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Max and Ruby
Bunny Money
A tale of funny bunny money for Rosemary Wells's bestselling Max and Ruby!
It's Grandma's birthday, and Ruby knows exactly what Grandma would love-a beautiful ballerina box. Max also knows what she'd love-a scary pair of ooey-gooey vampire teeth. Ruby has saved up a walletful of bills, but as unexpected mishap after mishap occurs, money starts running through the bunnies' fingers.... Will they have enough left for the perfect present? Wells' adorable story is also a fun and lively introduction to early math.
It's Grandma's birthday, and Ruby knows exactly what Grandma would love-a beautiful ballerina box. Max also knows what she'd love-a scary pair of ooey-gooey vampire teeth. Ruby has saved up a walletful of bills, but as unexpected mishap after mishap occurs, money starts running through the bunnies' fingers.... Will they have enough left for the perfect present? Wells' adorable story is also a fun and lively introduction to early math.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
6 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Wells
456 books381 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).
Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
September 9, 2016
Charming. I don't think I would have anywhere near the patience with Max that Ruby does, though. Poor girl, she didn't even get any lunch! I think the best surprise in the book is back end-papers, in which we see, instead of dead presidents, portraits of true heroes and role models like Mahatma Gandhi, Marie Curie, Yo-Yo Ma, etc.
September 8, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised by Bunny Money. It's a fun read, easy for kids to understand and relate to, but conveys important lessons about saving and spending money. I love the little surprises along the way (little things that go wrong and require money to remedy or expenses that weren't thought of initially that eat into the savings fund). The "sticker shock" of the desired item and the scramble to find something affordable. I love what the children end up purchasing for their grandmother and the last illustration is just priceless! What an awesome grandma! ;-) The illustration of the wallet, with the money deducted with each expenditure, at the bottom of the pages is a clever visual aide. All in all, a winner in my book.
June 19, 2012
My niece, nephew and I all liked Bunny Money. My nephew asked for a second reading, too. The story is great for giving kids a visual aid as we learn about "Where Money Goes." My niece and nephew are always hearing, "No, we don't have enough money for that," or "Sorry, Honey, I don't have any money today," and I don't know if they really get what that means. Seeing the money disappearing out of Ruby's wallet as she and her brother indulge in wants, and take care of needs was just brilliant, I thought! Even my four year old nephew could see that when the money's gone, it's gone, and he could see where it went and what the consequences of those purchases were. Fabulous! Now I can remind him of Ruby's empty wallet the next time *my* wallet is empty, and maybe he'll get what I'm saying--I almost can't wait to be broke again so that I can try that out on him! :-)
In addition, this money lesson was brilliantly disguised as great entertainment. The story was clever and funny, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, they now want to get *their* grandmother glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth for *her* birthday, so that should be a nice surprise for her. :-)
In addition, this money lesson was brilliantly disguised as great entertainment. The story was clever and funny, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, they now want to get *their* grandmother glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth for *her* birthday, so that should be a nice surprise for her. :-)
April 30, 2022
Nostalgic, funny, and super adorable. Bunny money? Brilliant!
October 25, 2008
Wells, Rosemary. Bunny Money, Dial Books for Young Readers, unnumbered pages. Picture book, concept book about money.
Description: Max and Ruby go out to buy their grandma a birthday present and spend a lot of extra money along the way. They have to pick some less expensive presents, but their grandma still likes them.
Review: This book teaches kids about money by clearly displaying Ruby's wallet every time they make a purchase. The audience can see exactly how much money Ruby and Max start out with and how much each purchase costs. When the music box ends up costing far more than Ruby expected, the siblings must select another present. This plot line helps kids learn that things have different values and that what you buy is dictated by how much money you have.
Children will also identify with both characters. Max covets things like wax vampire teeth and banana milkshakes, which kids can definitely relate to. Older siblings will also relate to the way that Ruby watches out for her brother and acts responsibly.
Professional Reviews:
Rochman, Hazel. Booklist, July 1997.
Rochman mentions that the illustrations convey the action of this story with great economy. I think this is an accurate statement. Even though Max doesn't talk much, he conveys a lot through his simply drawn eyes and mouth.
Elleman, Barbara. School Library Journal, 1992.
Elleman stresses the math skills that can be learned through the money exchanged in this story. She believes that Bunny Money should be used as a supplement in math classrooms, and I agree with this assertion.
