Making Coins and Bills

Children's Literature - Nancy Garhan Attebury

Money, money, money! Most people handle or see money everyday but they may not know how it is made. This book from the "Money" series presents a clear idea of how coins and bills are made. The first chapter entitled "Money" covers the ideas of using money, coins and bills, and the role of governments in producing money. From there, ten more short chapters begin with the history of money and progress to the final chapter about mints and bill printers in the future. The book's design works well. Short two to three page fact-filled chapters are broken into a few sections that offer concise information. Vibrant photos enhance the text and coin-shaped sidebars contain extra facts. Two flow charts clearly depict steps in the coin and bill making process. Additional diagrams are included for ease of understanding the material. Other interesting sections include material on counterfeiting, jobs of money artists, sculptors, and engravers, and how portraits for bills are chosen. Text is followed by an explanation of how to start a coin collection and a glossary. This book will make an excellent addition to math and social studies lessons.