What is the meaning of all those symbols on US bills (and why are they so hard to counterfeit)? What’s with people calling money “bacon” or “cheddar”? With savvy and wit, financial expert Mellody Hobson sheds a friendly light on the daunting subject of money. Hobson starts with the meteorites that created the first mineral deposits and goes on to the ancient Maya who used chocolate as currency and the beginnings of the banking system itself. Readers learn about bartering, profit and loss, the origins of credit, ATMs, and even fun facts about money around the world. Mellody Hobson brings excitement to the realm of financial literacy in her first children’s book. She gives kids the tools they need to navigate money now and in the future. Featuring energetic artwork by illustrator Caitlin Stevens, Priceless Facts about Money is an inviting, entertaining, and richly educational resource for every child.

KID’s Review:

Priceless Facts About Money is the best book of the year. This delightful read introduces young readers to the fundamental concepts of money in a fun and accessible way. Hobson interweaves historical facts with economic principals in a genuine yet hip manner. The fascinating tutorial on the 100 dollar bill found on pages 56-61 should be incorporated into elementary school curriculum. Did you know that a bill tells you which office of the Federal Reserve printed it?  I didn’t!

I am not exaggerating when I say that I learned more about money in the hour it took me to devour this book than I have since high school. If only someone explained money to me in this manner back in the day, I’d have gone into finance. I would read the phone book if Ms. Hobson was the author. Her writing style and Stevens’ illustrations are simply put…priceless.

It seems I’m in good company as Priceless Facts About Money is one of Oprahs Favorite Things of 2024!