Description: Max and Ruby go out to buy their grandma a birthday present and spend a lot of extra money along the way. They have to pick some less expensive presents, but their grandma still likes them.
Review: This book teaches kids about money by clearly displaying Ruby's wallet every time they make a purchase. The audience can see exactly how much money Ruby and Max start out with and how much each purchase costs. When the music box ends up costing far more than Ruby expected, the siblings must select another present. This plot line helps kids learn that things have different values and that what you buy is dictated by how much money you have.
Children will also identify with both characters. Max covets things like wax vampire teeth and banana milkshakes, which kids can definitely relate to. Older siblings will also relate to the way that Ruby watches out for her brother and acts responsibly.
Professional Reviews:
Rochman, Hazel. Booklist, July 1997.
Rochman mentions that the illustrations convey the action of this story with great economy. I think this is an accurate statement. Even though Max doesn't talk much, he conveys a lot through his simply drawn eyes and mouth.
Elleman, Barbara. School Library Journal, 1992.
Elleman stresses the math skills that can be learned through the money exchanged in this story. She believes that Bunny Money should be used as a supplement in math classrooms, and I agree with this assertion.
September 24, 2011
The concept book “Bunny Money” by Rosemary Wells tells the story of the bunnies, Max and his sister, Ruby, and their shopping trip to buy their grandma a birthday present. The two decide they want to buy grandma a music box that they see in the gift shop window, but before they purchase it they spend their money on lunch and other items. Predictably, when they return to the gift shop to buy the music box, the siblings discover that it is a hundred dollars. Although they never had enough money for the box, they are now left with only five dollars and can only afford a four dollar pair of earrings for grandma. Then, with their remaining dollar, they buy grandma Glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth, forgetting that they need money for the bus fare home. Nevertheless, as children’s stories usually happily end, grandma comes to pick up Max and Ruby and she loves her presents. Although the story is predictable, it could be effectively utilized in first through second grade classrooms to teach students the importance of money management and how to use and count their money. The illustrations, also done by Wells, do an excellent job of showing exactly how much money the bunnies spend and exactly how much money they have left in their wallet. Therefore, it is an excellent visual for kids learning to count money, and I think that funny images such as grandma wearing her vampire teeth will hold children’s attention. Furthermore, as the book suggests on the last page, students will enjoy making their own money, and teachers can then use the homemade money in a simulated shopping experience.
September 19, 2016
A cute story. Max and Ruby head to the store to buy grandma a gift...but they encounter one expense after another, depleting their funds. They finally settle on a gift, a much less expensive gift than they had originally planned, but a thoughtful gift for grandma nonetheless.
I like how Ruby always takes care of Max, even though he sometimes exasperates her. I appreciate the discussions that could take place about how when we budget, often unexpected expenses will arise and how we handle that. This could also lead to a discussion about what we need and want, planning ahead (for example, Max and Ruby could have packed a sack lunch...or gone shopping right after lunch so they wouldn't need to buy food) and also what constitutes real money. The bunny money included on the endpapers could be a great tool for parent and child as long as the child understands that it isn't real money.
I like how Ruby always takes care of Max, even though he sometimes exasperates her. I appreciate the discussions that could take place about how when we budget, often unexpected expenses will arise and how we handle that. This could also lead to a discussion about what we need and want, planning ahead (for example, Max and Ruby could have packed a sack lunch...or gone shopping right after lunch so they wouldn't need to buy food) and also what constitutes real money. The bunny money included on the endpapers could be a great tool for parent and child as long as the child understands that it isn't real money.
September 13, 2012
I thought this story was cute and original. You surely have read a book involving some species of child and their grandparent, but this book definitely wasn't the same old song and dance. The story is about two bunnies, Ruby and Max, and how they want to buy their Grandma a birthday present. They have some rather unexpected mishaps of course, one in particular involving some bloody teeth. This book is also a great example of a counting picture book because it revolves around Ruby and Max's money for the present. We are told how much money they have at the beginning, and as they spend we are able to count along with the illustrations. This book is also great for children new to the mathematical concept of subtraction.Bunny Money
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February 17, 2017Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells is a great book to teach a little one about the value of money. This reminds me of myself and my daughter when we go out to shop for presents for her friends. We would go to the mall where we would eat and walk by other stores. She would see things she likes for herself and wants to buy them. When it comes time to buy for her friends she does not have enough money. I could use this as a text-to-teach connection to help teach kids about purchasing items and the value of money. We could set up a store in our classroom. They would go around the classroom and purchase items with play money and see if they have enough to buy or see if they get change back.
