Three Cups

Teaching children about money by dividing up whatever they earn or are given is a popular technique. To help introduce this concept to children, Tony Townsley and Mark St. Germain's Three Cups may prove helpful.

The book begins: "On my fifth birthday, my parents gave me a wonderful present. They promised it would take me on many adventures." Still, the young boy pictured looks pretty disappointed when he opens his gift: Three coffee cups. More happily, there's a little money, too. His parents explain it's time their son earned an allowance. Each time he's paid, he'll divide up the money into the three cups: "One cup is for savings, one cup is for spending, and one cup is for giving," they explain.

When the boy's cups seem full, his mother takes him to the bank to help him open a savings account. Here, he learns that keeping some money in the bank will earn him interest. Next, his mother helps him count the money in his Spending Cup. He really wants a new baseball glove. He doesn't have quite enough money for that yet, but his mother assures him he soon will.

Finally, they look at the boy's Giving Cup. There is enough there to pick up some groceries and give them to the boy's teacher, who is collecting food for the needy. Later, the boy helps deliver the groceries.

The boy grows up, but he still uses the principles of three cups.

"By the time I was in high school, I had bought many things with money from my Spending Cup. With the money from my Giving Cup, I gave to my church and other organizations, and I helped many people. And when I graduated from high school, I used money from my savings account at the bank to help pay for the college I went to."

Then he reveals he has his own five year old boy. "Are you ready for an adventure?" he asks his child, as the boy opens a box containing three cups.

The last two pages of the book offer hints to parents about using the three cup method.

What I Like: The illustrations by April Willy are lovely - full of expression and interesting light plays. I also appreciate the basic concept of this book; if we want our children to be good stewards of the money that comes into their lives, we must teach them to earn their money and to handle it wisely.

What I Dislike: The price of the book seems high for the slim content it offers. True, the book's pages are thick and glossy, and the cover is hardback, but why not produce a more affordable book about spending money wisely? And while the idea behind this book seems mostly to get kids interested in the three cup method, I found the story not that interesting - as did my children, aged 6 and 3. The illustrations alone kept them sitting during the reading. In addition, while I suppose the publishers are hoping to reach a mainstream audience, I was disappointed there were no Bible references about money - and only one vague mention about tithing.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4 to 8.
Publishing Info: Thomas Nelson; 2011; ISBN: 978-1400317493; hardback, 32 pgs., $9.99.

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Special Info: Read our other reviews for books about money.

Mother Teresa: A Life of Love

Perhaps the best-loved saint of our times, Mother Teresa's amazing story is sure to encourage and inspire people from all walks of life. Elaine Murray Stone's readable, interesting biography, Mother Teresa: A Life of Love follows the story of the child Agnes, who became Sister Teresa, high school teacher and principal, and later, Mother Teresa, helper of the poor, until her death in 1997.

As with Stone's other biographies, Mother Teresa is organized chronologically, and includes many anecdotes about Teresa (then called Agnes) as a young child, and teen. While most of us can remember images of Mother Teresa as an old woman, caring for babies or lepers, I was surprised she began her religious life as a teacher with the Sisters of Loreto. Although she enjoyed teaching wealthy girls in the convent boarding school in India, she felt compassion for the desperately poor and homeless who lined the streets. She and some of her students brought medicine and food to these people, but it wasn't enough. After 20 years, Sister Teresa was given permission to begin a new order, the Missionaries of Charity.

Mother Teresa's goal in developing the Missionaries of Charity was to show Jesus' love to the poor, and to join with the poor in their simple lives. She did not allow beds or chairs in her convents, and each nun had only three habits. . . "one to wear, one to wash, and one to dry." Her missions were blessed all around the world, and by the time she died, there were 169 missions in India, and more than 500 in the rest of the world.

Stone continually reminds us of Mother Teresa's words, to "live one day at a time" and "to do small things with great love."

There are black and white pictures included throughout the text.

What I Like: I was fascinated by the interesting details about Mother Teresa's life. I remember reading Time magazine articles about her, but Stone's book gives a comprehensive view of how she began her life, and how she ended up as Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa impacted people around the world, and Stone shares many of her traveling adventures, and encounters with people of various faiths.

I especially like the way Stone shows us how principles from Mother Teresa's life can apply to our own. At the end of each chapter, she subtly weaves in an application point. For example, in the chapter where Mother Teresa sets up her first hospice, Stone challenges readers, "Although Christians in America aren't expected to take care of lepers, anyone of any age can donate money. But there are many other unfortunates to help right here. Young people can express the love of Christ in their neighborhoods. They can visit lonely older people, or take cookies and flowers to a nursing home. Mother Teresa often said, "It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into it that counts." Stone addresses these points to young people, and they always relate to the chapter.

