ALVATON, Ky. (WBKO) – Despite WCPS having an NTI day Monday, National Award Winning Children’s Author, Julia Cook, still visited Alvaton Elementary to discuss her new financial literacy book “I am Money and I don’t Grow on Trees.”
The book features money as the main character and teaches kids the importance of financial literacy through a journey of spending, saving, earning, and giving away money.
“Money is a tough topic for parents to talk to their kids about,” Cook said. “Sometimes we’ve made mistakes as parents, and we don’t want our kids to make those mistakes. But we think well, I can teach you about money when I don’t manage money well myself”.
She said she had always wanted to write a book for kids on financial literacy, but she needed the financial information to do so.
The book was finally able to come to fruition after she sat next to Garrett Gunderson on a plane ride.
“He is a national money expert and New York Times bestselling author of money,” Cook said. “He says, ‘Well, I’ve always wanted to write a book about money, but I don’t speak kid.’ Then I said, ‘Well, I have a really good idea for a book on money.’”
Originally, the event was going to be a big presentation with props and various other interactive pieces but due to the NTI day, Cook had to improvise.
“I did the presentation on Zoom and recorded it. So now teachers can come back and they can get their kids the books and on their time, they can show the lesson as they want to and stop and start it and have the conversations which I think maybe even be more valuable than live,” Cook said.
In addition to being a good place for children to learn about financial literacy, the book also has tips for adults.
“It’s a game changer for kids, teachers, and parents because it gives them the what to say in the how to say it. It also will spur on a lot of fun information and talking points with your child because if they truly understand that your value in life has nothing to do with how much you can buy. If you can create value for others, money will always chase that value,” Cook said.
If you would like a copy of the book, click here.
Campbell Chevrolet sponsored a copy of the book for every student at Alvaton Elementary to take home.
Copyright 2024 WBKO. All rights reserved.