April 16, 2011
Teachers can use this book for counting (pre-k-k) and also use it for counting money (k-1)! This can be a great book to weave in literacy in a math lesson! Students can start off with the same amount of bills as Max and Ruby and then follow along with the book. When Max and Ruby spend money, students must take money out of their "wallet" too. It'll be great for talking about money, spending money, shopping for gifts, etc.
September 11, 2016
Rosemary Wells is one of the queens of picture books, and her Max & Ruby books are all delightful. This is a good book for showing how one's money can dwindle away in unexpected ways, and that sometimes one must make adjustments in what one can purchase. I also like the end activity of photocopying the money from the endpapers to use for play and teaching purposes.
September 14, 2013
★★★★Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells
This was free through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program.
This is another cute Max and Ruby story. As usual Max is up to mischief, and it is costing the precious little money they have to buy Grandma's birthday present. A nice way to show young children the use of money.
This was free through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program.
This is another cute Max and Ruby story. As usual Max is up to mischief, and it is costing the precious little money they have to buy Grandma's birthday present. A nice way to show young children the use of money.
March 1, 2008
Don't you think most grandmas would rather get a set of plastic vampire teeth for their birthday instead of another bottle of Jergens? Yeah, me too.
January 21, 2012
Teaching financial literacy to preschoolers. This is my best bet - vampire teeth and bluebird earrings....yay.
January 5, 2020
I Really like this book. I love max and ruby. but if you ask me I think the earrings are better then the music box.
February 13, 2021
Amusing, endearing characters in this series!
February 24, 2021
I got this from the library after my 2 year old loved “Bunny Cakes.” Well, “Bunny Money” is right up there with “Bunny Cakes” and she has requested to read it every night since we got it. I’m even going to buy her a copy because she loves it so much I think she’ll miss it when we return the library copy. And if you think I’m spoiling her, you try to resist the cuteness of a 2 year old saying “Bunny Money! Bunny Money! Read Bunny Money?”
Ruby has saved up money to buy Grandma a present but various complications (most of them caused by Max) are causing the money to go down the drain. In typical older sibling fashion she even takes it on herself to wash and dry Max’s clothes at the laundromat with more of her hard earned money and clean him off after he gets into a mess. Also in typical older sibling fashion, Ruby is a bossy, opinionated perfectionist (I say this as an older sibling).
My favorite part is the end where (spoiler) grandma has to come pick them up. Ruby worries she’ll be mad - but grandma is not mad. Grandma is always happy to spend time with Max and Ruby. If this book is “about” anything it’s probably “the value of money” but I think the sweet relationships between Grandma, Max, and Ruby, is more what it’s really about.
Ruby has saved up money to buy Grandma a present but various complications (most of them caused by Max) are causing the money to go down the drain. In typical older sibling fashion she even takes it on herself to wash and dry Max’s clothes at the laundromat with more of her hard earned money and clean him off after he gets into a mess. Also in typical older sibling fashion, Ruby is a bossy, opinionated perfectionist (I say this as an older sibling).
My favorite part is the end where (spoiler) grandma has to come pick them up. Ruby worries she’ll be mad - but grandma is not mad. Grandma is always happy to spend time with Max and Ruby. If this book is “about” anything it’s probably “the value of money” but I think the sweet relationships between Grandma, Max, and Ruby, is more what it’s really about.
January 4, 2020
Max and Ruby go on a shopping trip buy a birthday present for Grandma and discover that money won't go far.
Having saved up a wallet full of money, Ruby takes Max shopping to buy a gift for their grandmother. They spend money on the bus fare. Then Max buys squirting vampire fangs. This purchase results in the unexpected expense of washing Max's shirt at the laundry mat after which they buy lunch.
With only a five dollar bill left in Ruby's wallet, they return to the original store where Ruby discovers the gift she wanted was out of her price range. She settles on a less expensive present, and Max spends their last dollar on glow-in-the-dark vampire fangs. Then because they don't have the return bus fare, Max and Ruby use Max's lucky quarter to call Grandma to pick them up.