What I Dislike: Nothing. However, there are a couple of frank discussions about abortion (which Mother Teresa adamantly opposed), so if your children haven't learned about this practice yet, you will have to explain it to them.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 8-16

Publisher Info: Paulist Press, 1999; ISBN: 978-0-8091-6651-0; Paperback, $7.95

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Special Note: The Catholic process for canonizing a Saint is discussed in the last chapter.

The ABCs of Handling Money God's Way

Looking for a way to introduce godly handling of money to young children? I highly recommend Howard and Bev Dayton's The ABCs of Handling Money God's Way. Offering a unique blend of interesting storyline and biblical fact, it's hard to imagine a better way to introduce your child to the world of money.

The book begins with a fully illustrated story of a group of young friends. They decide they want a puppy, but one child's mother mentions how expensive a puppy can be. This is a revelation to the children; they never realized puppies cost money. So the mother decides to teach the kids the basics of money.

As they go through the mother's lessons, the children decide to do extra chores at home to earn money for a puppy. They also pray that God will provide a way for them to get a dog. One child is tempted to spend the money on other things, but eventually decides to save for the puppy instead. All the kids are tempted to go into debt to buy a puppy, but instead help someone in need. In the end, the person they help gives them a puppy her dog gave birth to.

"'God has taught you a great lesson,' Mrs. Day said. 'You worked hard. You gave to someone who was poor. You saved some of your money. And you were honest. The Lord blessed you because you were faithful stewards.'

'Let's name the puppy Steward!' Elizabeth shouted. 'His name will help us remember to be faithful stewards with our money.'"

Each chapter teaches a lesson in a kid-friendly way. In one chapter, kids learn God owns everything. In another, that God wants everyone to be good stewards of the money and things he gives them. Later, children learn God wants them to work hard at whatever they do and that they should give away at least 10% of what they earn. Kid also learn about saving money, and about prioritizing wants and needs. They learn debt should be avoided and that, when needed, they should seek council from their parents about money. Along the way, kids also learn the importance of honesty, hard work, and having Jesus as your best friend.

Each chapter is about 3 pages and ends with 2 worksheet pages. One worksheet page contains questions on what the Bible says about money, while the opposite page asks kids to identify different kinds of coins or behavior related to money.

Throughout, biblical references are given.

What I Like: First and foremost, I'm delighted my 4 1/2 year old finds this book engaging. She enjoys the storyline about the puppy, and can relate to it. One read of this book also had her asking to do extra chores to earn money for a toy she's been wanting. I also really LOVE the fact that this book isn't merely about dollars and cents. It also teaches about good work ethic and generosity.

The illustrations, which feature children of many skin colors, are expressive and interesting, and the add-ons, like easy Bible verses to memorize and simple questions and activities to do, are also most appreciated. The concepts covered are all simple - with the exception of giving about 10% of what we earn. However, the authors do give young children a generally easy way to understand how much, minimally, they should give: "You give one penny out of every ten pennies you receive. You can give more if you want."

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although I might prefer it if the kids weren't given a puppy. It's absolutely true God rewards us for faithfulness - but as adults know, he doesn't always do so in ways we expect.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 5 - 7.

Publishing Info: Moody, 2003; ISBN: 0802431526; paperback, $13.99

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Special Info: One page includes an illustration of Jesus. Also, read our reviews of books on money.

The Secret of Handling Money God's Way

The Secret of Handling Money God's Way is a Bible-based 12-week study written by Howard and Bev Dayton. It incorporates an interesting story (broken into chapters) with activities and homework -- all with the purpose of teaching wise stewardship.

Four friends -- Josh, Maria, Ruth and Andy -- play on the same baseball team and really want to attend baseball camp at the end of summer. The problem is they don't have the money to go. Josh's grandpa, a farmer and former Red Sox player, agrees to help them find ways to earn the money they need if they will let him teach them what God says about handling money. They're learning adventure lasts the summer and includes many adventures: building a new fence, the birth of new pigs, learning to take care of horses, and more.

Grandpa's lessons are well organized and founded on the Bible. He teaches the kids (and readers) about:

• Why we should care what God says about money
• What is a steward?
• Income vs. Expense
• Debt, Credit and Interest
  
• Budgeting: making a plan for giving, spending and saving
• Honesty and Restitution
• The importance of wise counsel
• Contentment
  

The workbook portions of this text offer Scripture verses to memorize, questions to answer, ideas to reflect upon, areas to work out plans for wise money management and prayer requests, all with plenty of space for journaling individual thoughts.

Andy Davenport served as illustrator. His full-color paintings offer realistic images throughout the book. Some are small accents to the text while others fill entire pages.

