THAT’S MY MONEY by Maddy Alexander-Grout and Chris Dixon Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wong
It’s a universal acknowledgement that learning to manage your finances is an essential life skill that we all need and something that should be taught in schools. Most adults are still trying to get better at this and it’s something that children should learn early to shape a positive approach to money and start some great habits that can set them up for life. That said, it can be difficult to translate the complexities of modern-day finances for a child. So I was delighted to be able to review a book that does just that. It breaks down and explains the financial lingo and introduces healthy ways of managing money, that is meaningful to a child.
That’s My Money by Maddie Alexander-Grout and Chris Dixon has been written to teach children the basics and demystifies some of the financial lingo and terms that many grown-ups struggle to understand. This is a paperback with a really colourful and catchy cover that would appeal to any young child. The book not only explains different ways of managing money, but it also turns it into a game and features lots of fun characters to help a young child to understand with the help of some eye-catching illustrations. The book goes through terms such as interest, savings, mortgages and lending. It goes on to explain positive ways to manage money and links working or carrying out chores to earning money budgeting. All great lessons to start to understand at an early age. It also addresses the pitfalls of mis-management such as building up debt and explains the need to pay taxes. It also features a little glossary of terms at the back which is a great reference tool for kids – or adults!
I read this book with my 9 year old daughter, who took it in her stride in one sitting. I give this book a 4/5 as it’s a lot for a young child to engage with and if my daughter had been any younger, I don’t think it would have held her attention for the amount of time needed. There is no age recommendation on the book so I think it’s up to the parents to decide if it’s something that a child will take in. I think that it needs to be broken down into sections for a younger reader. It is a great introduction to understanding finances for a young child and is definitely a book that needs to be revisited again and again, to allow it to be processed and understood fully. More will be understood with each visit and new insights will occur. I do think that it is an important tool for starting those conversations about managing money every day for all the family.
The book retails at £9.99 and can be purchased at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thats-Money-Youth-Emotional-Support/dp/1399974440/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3P843W54PWYES&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yMOaAwTSChwB9b9j4jyCMQ.7fLh1aDA7aooJQcrh-9p6lTrKWuCmWBkhaZCJZ40yP4&dib_tag=se&keywords=thats+my+money+maddy+alexander&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1731421961&sprefix=thats+my+money+maddy+alexanderaps64&sr=8-1
In a world where there is a real lack of positive messaging to children I love that this book is all about the positive messaging and the healthy approach to managing finances. The book would make a really great gift whether it be for Christmas or any other special occasion and one that the child, as well as the parent would appreciate!
Rating: 4/5