This picture book plants the seeds of financial literacy in young readers. Through the clever device of Ruby's wallet, readers can actually see the money being spent. There are sheets of "bunny money" included at the front and the back of the book, which can be photocopies and cut out, so that children can pretend to shop along with Max and Ruby.
Having saved up a wallet full of money, Ruby takes Max shopping to buy a gift for their grandmother. They spend money on the bus fare. Then Max buys squirting vampire fangs. This purchase results in the unexpected expense of washing Max's shirt at the laundry mat after which they buy lunch.
With only a five dollar bill left in Ruby's wallet, they return to the original store where Ruby discovers the gift she wanted was out of her price range. She settles on a less expensive present, and Max spends their last dollar on glow-in-the-dark vampire fangs. Then because they don't have the return bus fare, Max and Ruby use Max's lucky quarter to call Grandma to pick them up.
This picture book plants the seeds of financial literacy in young readers. Through the clever device of Ruby's wallet, readers can actually see the money being spent. There are sheets of "bunny money" included at the front and the back of the book, which can be photocopies and cut out, so that children can pretend to shop along with Max and Ruby.
October 17, 2014
It's grandma's birthday and Ruby has cash -- lots of it -- to spend on a music box with twirling ballerinas. Max spies some vampire teeth that he knows grandma would want.
Once again Rosemary Wells entertains whilst teaching a simple lesson -- this time on economics. She doesn't side-step vocabulary either. If this is "medicine" there's plenty of sugar here to help it go down!
Here's some more information on the importance of VOCABULARY as an EMERGENT LITERACY skill: http://extension.psu.edu/youth/better...
Once again Rosemary Wells entertains whilst teaching a simple lesson -- this time on economics. She doesn't side-step vocabulary either. If this is "medicine" there's plenty of sugar here to help it go down!
Here's some more information on the importance of VOCABULARY as an EMERGENT LITERACY skill: http://extension.psu.edu/youth/better...
August 31, 2018
I read this book in preparation for a money themed storytime/program. This was one of my favorites. I love Max and Ruby and I was very excited to see that they had a book which delved into this topic. The story is so cute and there are clear connections between the money and the goods/services that are purchased. I loved it, and I can see myself reading it again.
For: parents/caregivers wanting to begin the conversation of money/finance; fans of Max and Ruby.
Possible red flags: Max's rambunctious ways could be frowned upon by some.
For: parents/caregivers wanting to begin the conversation of money/finance; fans of Max and Ruby.
Possible red flags: Max's rambunctious ways could be frowned upon by some.
November 13, 2019
This is a cute and funny story about two bunnies (Max and Ruby) who want to purchase the perfect birthday gift for their beloved Grandmother, but in their quest to find the "perfect gift" many mishaps occur and before they knew it Max and Ruby are left with just a few dollars left to spend on Grandma's gift.
This story can be used to teach children about making wise decisions and it can also be use to introduce the concept of subtraction in a fun and concrete way.
This story can be used to teach children about making wise decisions and it can also be use to introduce the concept of subtraction in a fun and concrete way.
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January 30, 2022It's Grandma's birthday, and Ruby knows exactly what Grandma would love-a a beautiful ballerina box. Max also knows what she'd love-a a scary pair of ooey-gooey vampire teeth. Ruby has saved up a wallet full of bills, but as an unexpected mishap, after a mishap occurs, money starts running through the bunnies' fingers... Will they have enough left for the perfect present? Wells' adorable story is also a fun and lively introduction to early math. (less)
October 29, 2021
This book was so cute and sweet while still teaching the importance of saving money and being smart with money. I would love to do a lesson or even just a read-aloud with this and have the students use their "bunny money" along with Max and write about it after!
November 20, 2017
Great book to read when teaching life skills to adults with I/DD
April 15, 2018
A book about the power of economic choices. Max and Ruby go to town to buy grandma a birthday present but Max causes Ruby to spend her money on other things.
June 15, 2018
Max and Ruby go into town to buy grandma a birthday present. They learn all about money. Cute book to introduce money to children and for Ruby and Max fans.
September 5, 2018
Ruby is sister goals.
January 21, 2019
I love Rosemary Wells and the Max and Ruby series. This one is fantastic for teaching money management.
July 13, 2019
Absolutely delightful! I remember seeing the episode on nickelodeon before being able to read the book. Worth a read!
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September 10, 2019This is a great lesson for math. Adding and subtracting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews