Mansa's Little Reminders is a marvellous, fictional book that teaches kids the value of financial literacy. I've found over the years that financial literacy is not taught properly or at all. This book helps build that gap through a fictional tale following Mark, a talking squirrel, and his friends and family as he learns all about making a lemonade stand profitable. There's also a marvellous workbook that goes along with this book that can help teach more valuable skills through exercises and online resources.

I highly recommend picking up this book. Not only is it fun and engaging, but it has some incredible educational value. Teaching through a fun story is way better than being preachy. This book has so much to offer and I am highly impressed.

Five out of five stars.

I received this book for free from the published in exchange for an honest review. ( )

With a fun tale, readers learn about the importance of budgeting and the basics behind earning money.

Mansa would like to help his mom out and earn some money, but he doesn't have a clue if he can or even how to do it. When he meets a talking squirrel, who does know a bit about such things, Mansa's ideas start to blossom and bloom.

Broken down into chapters, this tale starts with the basic concepts of money and budgeting before leading on into a more business direction. While that might sound a bit dry, this tale is anything but. First, Mansa is introduced...and that as a day dreamer, who has a little trouble paying attention in class. He comes across as an average kid, who has a good heart and ideas but does get himself into some trouble, too. The talking squirrel adds a touch of fantasy and fun, and allows the information to come across in a way, which never feels like a classroom lesson.

The text is set right at the intended age level and flows mostly naturally. The situations are ones, which hold familiarity, allowing the reader to connect with Mansa and relate to him. There is a bright and bold illustration at the beginning of each chapter, which is simple and adds a nice touch to keep the atmosphere light. When the numbers and terms come into play, these fit right in with the plot and still are clear enough, so the reader can follow along and understand what is happening.

There is a workbook available, which correlates with the chapters and gives readers a chance to work with the taught material themselves.

This book works very well for anyone who wants to learn more about personal financing and basic money earning skills. I especially see classrooms, homeschoolers, or groups working with this one and can recommend it to them. I received a complimentary copy and did find this to be a wonderful resource for teaching the basics of finance. ( )

Mansa’s Little Reminders by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham is a unique children’s story that will inspire the budding entrepreneurs of the next generation. A terrific book to read together, this colorful and charming narrative will teach young children about finances and money, along with how to keep going in the face of failure while emphasizing the importance of following what you love to do.

Right from the beginning, the main character, Mark, is clearly in the dark, under his bedclothes and also struggles with his identity, especially at school. He would love to improve life for himself and his hard-working mum but doesn’t know what to do. That’s when the very clever, talking squirrel Mansa arrives in his life! This world-smart bushy-tailed rodent has lots of wisdom to impart to Mark. Soon, Mark’s intellect and understanding of the world – including the financial system, begins to sink in. There is a hiccup or two along the way, but Mansa is there to help pick him up.

This unique children’s story is not only full of wonderful illustrations that bring the story to life, but also full of business terminology which will no doubt inspire young minds to stretch and grow. With a little advice Mark begins to turn his life around. He is shown the possibilities of the future and so begins a change of attitude. Add to this wonderful lesson the emphasis of a loving and caring family and you will see that this is a book that is not only entertaining to read but which holds nuggets of truth that can benefit everyone. Overall, this unique educational narrative inspires as it reveals Mark emerging with new-found confidence, purpose and agency.

A truly inspiring, educational and life-affirming chapter book for middle grade readers, it teaches significant life lessons whilst also grounding the characters with the importance of family, friendship and following your dreams. Mansa’s Little Reminders: Scratching the Surface of Financial Literacy by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham comes highly recommended!! ( )