This picture book series about a money-wise girl called Pretty Penny teaches kids, in a subtle way, how important it is to not only save money, but to think in strategic ways when it comes to funding a desire.
Every summer, Penny stays with her grandmother Bunny. It's almost Bunny's birthday and Penny would love to throw her a party - but alas, Penny has no money.
How can she do it? Penny puts her financial thinking cap on and comes up with a sparkling idea. You see, Bunny, like many grannies, has an attic filled with vintage treasure. Penny could set up a Small Mall to sell off some treasures Bunny no longer needs!
Bunny loves the idea and very soon, Penny has the attic looking pretty sensational, with the very best items labelled carefully with prices and put on display. As customers pour in the door, Penny is delighted to amass a fantastic grand total of $10, which she promptly runs out and spends on 10 delectable cupcakes for a sweet little party Bunny will never forget.
A book about community spirit as much as it is about the importance of viewing money and its procurement as a valuable life process, Pretty Penny Sets up Shop is not a book that will slam kids over the head with moralistic preaching. The story is subtle, warm and totally relatable to kids.
Retro-style illustrations by author/illustrator Kinch add a bright, lollipop feel to the story that kids will also appreciate.
Having dealt with financial issues in the past, Kinch hopes to help future generations avoid the same struggles by establishing a healthy relationship with money at a young age. Pretty Penny Sets up Shop is her first book. Coming in Jan 2012: Pretty Penny Cleans Up
Title: Pretty Penny Sets up Shop
Author/Illustrator: Devon Kinch
Publisher: Random House, US$19.99 RRP
Publication Date: 28 December 2010
ISBN: 9780375867354
Format: Hard cover
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book
