Raising Money-Smart Kids Through Storytime: Radix Summer Reading Guides for Parents
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, curl up with a good book - and plant the seeds of lifelong financial confidence in your kids.
At Radix, we believe financial literacy can start early and grow naturally through everyday moments. That's why we've updated our popular summer booklist from last year and created a brand-new series of Parent Reading Guides to help you turn storytime into meaningful money conversations.
These aren't lectures or lessons. They're simply tools to help you talk with your kids about saving, spending, earning, giving, and values - all through the power of storytelling.
Each guide includes:
A quick story snapshot
Key financial themes
Discussion questions
Simple, hands-on activity ideas
"Family Money Moments" to spark real-life connections
Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills we can give our kids, yet it's often left out of traditional education. The good news? Children as young as age 3 can begin to develop these skills through engaging, age-appropriate stories.
Whether you're reading at bedtime or under a beach umbrella, these books offer a meaningful way to start early conversations - and build lifelong money habits that stick.
Ready to dive in? Explore our updated summer book list, organized by age group, and check out the accompanying Parent Reading Guides for each title below.
Books for Pre-K
A simple trip to the store teaches kids the difference between needs and wants—and how to practice self-control when tempted by things they don’t really need. Parent Reading Guide
Max and Ruby's adventure teaches young children about saving and spending. Through a series of purchases, they learn about budgeting and the importance of making wise financial decisions. Parent Reading Guide
This book personifies money to teach children about its various uses and the importance of managing it wisely. It's a great way to introduce financial literacy in an engaging and relatable way. Parent Reading Guide
"The Berenstain Bears' Trouble with Money" by Stan and Jan Berenstain
The Bear family teaches valuable lessons about earning, saving, and the importance of hard work. This story highlights how even small amounts of money can add up over time and the importance of financial responsibility. Parent Reading Guide
Books for Elementary Students
Arthur starts a small business to prove he's responsible enough for a pet, introducing kids to entrepreneurship, earning money, and following through on commitments. Parent Reading Guide
Pablo helps his grandmother prepare for market day, learning about counting, measuring, and the value of money in the process. Parent Reading Guide
Twin brothers learn how saving - and a matching challenge - can grow money fast, showing the impact of consistent habits and compound growth. Parent Reading Guide
In this touching story, a young boy learns the difference between wants and needs, and the value of kindness. It's a wonderful way to discuss financial priorities and the importance of empathy and sharing. Parent Reading Guide
This rhyming tale introduces kids to predatory lending and contract terms through a princess who signs a loan she doesn't understand - and learns why reading the fine print matters. Parent Reading Guide
This book explains the concept of stocks and the stock market in simple terms, making it accessible for young readers. It's a great introduction to investing and financial growth. Parent Reading Guide
Books for Tweens
This books tells the story of a sibling rivalry turned business competition. It introduces concepts such as profits, losses, and marketing, making it a great read for kids who are starting to show an entrepreneurial spirit. Parent Reading Guide
Written especially for tween girls, this book covers spending, saving, earning, and emotional money habits - empowering girls to feel confident and in control of their finances. Parent Reading Guide
Why Financial Literacy Matters
Money touches nearly every part of our lives but it's rarely talked about openly, especially with kids. Financial literacy isn't just about dollar and cents. It's about building confidence, making thoughtful decisions, understanding consequences, and creating opportunities.
When children learn how money works - from saving and earning to giving and spending - they're better prepared to navigate life's big and small choices. Starting young allows kids to build healthy habits, avoid common pitfalls, and develop a mindset of responsibility and resilience.
As we nurture the next generation, let's equip them with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.
Happy reading!
- Jessica