World Book Day: 10 brilliant books for children and teens with valuable money lessons
On 6 March 2025, children and adults around the world will celebrate World Book Day.
According to the National Literacy Trust, children’s reading enjoyment has plummeted in recent years. The report reveals that in 2024, only 1 in 3 (34.6%) children and young people aged between 8 and 18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time – an almost 10% drop from 2023, and the steepest decline since the annual survey began in 2005.
With only 1 in 5 children reading for pleasure every day, too many young people are stuck to their screens and missing out on the joys of reading.
As financial planners working with families across multiple generations, here are a few fun yet educational books about saving and spending…
The Four Money Bears by Mac Gardner
Suitable for children aged 3 – 7
A certified financial planner, Mac Gardner introduces a cast of four bears, each with a different spending disposition.
There’s Saver Bear, Spender Bear, Investor Bear, and Giver Bear. The story describes their different attitudes to money, and how they work together to find the best solution for all of them.
Two members of the Investopedia Financial Review Board selected The Four Money Bears as the best money book for young children, so comes highly recommended.
Moneybunny series by Cinders McLeod
Suitable for children aged 3 – 6
A series of charming picture books to introduce young children to some simple facts about earning, saving, and spending money.
Meet Bun and enjoy an enchanting introduction to the concept of earning money. In the first of the series, Earn It!, Bun learns that achieving her dream to be a rich and famous singer will take time and work. As she does the sums and daydreams about her future, she starts to like the idea of earning her way to stardom.
The series continues with Spend It!, teaching needs and wants, Save It!, with a lesson in how to save for things you wants, and Give It!, where Chummy learns there are creatures who need his help and there are many ways to be a hero.
What is Money? by Katie Noodle Juice
Suitable for children aged 6 – 8
Using simple language and great illustrations, this book explains big ideas to little people. It answers questions like:
- Where does our money come from?
- Is money good?
- What are taxes?
- What is the future of money?
This 32-page picture book is an ideal way to start educating your kids about the world of finance.
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
Suitable for children aged 7 – 10
In The Lemonade War, Jacqueline Davies blends brilliant humour with maths wizardry and business know-how.
Siblings Evan and Jessie turn a simple lemonade stand into an intense competition to see who can make the most money. During the last five days of their summer holiday, they battle for the title of “Lemonade King”.
This fun story holds valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and money management, plus the complexities of sibling rivalry.
Millions by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Suitable for children aged 9 – 12
A charming and thought-provoking book that blends adventure with moral lessons.
When two brothers, Damian and Anthony, discover a bag of cash, they must navigate the complex world of wealth, generosity, and ethics. An entertaining read that also explores the value of money, the importance of sharing, and making ethical choices.
Show me the money, Big questions about finance by Alvin Hall
Suitable for children aged 8 – 12
A jargon-busting and insightful look at personal finance, Hall uses real-world examples to answer essential questions about how money works.
Packed with fun illustrations and practical advice, it breaks down complex concepts like the stock market and debt into digestible sections.
An ideal choice if you want to spark curiosity about money and encourage smart financial habits.
Felix Unlimited by Andrew Norriss
Suitable for children aged 9 – 12
Felix dreams of being a successful entrepreneur, but he’s not waiting until he’s a grown-up to achieve this. He’s already started his own business and made thousands that he’s stashed under his bed. Thing is, he’s not told his parents yet, and friendship troubles are starting to cause tension.
Norriss takes the subject of earning your own money and turns it into a captivating story, inspiring children to develop their understanding of entrepreneurship and how it can affect all aspects of their lives.
We know of one boy who read this when he was eight, and still talks about it three years later!
Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? by Carl Siegel
Suitable for teenagers
Author Carl Siegel originally developed Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School? for his children as a guide to demystify financial concepts as they entered adulthood. Realising its value, he published it as a money-management guide for teenagers.
A super-easy read, the book holds eight financial lessons based on 99 principles, including:
- How to budget and save
- The value of being a smart shopper
- What to do if you are the victim of fraud
- How bank accounts, loans, and credit cards work.
Siegel shares practical real-world examples from his own experiences, breaking each topic into simple, digestible lessons.
Think Like a Boss: 47 Money Making Ideas for Young Entrepreneurs by Jemma Roedel
Suitable for teenagers
A fun and practical guide for teens with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Discover 47 creative, real-world ideas, to empower young readers, encouraging them to explore ways to earn money, from starting a pet-sitting business to creating digital content.
Each idea is explained clearly, with actionable steps and insights into basic money management and business principles.
Inspiring teens to think about how they can turn passions into profitable ventures, this book is an ideal read for young entrepreneurs keen to embrace financial independence.
Cash is Queen by Davinia Tomlinson
Suitable for teenagers
The world’s first money book written exclusively for teenage girls, Cash is Queen offers practical and enjoyable financial lessons for young women.
With research consistently revealing that women are more likely to shy away from discussing their finances than men, this book aims to empower girls by sharing essential knowledge on saving, spending, and managing finances, helping to cultivate a positive money mindset from a young age.
Get in touch
At Logic, we can help you manage your finances, and the finances of your loved ones too.
If you have any questions about how best to help your loved ones manage their finances, speak to us now. Please email us at info@logicfinancialservices.co.uk or check with your adviser.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
