Let's Explore Needs and Wants

April 1, 2019
Preschool-G Part of the Bumba Books: A First Look at Money series (4 titles), this book addresses the tricky differentiation between needs and wants. Designed for the youngest nonfiction readers, it employs bright, colorful backgrounds, full-page photos (typically of diverse children enjoying treats or sporting necessary clothing like winter coats), a few generously spaced lines of text, and occasional question bubbles that prompt critical thinking. Its spreads clearly explain, and demonstrate via illustration, that needs are things required to live (healthy food, warm clothes, etc.), while wants are things people like but aren't required for survival?though more than one child is sure to balk at the line No one needs candy to live. The final spread features an identification activity and a photo glossary. Preschool collections need this title.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2019
Each slim volume introduces new readers to a basic concept of personal finance. Large bright pages feature a few short sentences and often a question intended to start conversation: e.g., "Do you do chores to earn money? You can save it." A diverse cast of cheerful children earn, save, and spend money in these useful if unremarkable volumes.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)