Book Review: "Priceless Facts about Money (Mellody on Money)" by Mellody Hobson
As a long-time advocate for financial literacy, I was thrilled to come across Mellody Hobson’s debut children’s book, Priceless Facts about Money. A quick peek at the cover, with its vibrant illustrations and engaging title, made it clear this wasn’t going to be your typical dry financial textbook. With Oprah’s stamp of approval, I was eager to see how Hobson would unravel the complexities of money for younger audiences—and perhaps for adults like me who could use a refresher!
Hobson, an esteemed financial expert and trailblazer, takes children on an explorative journey filled with fascinating tidbits about money. From the very first page, she invites readers to discover not just the history of currency but also the quirks of financial lingo. Did you know that people sometimes refer to money as “bacon” or “cheddar”? It’s these playful anecdotes that make financial concepts accessible and fun!
One of my favorite sections dove into the origins of ATM technology and how bartering predated paper currency—a fun nod to how resourceful humans have always been in their economic endeavors. The structure of the book is well-thought-out; each chapter is packed with crucial themes like saving, earning, and spending, all delivered through lively dialogues starring a lovable cat and bunny duo. Their whimsical conversations brought a smile to my face and reminded me that financial conversations don’t have to be intimidating.
The illustrations by debut artist Caitlin Stevens beautifully complement Hobson’s engaging prose, making the book visually appealing for readers aged 7 and up. The bursts of color and lively characters made even the most complex topics feel digestible.
Reflecting on my reading experience, I found the enjoyable balance between education and entertainment—something that’s often challenging to achieve in a nonfiction genre, especially one targeted towards kids. I found myself chuckling while absorbing some interesting trivia, such as the correlation between meteorites and the first mineral deposits. This is a clever way to spark curiosity about economics from the ground up!
Hobson’s book serves a dual purpose; while it’s undoubtedly aimed at children, I couldn’t help but learn a few things myself. As one customer noted, this book is "packed with fun and clever facts," a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. If you’ve ever desired a casual yet informative guide to understanding money, this book fits the bill, regardless of age.
In conclusion, Priceless Facts about Money is a delightful book for families looking to engage young readers in financial literacy. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or a kid-at-heart, this gem will spark conversations around money and saving strategies at the dinner table. I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know and plan to add it to my collection of must-reads for future generations. Thank you, Mellody Hobson, for making finance not just understandable but genuinely enjoyable!
You can find Priceless Facts about Money (Mellody on Money) here >>