A funny, philosophical book about the universal subject of money, by award-winning non-fiction writer Martin Jenkins. A funny, philosophical look at the universal subject of money by award-winning non-fiction writer Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura. In the Yap Islands in the South Pacific money can be a stone with a hole in the middle. It can be a string of shells, a bundle of cloth or a copper slab. It's the stuff that makes the world go round and doesn't grow on trees. In this fascinating and thought-provoking book, Martin Jenkins explores the history of money from its earliest beginnings to the electronic banking of today. Along the way we learn about hunter gatherers, barter, clay tablets, goat swapping, precious metals, hard bargains, IOUs, interest, coins, Romans, taxes, inflation, paper money, currencies and exchange rates. Satoshi Kitamura's quirky, satirical drawings perfectly complement the dry humour of the text and in the end we are reminded that money only exists because we believe in it.

Mummy and Daddy have a little surprise for Suzie. Helping Mummy and Daddy do some little jobs will earn Suzie a shiny coin on Pocket Money Day. Follow Suzie as she earns, saves and spends her pocket money in her new piggy bank. What will she spend it on? You will have to wait and see!

This informative book empowers young learners to take charge of their personal finances by exploring the difference between needs and wants. It includes a table of contents, informative sidebars, a That's Amazing! special feature, quiz questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. This Focus Readers title is at the Pioneer level, aligned to reading levels of grades 1-2 and interest levels of grades 1-3.