YOU CAN’T BUY A DINOSAUR WITH A DIME

Ziefert offers a tale about saving, spending, and saving again. Pete is a young boy who likes to save his money. An empty jar bank makes him sad. In rhyming verse, Ziefert tells how Pete spends his savings on a toy dinosaur, then must do work around the house to earn more money. Readers are encouraged to participate by counting their own savings and telling how they have earned and spent it. “Money Fun” and “Money Facts” sections add ways to extend learning. Haley’s colorful cartoons nicely illustrate the work that Pete must do in order to earn his money, and the fact that items in the store have price tags that show the amount of money needed to purchase them. Children who have learned the value of money and how to add coins will be able to put their skills to use as Pete displays and counts his coins. Not for beginning savers or spenders. (Picture book. 5-9)