
Reach for this book when your child is starting to ask for everything they see at the store or when siblings are struggling to agree on a shared task. Bunny Money is a delightful story about Max and Ruby, who head to town with a wallet full of 'bunny money' to buy their grandmother a birthday gift. As the duo navigates the temptations of the toy shop and the unexpected costs of lunch and laundry, they realize that money disappears much faster than it is earned. Through Rosemary Wells' signature humor, the book introduces basic financial literacy and the value of a dollar without being preachy. It highlights the importance of planning, the reality of small emergencies, and the sweetness of sibling teamwork. It is a perfect choice for children aged 3 to 7 who are beginning to explore early math concepts or navigating the ups and downs of responsibility and decision-making.





















Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book is entirely secular and safe. It deals with the minor stress of running out of money, but the resolution is hopeful and humorous.
A preschooler or kindergartner who is beginning to learn about counting and currency, or a child who struggles with impulsive spending when given a small allowance.
This book can be read cold. Parents may want to point out the 'Bunny Money' illustrations in the endpapers to help children track the math as the story progresses. A parent might reach for this after a difficult trip to the grocery store where a child begged for candy or toys, or after a child has spent their entire piggy bank savings on something fleeting.
Younger children (3-4) will enjoy the slapstick humor of Max's antics and the vivid illustrations. Older children (5-7) will be able to follow the subtraction of the money and understand the trade-offs the characters are making.
Unlike many 'money' books that feel like textbooks, this uses the established, beloved dynamic of Max and Ruby to make financial literacy feel like a high-stakes, funny adventure. The inclusion of the actual paper money illustrations allows for an interactive 'counting along' experience.
Siblings Max and Ruby head to town to buy their grandmother a music box with two dollars, but they are sidetracked by arcade games, snacks, and a laundry emergency after Max gets blue soap on his suit. By the time they reach the gift shop, they have barely enough for a pair of glow-in-the-dark teeth and a single rose, forcing them to find a creative way to get home when they realize they have spent their bus fare.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.