What I Like: I like the format of this. It feels less like "homework" and more like an interactive chapter book. I like that it offers real-life situations kids can relate to and solid advice. (My favorite piece of advice: "Don't confuse 'shopping' with 'fun'." Yes, shopping can be fun, but they are not synonymous terms.) I like that the homework sections uses open-ended questions. Rather than allowing simple yes or no answers, these force the kids to really think through the lesson and their responses to it. I like the illustrations and the writing, all very well done.

My favorite part, though, is the consistent biblical foundation. The authors start with God and don't let up! They've peppered the book with Scripture (both quotes and references for readers to look up) without sounding "preachy." It's done in a very matter-of-fact way that I truly appreciate.

What I Dislike: The characters didn't always react in realistic ways. Their stories seemed a bit too perfect in some spots. For example, when a piglet isn't where they expect, Grandpa weeps. He doesn't search for it until after he cries with the kids and then prays. After searching the fields and discussing all the horrible things that could have happened, they eventually find the missing piglet safe in a different corner of the barn. I can see this reaction from a child, but grown men, especially farmers familiar with animals, should know to do a little investigating before having an emotional collapse.

Overall Rating: Even with the character inconsistencies, this book is Excellent.

Age Appeal: 8-12, but kids as young as 5 will enjoy listening to the story portions of the book.

Publisher Info: Moody Publishers, 2003; ISBN: 0802431542; Paperback; $14.99

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Special Info: A teacher's guide is also available to accompany this workbook. Together they make a great curriculum for parents, homeschoolers, Sunday School or Christian school teachers.

Kids' Money Book

When I saw Kids' Money Book: Learning what God Says about Spending, Saving, and Sharing in a book catalog, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Given the state of this country's finances, this is a perfect time for a children's book teaching biblical principles about money.
When the book arrived in the mail, I was a little taken aback. The book is thin - only 10 pages, including the covers. However, it's made from board book type paper, and there are cut outs throughout for children to insert coins inside.
A quick glance at the book shows vivid illustrations and lots of sidebars; some of the latter are just for fun. For example, there are hidden picture games and mazes. Others ask kids to consider difficult questions, like whether the children in the book are spending their money wisely, or whether they've ever thought what it might be like to not be able to afford toys and clothes. And every two page spread has holes for coins, to encourage kids to learn denominations and counting with money. (For example, when the children in the book spend 30 cents for food to feed a zoo animal, readers are asked to place three dimes in the slots. Elsewhere, a "piggy bank" is shown full of slots, and readers are asked math questions like "How much money is in the piggy bank when it's full?")
The heart of the book, however, is a series of short stories about Nick and Grace, two young children. In the first story, they go to the zoo, paying to get in, and paying to feed the giraffes. Nick also considers buying a game at the gift shop, but remembers the Bible verse "Choose the good." (Isaiah 7:16) and decides he'll decide later whether to buy it. Later, he asks Grace if she'll lend him the money to buy the game, and we learn that the Bible tells us:

"We must restore or pay back anything we borrow (Psalm 37:21)
We must share willingly and gladly (Matthew 5:42)
We must use wisely everything God has given to us (Luke 19:15 - 26"

Then readers are asked: "How would you answer Nick? If Grace lends Nick her money, what does Nick need to do?"
Next the kids visit a toy store; initially, they want to buy something for themselves, but then they see the store is gathering toys for needy children. They recall the Bible verse: "Remember the poor." (Galatians 2:10) Nick decides to buy a toy both for himself and for a needy child; Grace only buys for the needy child.
Now the children head to an amusement park; they are planning to ride the roller coaster when a girl next to them says she doesn't have enough money for the ride because she lost a dime. Nick and Grace remember the Golden Rule (Luke 6:31) and give her the dime she needs.
What I Like: I love the concept of this book! The format, while expensive to produce, does provide some nice opportunities for money counting. All the sidebars add lots of fun, too.
What I Dislike: This book just doesn't meet my expectations. Sometimes the Bible verses barely seem to support what's being taught in the story, and other times I think clearer Bible verses could have been implemented. Too, so many important biblical principles are left out. The most obvious is tithing, but what about the idea that God gives us our money? That we shouldn't seek money or material things? Or that love of money leads to bad things? Leaving these important principles out makes this book a bit wishy-washy.
Overall Rating: Despite this book's flaws, there is no other Christian children's money book this young-kid-friendly. With parental guidance, I think it's a good tool for an introduction to money. Therefore, I give it a "Very Good" rating.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 6 and up, but my 3 year old finds it interesting.
Publisher Info: Product Concept Manufacturing, 2008; ISBN: 6339572001; spiral bound board book, $12.99.
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