One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All about Money

THE CAT IN the Hat puts to rest any notion that money grows on trees in this super simple look at numismatics, the study of money and its history. Beginning with the ancient practice of bartering, the Cat explains various forms of money used in different cultures, from shells, feathers, leather, and jade to metal ingots to coins (including the smallest—the BB-like Indian fanam—and the largest—the 8-foot-wide, ship-sinking limestone ones from the Islands of Yap!), to the current king of currency, paper. Also included is a look at banking, from the use of temples as the first banks to the concept of gaining or paying interest, and a step-by-step guide to minting coins. A fascinating introduction is bound to change young reader’s appreciation for change!

Children's Literature

Apparently, Dr. Seuss' spirit, as embodied by the Cat in the Hat imprimatur, will never die. With the apparent permission of the Seuss estate, clones are now producing Seuss-like books to teach children all kinds of information from taking care of pets to weather patterns. This book teaches young readers the rudiments of counting money and its history, stretching from the bartering of large objects to early sources of money, such as shells, to represent precious metals. As such, these books are a worthy effort although, sadly, they do not quite match up in rhymes or pictures to the original master. Also, very young children may be baffled by the history of coinage that is included in this little book. The book could be used to teach young children to read, but as such, would have to be repeated again and again. It is not quite certain that the book has enough charm for parents to read and reread and for children to request. Reviewer: Myrna Dee Marler

Bonnie Worth is the author of countless books for young readers. She lives in Middletown, New York.