20 of the Best Money Books for Kids

Children’s books can be an excellent source of knowledge, distilling complex concepts into easy-to-understand real-world examples. Even for many adults, finances can seem like a never-ending swirl of numbers and notions that are hard to grasp. Luckily, many children’s books can teach kids the value of a dollar and how to manage their money.

Children receiving a modest allowance can benefit by learning to manage and potentially invest their money. We’ve selected our 20 favorite money books for kids that you might consider pulling out for your next bedtime reading session.

20 Money Books for Kids

Set your kids (or other young ones in your life) off on the right foot with these books that introduce them to the basics of personal finance.

Money Books for Younger Kids

Fiction stories like the ones below can help young kids understand concepts like working to earn income and the importance of saving and budgeting.

1. ‘One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent’ by Bonnie Worth

The Cat in the Hat uses rhymes and whimsy to explain the history of currency and its many forms in “One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent.”

2. ‘The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Money’ by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Brother and Sister Bear show how spending carelessly quickly leads to empty pockets. “The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Money” illustrates the importance of earning, managing and saving money.

3. ‘The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense’ by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Mama and Papa Bear teach Brother and Sister Bear about money management and writing checks in “The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense.”

4. ‘Bunny Money’ by Rosemary Wells

When Max and Ruby go out to find a gift for their grandma, they realize just how quickly money can be spent. “Bunny Money” is a good book for teaching kids about how everything has its cost.

5. ‘Curious George Saves His Pennies’ by Margret and H.A. Rey

“Curious George Saves His Pennies” highlights the importance of saving money as George has to do a number of odd jobs and keep his coins in his piggy bank to afford the toy he wants.

6. ‘Just a Piggy Bank’ by Gina and Mercer Mayer

Little Critter learns the value of keeping money in his piggy bank in “Just a Piggy Bank.” Read it to your kids before they get a piggy bank of their own.

7. ‘Happy Birthday, Mali More’ by Tiffany Aliche

Getting gifts is exciting, but Mali learns material things aren’t the most important thing in “Happy Birthday, Mali More.”

8. ‘A Boy, a Budget, and a Dream’ by Jasmine Paul

“A Boy, a Budget, and a Dream” teaches kids how budgeting can help you buy the things you really want.

9. ‘If You Made a Million’ by David M. Schwartz

“If You Made a Million” teaches kids the value of different denominations of money and how you can earn more money or owe more money due to interest.

10. ‘You Can’t Buy a Dinosaur With a Dime’ by Harriet Ziefert

Pete loves toy dinosaurs, but he doesn’t love when his piggy bank is empty. “You Can’t Buy a Dinosaur With a Dime” sheds light on the decision-making that comes along with spending — or saving — money.

11. ‘Daddy, Can You Teach Me About Money?’ by Ashton McCants

In “Daddy, Can You Teach Me About Money?” you follow the story of Tristan, a curious boy who wants to learn more about the world. In this book, Tristan learns exactly what money is and how it works.

12. ‘Money Plan’ by Monica Eaton

In “Money Plan,” kids get to follow Mia and her mommy as they take a trip to the grocery store. Mia learns that just because you want something doesn’t mean you can always have it and money needs to be managed.

Money Books for Older Kids

These nonfiction, but still entertaining, books impart vital money lessons to teens and tweens, including how to invest and how to build a business.

13. ‘How to Turn $100 Into $1,000,000’ by James McKenna, Jeannine Glista and Matt Fontaine

“How to Turn $100 Into $1,000,000” is for middle and high school students who dream of becoming millionaires. It explains how setting goals, saving and investing can rocket your net worth.

14. ‘Kid Start-Up’ by Mark Cuban, Shaan Patel and Ian McCue

Budding kid entrepreneurs should check out “Kid Start-Up.” It explores how to go from a business idea to earning your own income.

15. ‘Finance 101 for Kids’ by Walter Andal

“Finance 101 for Kids” gives an overview of basic financial topics that everyone should know before reaching adulthood. This book discusses the dangers of mishandling credit, how the economy affects your personal finances, the impact of giving back to your community and more.

16. ‘Not Your Parents’ Money Book’ by Jean Chatzky

Tweens and teens can learn how to earn money and make smart consumer decisions in “Not Your Parents’ Money Book” by money guru Jean Chatzky. It is geared toward readers 10 and up.

17. ‘The Survival Guide for Money Smarts’ by Eric Braun and Sandy Donovan

“The Survival Guide for Money Smarts” gives advice to kids ages 9 and up about how to earn, save, spend and give money. It includes stories from real kids who successfully navigated money decisions.

18. ‘I Want More Pizza’ by Steve Burkholder

“I Want More Pizza” aims to make personal finance topics — like debt management, investing, compound growth and goal setting — engaging for teens. It uses real-world examples to help high school and college students understand how to become financially independent from their parents.

19. ‘Investing for Kids’ by Allison Tom and Dylin Redling

“Investing for Kids” introduces kids ages 8-12 to the concept of investing so they can start growing their money at an early age.

20. ‘On Your Mark, Get Set, Invest!’ by Luke Villermin

A part of the “Invest Now Play Later” series, “On Your Mark, Get Set, Invest!” explores personal finance concepts for kids between the ages of 8 and 12 (although, let’s be honest, we could probably benefit from some of these tips, too). Kids follow a tortoise and a rabbit as they see who can earn, save and invest their way to the finish line.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Thepennyhoarder.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Nicole Dow is a former senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Michael Archambault is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.