Reading books about responsibility can help kids develop character in their own lives. Children naturally imitate what they see, and books are the perfect tool for observing responsible behavior and then discussing it.
Kids' books that talk about money can also help children learn to be responsible with their finances. Many kids’ books about responsibility include other important themes of friendship, courage, and sacrifice.
Here’s a list of eight books you can read with kids to teach them about responsibility.
1. Bunny Money
This book is part of the “Max and Ruby” series written by Rosemary Wells. In this installment of the series, the bunny siblings learn about saving and spending. They go shopping for their grandmother’s birthday present and learn just how quickly money can slip through your fingers.
Although the bunnies have enough money for the gifts, they have to call their grandmother to pick them up because there’s nothing left for the bus ride home. This book comes with play money so kids can practice counting and spending as they read.
2. A Bargain for Frances
Part of Russell Hoban’s “Frances” series, this story teaches children how to handle clashes between friendship and finances. In the story, Frances wants a beautiful tea set she sees at the store. After her friend Thelma tricks her and buys the tea set herself, Frances has to decide how to respond.
While adults may not all approve of Frances’ response, this story illustrates the importance of honesty and the value of forgiveness. It’s also a good launching point for adults to talk to kids about the role money should play in friendship.
3. The Bright and Shining Breadboard
Written by Rosalys Hall, this story is set in the early 1700s and tells the tale of a Puritan farmer in search of a wife. His mother advises him to marry someone whose breadboard is clean because a clean breadboard is a sign of good housekeeping.
This story is a lot of fun to read with kids because of the historical differences and the farmer’s funny journey. It’s also a great opportunity to discuss the finances it takes to support a family and how being responsible in one area of life helps you become responsible in other areas as well.
4. Isabel’s Car Wash
This children’s book tells the story of a girl named Isabel who wants to buy a beautiful doll. To earn enough money for her purchase, she asks her friends to lend her money to help her start a car washing business. After working hard, she’s able to pay her friends back and save just enough to meet her goal.
Coauthored by former U.S. Assistant of the Treasury Sheila Bair, this story introduces children to basic financial concepts like saving, investing, and sales tax in simple language they can understand. This story also illustrates how much people can achieve when they work together.
5. The Quiltmaker’s Gift
This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells the story of a woman who gives brightly colored quilts to those in need. When a rich king wants one of her quilts, she tells him he can only have one if he first gives away everything he owns. The king follows her advice and learns the value of giving over receiving.
Written by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated by Gail Dean Marcken, this story sparks questions about wealth and morality. Adults can use this story to help kids understand what real wealth means and how to use what they’ve been given responsibly.
6. The Ordinary Princess
Authored by M. M. Kaye, this fairytale describes the life of a princess who is unfortunately rather ordinary. After her parents try to hire a dragon to help her find a husband, she runs away and finds a job as a kitchen maid at a faraway palace. Of course, it’s only a matter of time before she is discovered.
The themes in this story include courage, the value of hard work, and the importance of being authentic. Adults who read the story with kids can help them consider the main character’s choices and how they impacted those around her.
7. The Tale of Despereaux
This children’s classic by Kate DiCamillo describes the journey of a small mouse with high ideals. Other important characters include a rat with a bitter heart, a princess who is missing her mother, and a housemaid who just wants to be loved.
Kids will find many lessons on responsibility in this story, including the powerful relationship between choices and their consequences. The way grief and fear can impact actions and interfere with relationships is also a prime theme.
8. The Cloud Spinner
In this children’s book, a wise boy spins clouds into beautiful cloth. After a greedy king demands more and more of these soft garments, the kingdom experiences a drought from the lack of clouds. It’s only after the princess gives back the clothes that balance is restored to the kingdom and rain falls again.
Written by Michael Catchpool, this story describes the dangers of greed and how taking too much for yourself can harm others. Adults can also use this opportunity to discuss the princess’s choice and the king’s relationship with his community.
Lead by Example
Reading books to teach kids responsibility and financial wellness is a great way to help them develop character and start to make good choices on their own. In addition to giving kids role models, books are also a fantastic way to have discussions on these topics.
Start with this list of children’s books, and then expand your library to include many more. Your kids will soak up these stories and the lessons they provide.