I mean; most of the parents' eyes glaze over at the thought of a savings plan or the word "budget", so what hope have the kids got of their parents reading it to them.
Agreed. But as a godparent or merely concerned adult I'd spread such a book far and wide. And remember also, how few of the investors on this forum learned investment from their parents. Most kids pay little attention to such advice from their parents, anyway - somehow parents don't seem quite credible Might have something to do with being young, invincible and always right!
Anything on the subject of money for kids is focused on saving money to buy crap and become a good comsumer, not an investor. They still hand out those plastic money boxes at school to encourage kids to save. This is a start, but they are being trained to save for doodads, not assets. Big difference, and we all know what the result is of sticking your cash in a savings account.
Why not use metaphors ... that way you create the lesson within the story ...
I think the tortoise and the hare would be perfect ... with the tortoise being the insane consumer and the hare being thoughtful and wise in his investing. And most kids would know who the bad guy is from the beginning of the book before they've heard a word of the story.
And I'd completely avoid using the words savings or budget plan. 'Investing' sounds so much cooler.
I guess it's a bit beyond the life experience of kids ... but having money, whether through savings or investment shouldn't be about the material things it can buy you, it's should be about the intangibles - freedom, peace of mind, the ability to help family/friends/society if you choose. And while kids can't grasp these concepts, they do know from a very early age, what makes a good guy (happy and helpful) and what makes a bad guy.
If you do decide to go ahead with a book (or series of books targeting different age groups) maybe you should think about getting some advice from a child psychologist or developmental psychologist?
DJ
And I want a copy for my godson and his sister. Now aged 2 and not yet 1.