Can Milton teach your kids about money one treat at a time? Yes!
I’ve covered a lot of the best kids money books and it’s time to add Milton the Money Savvy Pup to the list. The first book in the short two-book series is when he brings home the bacon.
This children’s book follows the adventures of Milton, an adorable corgi with a passion for learning about money – and bacon, of course!
The Story Behind Milton
Jamie Bosse, a financial planner and mother of four children, created Milton based on her real-life experiences teaching kids about money. Milton is actually the family’s corgi. The combination of a cute dog and money lessons is a winning formula for keeping young kids engaged.
The Plot
Milton is a hungry dog and is just starting to learn about money. What coins does he need to get the bacon and how can he earn them? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
Throughout the story, Milton learns several key financial concepts:
- The importance of saving coins and dollars
- How to make smart choices with money
- The value of delayed gratification (even when it comes to tasty bacon treats!)
What Makes This Book Different
There are plenty of children’s books about money out there, but Milton the Money Savvy Pup stands out for several reasons:
- Relatable Character: Kids naturally connect with Milton. Who doesn’t love a cute corgi learning about money? The fact that he’s motivated by treats makes the concept of saving for goals very relatable to young readers.
- Natural Learning Flow: The financial lessons don’t feel forced. They’re woven naturally into Milton’s daily adventures, making them easier for kids to understand and remember.
- Beautiful Illustrations: The illustrators did a fantastic job bringing Milton to life. The artwork is engaging and helps keep young readers interested in the story while reinforcing the money concepts being taught.
Age Appropriateness
Amazon says this book is for kids up to age 11, but I would say it’s best for kids ages 4-7. At the younger side, children will love Milton’s personality and the colorful illustrations. The older kids will be able to grasp the concept of working and saving up for something that is truly valued.
If you are looking for books for kids in the 9-12 range, I would go with Grandpa’s Fortune Fables or The Golden Quest
Building a Financial Future
What I particularly appreciate about this book is how it introduces the foundation for important money conversations. Rather than just focusing on basic concepts like counting coins, it helps children understand that money management is a skill they can master – just like Milton does.
Read Along
The author has a read along of Milton the Money Savvy Pup Brings Home The Bacon on YouTube. Give it a watch:
Final Thoughts
Milton the Money Savvy Pup succeeds where many financial literacy books for kids fall short – it makes learning about money fun and memorable. The combination of an engaging story, lovable character, and solid money lessons makes this book a valuable addition to any family’s library.
The only minor drawback is that your kids might start asking for a corgi after reading it! But if that means they’re also asking to start saving money and developing good financial habits, it might be worth considering.
Looking to build your child’s financial literacy library? Milton brings home the bacon is a great way to start. Just don’t be surprised if bacon treats become your new reward system for good money habits!
