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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 ideasAge
Illustration of a teapotA Bargain for Frances
by Russell HobanSee how Frances had to work on prioritizing when she bought a tea set.

Download parent reading guide 

Setting goals,
Staying true to yourself
6+
Illustration of a chairA Chair for My Mother
by Verna WilliamsCheck out how the family follows through after they save enough for a new chair.

Download parent reading guide 

Setting goals,
Earning
6+
Illustration of a coin with wingsAlexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday 
by Judith ViorstFind out what Alexander learns about self-control after he overspends.

Download parent reading guide 

Prioritizing,
Saving
4+
illustration of zoo ticketsBut I’ve Used All of My Pocket Change
by Lauren ChildSee what happens after Lola makes some spending choices that she regrets.

Download parent reading guide 

Making decisions,
Spending
4–8
Illustration of a bowl of salsa and chipsCount on Pablo (Cuenta Con Pablo)
by Barbara deRubertisFind out how Pablo practices flexibility at the vegetable market.

Download parent reading guide 
(en español )

Solving problems,
Earning
5–7
Illustration of a trainCurious George Saves His Pennies
by Margaret and H.A. ReySee how a savings bank helps George practice sharing and borrowing.

Download parent reading guide 

Making decisions,
Sharing and borrowing
4–7
illustration of multi-colored puppyHow Much Is That Doggie in the Window?
by Bob MerrillShare in the feelings that come with doing things to help other people.

Download parent reading guide 

Prioritizing,
Spending
3+
illustration of dress with bells on itJingle Dancer
by Cynthia Leitich SmithSee the ways Jenna takes small steps to reach her goal.

Download parent reading guide 

Solving problems,
Sharing and borrowing
4+
Illustration of a shopping cartJust Shopping with Mom
by Mercer MayerCheck out the way the children help Mom with spending at the store.

Download parent reading guide 

Prioritizing,
Spending
4+
Illustration of a pitcher of lemonadeLemonade in Winter
by Emily JenkinsSpot the ways Pauline and John-John exercise flexibility at their lemonade stand.

Download parent reading guide 

Solving problems,
Spending
3–7
Illustration of a bicycleMy Rows and Piles of Coins
by Tololwa M. MollelSympathize with Sarumi as he uses self-control to resist salespeople at the market.

Download parent reading guide 

Setting goals,
Saving
4–7
Illustration of an ox cartOx-Cart Man
by Donald HallUnderstand how the farm family set goals to make and grow things to use and eat.

Download parent reading guide 

Earning,
Setting goals
4+
illustration of wrench, nails, and boltsSally Jean, the Bicycle Queen
by Cari BestSee how Sally Jean uses patience and creativity to get what she really wants.

Download parent reading guide 

Solving problems,
Earning
4–8
illustration of dragonSam and the Lucky Money
by Karen ChinnFind out how small amounts make a big difference during Sam’s trip to Chinatown.

Download parent reading guide 

Prioritizing,
Sharing and borrowing
4–8
Illustration of a sheepSheep in a Shop
by Nancy ShawFind out how the sheep solved the problem of not having enough money.

Download parent reading guide 

Making decisions,
Solving problems
4+
Illustration of a needle and threadThe Berenstain Bears & Mama’s New Job
by Stan and Jan BerenstainSee how Mama’s hobby became a way of earning money for the family.

Download parent reading guide 

Setting goals,
Staying true to yourself
4+
Illustration of an arcade machineThe Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money
by Stan and Jan BerenstainCheck out ways the Bear family helped the cubs with saving their money.

Download parent reading guide 

Making decisions,
Spending
4+
Illustration of a purseThe Purse
by Kathy CapleFind out how Katie felt when she set a goal of buying a new purse.

Download parent reading guide 

Solving problems,
Setting goals
4+
Illustration of a coatThe Rag Coat
by Lauren MillsSee how Minna stayed true to herself when her classmates talked about her coat.

Download parent reading guide 

Solving problems,
Sharing and borrowing
6–9
Illustration of a shoeThose Shoes
by Maribeth BoeltsSee what happens when Jeremy prioritizes buying a pair of black high tops.

Download parent reading guide 

Prioritizing,
Sharing and borrowing
5–8
Illustration of a carTia 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.

Download parent reading guide 
(en español )

Solving problems,
Saving
4–8