About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing signs in the window or asking for a nickel at the checkout counter. This is a brilliant tool for the 'I can do it myself' stage of development, where children are eager to decode the adult world through symbols and commerce. Tana Hoban uses her signature crisp photography to present the alphabet and American currency in a clear, distraction-free format. The book is designed to be flipped, with letters on one side and money on the other. It focuses on the pride of mastery, helping preschoolers and kindergartners feel a sense of accomplishment as they recognize the letter 'B' or realize that five pennies equal one nickel. It is an essential bridge between play and practical life skills, making the abstract concepts of literacy and numeracy feel tangible and within reach.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. This is a secular, straightforward educational tool.
Ideal Reader
A 4 or 5-year-old who has just received their first piggy bank or a child who is beginning to point out letters on cereal boxes and street signs. It is perfect for the child who thrives on visual order and categorization.
Parent Prep
The book is ready to read cold, but parents should be prepared to have actual coins on hand, as children almost always want to mimic the coin layouts shown in the photographs. A parent might pick this up after their child asks, 'Is this enough to buy that?' or if the child is struggling to distinguish between a nickel and a quarter.
