Pretty Penny Sets Up Shop
#1 in Pretty Penny Series
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
Pretty Penny has lots of big ideas. For instance, she wants to throw a birthday party for her grandmother, Bunny, but there is only one problem—she doesn't have any money! What's a creative, industrious girl to do? When Penny notices that Bunny's attic is cluttered with old things that still have value, Penny has an idea—create a 'Small Mall!' Penny will have to clean up and set up shop in the attic to sell the old items to earn the money for Bunny's surprise celebration. Author/illustrator Devon Kinch has created a charming, stylish character with a signature look, just like such classic children's book characters as Madeline, Eloise, Pippi Longstocking, and Olivia—Penny is never without her fuschia purse! With Pretty Penny's help, kids can get money savvy! From the Hardcover edition.
Discussion points
What would you do if you had your own shop like Pretty Penny? What would you sell?
How do you think Penny felt when she decided to help her grandma? Can you think of a time you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Penny had to solve a problem when her grandma needed help. What are some ways that you solve problems when they come up?
Why do you think it’s important to save money? How can you start saving like Penny did?
What did Penny learn by the end of the book? What did you learn from her story?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the questions, relate them to the child’s everyday experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to think critically about the story by asking them what they would do differently if they were in Penny’s shoes.
Highlight the moral and practical lessons from the book, such as helping others and the importance of saving money.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights as they answer, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their ideas.
Facilitate a fun activity, like drawing their version of Penny’s shop or creating a small savings jar, to deepen the connection with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Financial Responsibility
Explanation: Pretty Penny demonstrates the importance of managing money through setting up her own small business to solve a problem.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to save their allowances and make thoughtful decisions about spending and saving money.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Penny uses her creativity to turn her grandma's cluttered basement into a booming business, showing that innovative solutions can be found for challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively to solve problems they encounter, whether it’s finding ways to earn money or tackling a school project.
Example Lesson: The Value of Hard Work
Explanation: The book shows that success, like Penny's shop, comes from planning and hard work, not just luck.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of dedication and effort in achieving goals, reinforcing that hard work is essential in all aspects of life.
Example Lesson: Independence and Initiative
Explanation: Penny takes initiative by using her resources to start a business rather than relying on others to solve her problem.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to take charge of their situations and be proactive in finding solutions independently.