she soon understands the wisdom behind, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ The rewards that come from persistence and hard work are beautifully shown throughout this book, and kids can apply these lessons to any work they do during the day.

What Do You Do With An Idea?, By Kobi Yamada. As seen through the eyes of a child, this book delivers a simple but important message that will inspire any child who has had an idea that seems impossible. Kids reading this book will learn that no idea is too big, and amazing things can happen if they allow their idea to grow.

Arthur’s Funny Money, by Lillian Hoban. Arthur decides he wants to buy a t-shirt and cap, so his little sister comes up with a business idea to make money. With simple business concepts woven in, this book shows what it takes to run a business, and will inspire kids to try their own.