Priceless Facts about Money - Mellody on Money by Mellody Hobson Hardcover

About the Book

"What is the meaning of all those symbols on US bills (and why are they so hard to counterfeit)? What's with people calling money "bacon" or "cheddar" or "smackeroonies"? With savvy and wit, financial expert Mellody Hobson sheds a friendly light on a daunting subject, from the meteorites that created the first mineral deposits to the ancient Maya who used chocolate as currency to the beginnings of the banking system itself. Readers learn about bartering, profit and loss, the origins of credit, ATMs, and even fun facts about money around the world. In her first children's book, Mellody Hobson brings excitement to the realm of financial literacy and gives kids the tools they need to navigate money now and in the future. Featuring energetic artwork by debut illustrator Caitlin Stevens, amusing skits starring a cat and bunny who converse in money idioms, and inserts depicting the author and her business partner as kids just learning how money works, Priceless Facts about Money is an inviting, entertaining, and richly educational resource for every child"--

Book Synopsis

As Oprah says on OprahDaily.com, "Financial expert Mellody Hobson wrote this children's book to encourage financial literacy, but I bet, like me, many adults will learn fun facts about money--such as where the word greenbacks came from."

An instant New York Times bestseller!

Mellody Hobson, barrier-breaking pioneer in the world of finance, demystifies money for kids with a look at some wild and weird facts about what makes the world go round.

What is the meaning of all those symbols on US bills (and why are they so hard to counterfeit)? What's with people calling money "bacon" or "cheddar" or "smackeroonies"? With savvy and wit, financial expert Mellody Hobson sheds a friendly light on a daunting subject, from the meteorites that created the first mineral deposits to the ancient Maya who used chocolate as currency to the beginnings of the banking system itself. Readers learn about bartering, profit and loss, the origins of credit, ATMs, and even fun facts about money around the world. In her first children's book, Mellody Hobson brings excitement to the realm of financial literacy and gives kids the tools they need to navigate money now and in the future. Featuring energetic artwork by debut illustrator Caitlin Stevens, amusing skits starring a cat and bunny who converse in money idioms, and inserts depicting the author and her business partner as kids just learning how money works, Priceless Facts about Money is an inviting, entertaining, and richly educational resource for every child.

Review Quotes

Readers will find themselves eagerly sharing the facts gleaned here. . . . Messages about money's use as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself, ensure that readers will think about their own purposes for their savings. . . . A variety show brimming with esoteric and practical information.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Mellody makes money so easy to understand. Having raised seven children, we wish we could go back in time and read this book with each of them. Now we look forward to reading Mellody's informative book with all of our grandkids.
--Kate Capshaw, artist, and Steven Spielberg, filmmaker

Every so often you come across a book that can make a difference in people's lives. Teaching today's youth about financial health is critically important, and Mellody draws upon her own experiences to share valuable life lessons for all of us.
--Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

My friend Mellody has taught me so much about financial matters, and I love that she's now sharing her knowledge and sense of humor with the world.
--Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula One World Drivers' champion

I wish that I had been able to read this book when I was ten, but I am so grateful that my kids will have it now!
--Kerry Washington, actress, producer, and entrepreneur

There is no greater gift than a financial education to help young people learn that money can be a tool to help their dreams come true. And there is no better teacher than Mellody, whose passion for financial literacy has inspired so many already!
--Reese Witherspoon, actress, producer, and entrepreneur

Can make the elusive concept of financial literacy comprehensible to kids--and perhaps to some adults.
--Air Mail

Both entertaining and educational, this read will help kids discover a plethora of interesting financial facts to share.
--Booklist

Author and financial expert Hobson simplifies the mysteries and seemingly complex issue of money in an engaging, fun way for young and old alike. . . . Coupled with terrific artwork throughout, 'Priceless Facts About Money' is educational, very entertaining and an important contribution to children's literature and financial well-being.
--The Reading Eagle

This book by Mellody Hobson is great to read with those on the receiving end of allowances and birthday cash from grandparents. It's filled with advice and fun facts to teach kids what it means to make the most of their money from the start.
--Good Housekeeping

About the Author

Mellody Hobson is co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, the first African American-owned mutual fund company in the United States. She is Lead Independent Director of Starbucks Corporation and serves on the board of directors at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Princeton University, her alma mater, is building a new residential college in her name--the first to be named after a Black woman. Time magazine listed her as one of the 100 Most Influential People. She is married to filmmaker George Lucas, and this book was inspired by their young daughter. Mellody Hobson splits her time between Chicago and San Francisco.

Caitlin Stevens is an art teacher and award-winning illustrator whose work has been featured in American Illustration, among other publications. She graduated with a BA in illustration from California College of the Arts. Priceless Facts about Money is her children's book debut. Caitlin Stevens lives in San Francisco.