If your kid has big dreams (like scoring tickets to see their favorite pop star), The Melody of Money is the perfect book to show them how to turn those dreams into reality with a little planning and a lot of heart. This is the second book in the Penny Power series, and we loved it just as much as the first! What I really like is how the book balances real financial lessons with humor and excitement. Fizzy isn’t just learning about profit and goal setting, she’s also having a blast doing it. The illustrations are bright and full of energy, and the message is one every kid (and parent) can get behind: you can dream big, but you’ve got to have a plan. It’s great for ages 5–10 and opens the door to talk about money in a positive, empowering way. Whether your child wants to start a lemonade stand or save for something special, The Melody of Money makes those lessons feel achievable AND fun. Definitely a great addition to your bookshelf!

“Melody of Money” is a delightful and empowering story that introduces young readers to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and money management. Fizzy’s adventurous spirit and determination to see her favorite singer, Larry Smiles, in concert make for an engaging plot that captures children’s imagination. The story cleverly combines fun storytelling with valuable lessons on goal-setting, teamwork, and earning money, making it both educational and entertaining. The lively narration and captivating illustrations keep readers interested, while the inspiring message encourages kids to dream big and take proactive steps to achieve their goals. Overall, this book is a wonderful resource for inspiring entrepreneurial spirit and smart money habits in young learners.

absolutely loved The Melody of Money! Fizzy’s excitement about seeing her favorite singer, Larry Smiles, totally reminded me of how I felt as a kid when I wanted something so badly but had to figure out how to make it happen. The way she and Finn team up to earn money was not only cute, but it also showed such great lessons about saving, planning, and working hard for your dreams. Reading this, I found myself smiling at the friendship, cheering for their business idea, and even thinking about the little “save jars” I used to keep when I was younger. I also really appreciate that the book teaches kids about money in a fun and positive way—it’s something I wish I’d had growing up.

“A Budget for Bingo is a wonderful story, easy to read and relate to, as a mom teaches her children one of the most valuable lessons in life- managing your money! This is a cute story; fun font that is easy to read and the illustrations are beautiful! All kids can relate to the desire of owning their own pet and this author uses that narrative to introduce vocabulary essential to everyone for managing a budget! I love the Vocabulary Vault at the end—it provides parents a way to check their child’s understanding of the terms used in the book and is a great conversation starter for parents and their children about the importance of taking care of your money. A wonderful story teaching an essential lesson!”   

“Tori Filas’ ‘A Budget for Bingo’ is a heartwarming tale that beautifully combines themes of financial responsibility, family unity, and the unconditional love of a pet. Through the engaging journey of siblings Fizzy and Jack as they work together to save money and adopt a shelter dog named Bingo, young readers are not only entertained but also learn valuable lessons about budgeting and the rewards of determination and compassion. Filas’ storytelling is complemented perfectly by Ethan Roffler’s lively illustrations, creating a captivating reading experience for children and families alike. ‘A Budget for Bingo’ is a delightful and meaningful addition to any child’s bookshelf, inspiring both an understanding of the importance of wise financial choices and a love of a pet.”  

“What a sweet way to incorporate the foundation of personal finance into your child’s life. A Budget for Bingo is an adorable story to which any family can relate. The illustrations are whimsical with creative attention to detail, and the storyline has a relatable plot with impeccable timing. The book is a quick read tailored to the attention of a younger child, yet packs a wealth of education on the importance of budgeting and planning for family expenses. As a former preschool teacher, I wish I had a book like this for my classroom. As a current certified credit counselor and financial educator, I think A Budget for Bingo would be a great addition to your child’s library.”  

The Melody of Money:

“This book was such a cute surprise! The Melody of Money takes a topic that can be kind of boring (saving money) and turns it into a sweet, fun story full of heart. Fizzy wants to go see her favorite singer, Larry Smiles, but her “Save Jar” is a little too empty. So she and her best friend Finn decide to start their own business to earn the money. I love how the story shows kids setting goals, problem-solving, and actually working for what they want — all in a way that feels natural and empowering. It’s such a positive message for kids, and honestly, it reminded me that even as adults, it’s okay to dream big and plan smart. The illustrations are adorable too — bright, colorful, and full of energy.If you’ve got little ones, this is a great way to introduce saving and earning money in a way that actually feels fun. And if you’re like me and just love uplifting stories with good vibes, it’ll make you smile too.”

“A great way to teach children about the value of money. This book teaches children about making money for things they want or want to do, in a super easy way. Finn and Fizz want to attend the Larry Smiles concert, except they have one small problem, Fizzy’s “save jar” only has a few coins and a $20 bill left in it. Fizzy realizes that she can’t attend the concert because she doesn’t have enough to get her to the show! It is then that Finn decides they should become entrepreneurs and earn the money. In this adorable book, children learn what it means to earn money and that hard work pays off. love the message that it sends about saving for something special vs just spending your money. A great read!”