MADISON'S 1ST DOLLAR

A girl wonders what she should do with a dollar bill in this picture book.

After receiving her first dollar, Madison ponders her options. Should she save, spend, donate, or invest? The girl, who has brown eyes, dark skin, and dark hair, considers purchasing toys or candy and also contemplates investing or saving. She weighs giving “away 25 cents because she feels so blessed” and thinks about surprising a friend with a gift or donating to a neighbor. Ultimately, the story leaves Madison’s final decision open-ended. Beckford provides space for readers to offer their opinions (“Tell us how you would spend YOUR dollar!”) and implores them to treat money sensibly. Using an interactive format, the enjoyable book introduces ideas of financial responsibility in a simple, kid-friendly way. The bold, graphic, uncredited illustrations supplement Madison’s thoughts. Some show the girl as she ruminates about spending her money, including at a toy store. Many feature thematic elements, like an image depicting coin jars labeled “save, spend, invest, give.” Several provide information. For instance, Madison looks at a paper titled “Maddie’s Savings Plan” that lists: “Spend 50 cents”; “Save 25 cents”; “Give 25 cents.” Other images are fun and creative; when the text explains that Madison’s money gives her “major buying power,” she is dressed as a superhero. The work includes illustrations of bills and coins for readers to print out and color.

Emphasizing financial responsibility, this engaging tale will prompt useful discussions between parents and children.