What do you think?
Rate this book
The Squirrel Manifesto
From acclaimed and award-winning financial adviser Ric Edelman comes a modern-day fable in the spirit of The Ant and the Grasshopper that teaches kids—and their parents—the value of spending money, saving for the future, and giving to charity.
Financial habits form early. Children learn by observing a parent’s behavior and through their own experiences. That’s why it’s important to make sure your children are treating money the right way. From allowances and birthday money to cash they’ll one day earn babysitting or mowing lawns, The Squirrel Manifesto provides a platform to set your children on the path to a lifetime of fiscal responsibility.
Just as a squirrel gathers nuts to prepare for the winter—eating some now and storing some for later—kids can learn the value of money by spending some of their allowance now and saving the rest for later using animals as examples.
Financial habits form early. Children learn by observing a parent’s behavior and through their own experiences. That’s why it’s important to make sure your children are treating money the right way. From allowances and birthday money to cash they’ll one day earn babysitting or mowing lawns, The Squirrel Manifesto provides a platform to set your children on the path to a lifetime of fiscal responsibility.
Just as a squirrel gathers nuts to prepare for the winter—eating some now and storing some for later—kids can learn the value of money by spending some of their allowance now and saving the rest for later using animals as examples.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published November 20, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 12, 2019
THE SQUIRREL MANIFESTO is a five-star book for its illustrations, which are the reason most kids pick up a book in the first place. And its theme of financial responsibility is a good one, although I don't agree that preschool-age children need to be concerned about paying taxes. That seems ridiculous and, so, downgrades the book's rating to four stars. It could have been three stars if those illustrations weren't so darned cute.
September 24, 2019
You might look at that title, and that cover, and think "How could that go wrong!?" but here's how; it could be written by a financial advisor. Still, it gets two stars because the illustrations are great and I really like squirrels (but why not draw the narrator wren as an actual wren? what is UP with that? Is that the illustrator's secret code to tell us not to trust him?)
Read
December 20, 2018I'm all about the squirrels and this one definitely caught my eye. But it appears to be an allegory about saving $$ and taxes.....Good for the little ones to learn about saving and all that I guess.
January 15, 2019
It's not very often that one finds a picture book or short story about the value of saving and giving back to the world. The classic fable, The Ant and the Grasshopper, comes to mind, of course, with that poor old Grasshopper just frittering away his time while the ants industriously prepare for the hardship of the coming winter months. Written by two financial advisors, this picture book is in that same vein and might help youngsters understand why it's important to save some of what they earn for a rainy day, be careful with their money, and share what they have with others in some form of other. This practical economic advice is offered through rhyming text in the voice of a guide bird named Wren. Wren shares what he has gleaned from watching the squirrels and listening to their wise mentor giving advice to the furry creatures. These sound tips can be used by youngsters or adults, and the brightly-colored illustrations add interest to the story, a vivid reminder that it isn't good to spend everything all at once, but it isn't good to "squirrel" it all away either. I enjoyed this book although some may find it a bit didactic.
January 20, 2019
Would like to see the artist, Dave Zaboski's skills used in a book more appropriate for young readers. I know teachers are now expected to teach students about finance, but I don't know many who have time to teach the meaning of the word, 'manifesto'!
December 27, 2018
Diving into the beauty of the forest, this book takes a look at a lively, playful and yet, productive bunch.
My favorite part of this book are the illustrations. Done in aquarelle, there's a beautiful, artistic flair which brings the colors of the forest across wonderfully. It's a joy to flip through these, watch the animals bouncing around and enjoy the activity.
There is a theme to this book, obviously, but it doesn't come across as forcefully as I feared it might. The first third or so of the pages allows the reader to sink into the forest life. First, about halfway through, does the idea of collecting, spending and giving come into play. The author does a nice job or letting it flow into the lively day and fun of squirrels being squirrels. There is some saving and the manifesto, but by no means is the joy of living and having fun forgotten.
The entire thing is written in rhyme and holds only a few lines per page. The vocabulary isn't necessarily the best for the youngest readers, and there are a few hints and mentions which might go over even slightly older readers' heads. Adults will find a chuckle or two, though. But as a story, it didn't flow as well as it could have and receives its marks because the message does flow well and makes a point young readers understand. This isn't a book to pick up as a bedtime read for entertainment...although a gentle and lovely peek into the forest definitely is there. Rather, it's a nice way to teach kids a little about saving and a way to divide their earnings in their lives which makes sense.
I received a complimentary copy and found it interesting enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
My favorite part of this book are the illustrations. Done in aquarelle, there's a beautiful, artistic flair which brings the colors of the forest across wonderfully. It's a joy to flip through these, watch the animals bouncing around and enjoy the activity.
