Piggy Sense!: Save it for a Rainy Day by Reed Abbitt Moore, e-book, 19 pages, published in 2015.

A young boy starts with a penny, which he saves, and adds to. He finds that saving money can be very rewarding, as he is able to reach his goals and sometimes help others.

This is a good story designed to help children learn the importance of being careful and saving money. It’s a great concept, presented in an appealing way. We are in Australia, so our money is a little different. We don’t have pennys, quarters or one dollar bills, and the terms nickel and dime are not used here either. This didn’t affect the concept though, I just had to take a few moments to explain the differences and similarities between the two currencies to my kids.

The illustrations are lovely, clear and bright. The language is simple and clear, with rhyming text, which helps to engage children. It is an easy book for kids to read themselves, but I liked sharing it. As we read we talked about what the kids might like to save up for, and how they would earn more money.

I thought the amount the boy saved was probably too much to aim for for young children. A grand is a lot of money, and plenty of adults have difficulty saving that amount! I’m also wondering why he didn’t put his money in the bank sooner, it could have been earning interest. Perhaps that could be a topic for another book.

At the end of the story there is a guide to the different denominations with pictures, and a Piggy Sense Account sheet, where kids can fill in their savings and withdrawals to their piggy bank.

Piggy Sense!: Save it for a Rainy Day is suitable for primary aged children. It is a good way to introduce saving to children, and to start a conversation about finances.

 

*I received this book as a digital copy from the author, who asked me for an honest review of this book. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.