While this book is written to show Canadian kids how to be effective money-makers, educated consumers, and successful investors, the majority of young readers will probably be most interested in the chapter on jobs. Based on the premise of “do what you love and the money will follow,” the chapter has a mini-questionnaire to determine the reader’s interests, suggestions for applying for jobs, and an abundance of ideas for starting and running one’s own small business. A section devoted to volunteering and donating to charity is also included.
Other chapters dealing with banking, budgeting, and investing are also written from a practical standpoint, but may be difficult for the young reader to appreciate and understand in spite of the fact that Bogart writes with an upbeat tone and tries her best to explain concepts clearly and simply. Still, RRSPs, GICs, mutual funds, and the stock market are challenging ideas for many adults, let alone children. Explanations might be easier to understand if more graphics had been used (e.g., a sample cheque to accompany written instructions on how to fill out a cheque) along with more of illustrator Teco Guerreiro’s humorous black and white cartoons, and a more creative presentation of the numerous interesting sidebars. Parts of this book need to be read and discussed by parents and children together. An extensive index and a page of web site addresses will aid the discussion.