There is a theme to this book, obviously, but it doesn't come across as forcefully as I feared it might. The first third or so of the pages allows the reader to sink into the forest life. First, about halfway through, does the idea of collecting, spending and giving come into play. The author does a nice job or letting it flow into the lively day and fun of squirrels being squirrels. There is some saving and the manifesto, but by no means is the joy of living and having fun forgotten.
The entire thing is written in rhyme and holds only a few lines per page. The vocabulary isn't necessarily the best for the youngest readers, and there are a few hints and mentions which might go over even slightly older readers' heads. Adults will find a chuckle or two, though. But as a story, it didn't flow as well as it could have and receives its marks because the message does flow well and makes a point young readers understand. This isn't a book to pick up as a bedtime read for entertainment...although a gentle and lovely peek into the forest definitely is there. Rather, it's a nice way to teach kids a little about saving and a way to divide their earnings in their lives which makes sense.
I received a complimentary copy and found it interesting enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
June 6, 2023
This book shares the wisdom of an elder squirrel in a parable about saving for the future. The rhyming narrative is a bit forced in some places, but is appropriate for young children and conveys a good message. The illustrations are marvelous, colorful and filled with glorious backgrounds and (mostly) realistic animals.
The narrative provides some rules in the form of a
Squirrel Manifesto:
"Care for the world
You live in, and act.
Save a little.
Spend a little.
And always
give back!" (p. 29 - unpaged)
And the authors also offer older readers with some guidance on how to teach children about finances and investing with a short explanation of the following four principles:
1. Tax a little.
2. Spend a little.
3. Save a little.
4. Give a little." (p. 34- unpaged)
The narrative provides some rules in the form of a
Squirrel Manifesto:
"Care for the world
You live in, and act.
Save a little.
Spend a little.
And always
give back!" (p. 29 - unpaged)
And the authors also offer older readers with some guidance on how to teach children about finances and investing with a short explanation of the following four principles:
1. Tax a little.
2. Spend a little.
3. Save a little.
4. Give a little." (p. 34- unpaged)
January 4, 2019
This is a beautifully illustrated philosophical kind of a book about saving for the future. It's written by a pair of financial advisors and apparently is an attempt to get people to talk to their kids about financial responsibility. To me it felt a bit more esoteric-and I'm not sure the littlest kids would really understand the deeper meaning.
February 6, 2020
This book was sent to our school to enrich a Financial Literacy curriculum. Richly illustrated with a clear message at the end on the importance of saving, enjoying life, protecting our environment and giving to others in need. The vocabulary was more advanced so opportunity to enrich and teach vocabulary.
March 17, 2021
I liked the illustrations and the story until I decided it was a commercial for Investment and financial services and I don't think it should be on the picture book shelves. The squirrels were industrious and cute storing their nuts and the illustrations were watercolor washes. I don't like commercial selling of adult ideas to kids in picture books.
September 28, 2024
great book - grandpa squirrel teaches the grandkids (grandkits?) his rules of life using rhyme. the art is a lot of fun. But the last page shows it is written to hustle business for the author's financial company. Rudolph was created as a shill for Montgomery Wards, and Big Boy was a comic book so nothing wrong w/that - but i don't like that this book is so good.
September 16, 2019
I read this to my 30 year old daughter and 6 year old granddaughter. We all loved it. My daughter and I understood the moral of the story and it gave us an opening to talk to my granddaughter about saving for later.
November 20, 2019
Loved this book. The illustrations were wonderful. Just like squirrels, lots of action and bright fall colors. While little readers may not get all of the messages, there are plenty of life lessons that will appeal to everyone.
December 25, 2019
This colorful squirrel story sends a strong message about economizing, and saving your food for the future. The part about sharing and giving back to the community, for those animals who are in need, is a great message.
December 31, 2018
Very sweet little story to teach children how to save, spend, and give their money wisely. We received this book for being clients of one of Ric Edelman’s financial planners.
January 3, 2019
An interesting children's story on saving, spending, taxations, and giving back to others.
January 9, 2019
Financial Engines sent us this as a gift and we love it. It's a great start to teaching littles financial responsibility.
February 18, 2019
Grown up guide excellent; story good.
May 14, 2019
good childrens book
May 15, 2019
Financial literacy as taught by the Squirrel Manifesto.
August 4, 2019
3 stars
September 12, 2019
Very cute story for young kids about appropriate use ofassets
December 4, 2019
Nice message and beautiful colors, but not realistic about squirrels.
July 15, 2020
Super cute and well illustrated lesson on saving.
November 15, 2020
Beautiful illustrations and a good early start to talk about finances with kids, surprisingly 😂😊
February 4, 2021
I think it is a good idea, but it didn’t resonate with my kids at all.
January 9, 2022
Adorable book about the important of saving and sharing.
August 12, 2023
Work requested review. Story lacks anything special it would need to stand out, but the fall color palate illustrations are very good.
October 4, 2023
I love this read!!!! It’s such a great book. Teach the kids positive money management.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews