Save It!

May 15, 2019
Honey Moneybunny returns, this time with tips on how to save money. After having guided readers on how to Spend It! and Earn It! (2019, 2017), this time young Honey Moneybunny is in need of a sanctuary from her rambunctious little siblings. A house of her own is too ambitious, not to mention she is a tad young to live alone, so she and her father settle on a playhouse. Her father advises her that a playhouse will cost her 10 carrots--carrots being the coin of the realm in Bunnyland--and so it will take her five weeks of saving the two carrots per week she earns taking care of her siblings. But here McLeod introduces a smart alternative to straight saving: saving a portion of each week's take so that Honey can enjoy some treats from her allowance yet continue to save at the same time, albeit at a slower rate. It is about as painless an introduction to division as one could hope for. To top it off, the story also introduces the act of patience, which is another tough lesson. But Honey is such a charmer, and she goes about her task with such good-natured earnestness--and the language of the book is so consolingly you-can-do-it--that you can't help but cheer for her to save for her playhouse. A well-tempered experiment in having your (carrot) cake and eating it too, with a moderate test of forbearance. (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 27, 2019

PreS-Gr 1-In her latest picture book on financial literacy, McLeod introduces the concept of saving money. Honey has had enough of her noisy siblings. She wants to move out! But a house is just too expensive, and her parents can't afford to buy one for her. Rather than sulk, Honey decides to aim for the next best thing: a playhouse. For five weeks of work, the hardworking little rabbit can earn the five carrots needed to afford one. But then, she realizes that she still wants to spend her carrots on the things she likes. Back to the planning chart she goes. By learning how to manage her money, Honey not only accomplishes her goal, but has the tools to attain future dreams. McLeod, who is an accomplished political cartoonist, has created an engaging picture book on basic financial literacy that specifically focuses on developing good habits, such as management, working hard, and responsible spending. She also demonstrates some basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication, which educators and caregivers can build upon. With the charming cartoon designs, personable handwritten text, and relatable narrative keeping their attention, many children will find it easier to absorb this fundamental topic. VERDICT An engaging addition for early grade classes learning the most basic aspects of financial literacy and responsibility. By far, one of the most age-appropriate books on this topic.-Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.

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