Follow Your Money

What happens to your money after you hand it to the cashier? You pay for that cool pair of shoes or a new CD. But what happens to that money once it leaves your hands? Who actually pockets it or puts it into the bank? This lively, kid-friendly book answers these questions and more: * Why are designer jeans so much more expensive than no-name ones? * Why does a burger cost $4.50 when the ingredients only cost $1.38? * How do credit cards work? Discover the trail your money takes as it goes to pay for everything including the raw materials used to make a product, the workers who produce it, and the advertisers who promote it. Humorous illustrations demystify the process by providing a visual breakdown of all the elements involved in monetary transactions. Accessible and fun, Follow Your Money is a vital introduction to the way money flows.

Youngsters gain an understanding of money and the cost of living from this book. Each example shows the breakdown cost of production and who makes or spends the money. The layout breaks down information so that readers enjoy pertinent artwork, text, and the details of the math involved for that product. It also includes comparisons of why you might choose one type of the product over another. Financial concepts such as taxes, loss leader, minimum wage, and pecuniary penalties are explained. The book supports the National Council for Social Studies and Common Core Math Standards. Readers are pointed to other sources that will provide additional facts.--Marge Cox, Library Media Specialist, Veterans Memo"Library Media Connection" (02/01/2014), Kevin Sylvester and Michael Hlinka do a great job of explaining basic economic concepts.--Suzanne Costner"goodreads.com" (10/17/2013), Presented in an easy to follow format, Follow Your Money is an informative overview of where your money goes. Highly recommended.--Daphne Hamilton-Nagorsen"CM Vol XX No 12" (09/13/2013), This book explores the difference between price and cost, terms many readers may use interchangeably. The authors start with the price to the consumer, and then list the various costs to the manufacturer or supplier, leaving the profit or what's left at the end. Costs involve materials, manufacturing, labor, production, advertising, marketing, and retailers' ... Examples of about 50 products and services, relevant to young readers, range from school supplies to digital downloads. Casual narrative is surrounded by large, bright, cartoonlike illustrations. Informative text and sidebars discuss topics such as reasons why stores put things on sale and explain economic concepts including bottom line, gross vs. net profit, fair trade, and loss leader. This title presents a unique approach to economics and money, hopefully enabling readers to be smarter consumers.--June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA"School Library Journal" (12/01/2013), This book is fantastic!... A definite plus for a finance class but a solid addition to any library--Jennifer Szoch"Novel Nutritious" (10/21/2013)

Kevin Sylvester is an award-winning illustrator, author, and a well-known broadcaster on CBC radio. His last book with Annick Press, "Game Day," was nominated by the OLA for the Silver Birch Award. He lives with his family in Toronto. Michael Hlinka teaches college and university courses in Toronto and provides business commentary for CBC Radio.