A Dollar's Grand Dream

by Kimberly Wilson, Mark Hoffmann (Illustrator)

Big Bill the dollar loves his one-derful life of tippin’, payin’, and donatin’ at restaurants, farmers markets, and collection jars...until Hundred pays a visit, telling tales of large bills living in the lap of luxury. Then Bill’s dreams turn to mega mansions, fancy cars, and superstars.


With the magical help of his friend Penny, Bill’s wish for wealth comes true. Suddenly he’s a ten thousand dollar bill――one of the biggest bills in history! But when glamorous Thousand steps in to show him the ropes, he begins to worry his grand new life might not be what he was banking on.


The one and only change-wranglin’ buckaroo stars in a hilarious adventure rich with puns that reminds us to be careful what we wish for and to value what we already have.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Money, Mathematics, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 11, 2023

About the author

Kimberly Wilson grew up with a butterfly trapper keeper full of stories, an overflowing bookshelf, and a pocket thesaurus. But it took many years, and a couple careers, before she pursued her dream of writing for children.

A lover of puns and wordplay, Kimberly enjoys mixing humor, heart, and educational details into her writing. Her picture book, A PENNY’S WORTH, illustrated by Mark Hoffman, debuts with Page Street Kids in 2022.

When not writing, Kimberly enjoys visiting schools, volunteering with literacy nonprofits, playing tennis, and practicing yoga. Even though her trapper keeper is long gone, her book collection continues to multiply, and her thesaurus…now there’s an app for that!

Kimberly lives in North Carolina with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

[Rebecca Gardyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for puns and wordplay and this adorable and hilarious sequel to A PENNY’S WORTH does not disappoint! It’s the story of Big Bill ($1.00) who dreams of being bigger and magically turns into a $10,000 bill, only to discover that the lap of luxury isn't exactly what he'd banked on. But in addition to all the fun language (“Rare bills stay in the shade – we can’t afford to fade.”) the author weaves in a great “be careful what you wish for” storyline and includes fabulous back matter that teaches kids the value of a dollar – or 10,000 of them! – as well as other interesting math facts. Hoffman’s illustrations are bright and bold and bring great energy to Big Bill’s “one-derful life.” Bet your bottom dollar - this one’s a winner!

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the author/illustrator duo of A Penny's Worth comes a similarly-styled picture book about the dollar. Big Bill the Dollar makes a wish to be worth more and becomes a ten thousand dollar bill (one of the biggest bills). He enjoys a life of luxury, but only for a bit, before realizing he'd rather go back to being a dollar. With a cameo from Penny, Bill is able to transform back with a wish and learns to be content with what he already has. The story is full of adventure and humor but carries a nice theme children can resonate with.

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Page Street Kids. Opinions are my own.

[Charessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Page Street Kids for the advanced copy to review!

This was a fun little read. An anthropomorphic dollar bill dreams of being big money and gets his wish, but then has to decide if it's what he really wants. The illustrations are cute and I like the personalities of the different bills and coins. The puns and subtle education are the best parts, though--I think this is a great book to help kids learn the monetary values and some math without being intimidating. There's even some history involved (really neat!) and a moral to the story (be careful what you wish for!).

Overall a fun introductory to money for kids.

[LAUREN HOFFMANN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, punny adventure that will teach kids the value of a dollar! This follow-up to A PENNY’S WORTH is just as delightful and informative as its predecessor. Big Bill the dollar makes a wish and becomes a ten thousand dollar bill, the biggest bill in history. He soon learns that this life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that he’s had value all along, just as he was.
This is a great read aloud (lots of fun cowboy talk) that would be great in any elementary classroom, along with A PENNY’S WORTH, to teach about money.

[Harshita Jerath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amazing author-illustrator team of A PENNY'S WORTH did it again, this time with A DOLLAR'S GRAND DREAM. This book is a delightful read, with charming illustrations and chock-full of money puns.
The author skillfully weaved in the takeaway of 'grass is greener on the other side' when a dollar bill dreams of living a life of luxury and transforms into a ten thousand dollar bill only to realize the new glamorous lifestyle is not for him.
If you want a story with an engaging plot and fun illustrations woven with money math, this book is for you.

[S.K. Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel to A Penny’s Worth takes readers on a fantastical journey into currency, this time starring a dollar named Big Bill. Full of clever puns, creative word play, a strong voice, and comparative math-relationships, Big Bill’s dream for becoming a bigger, rarer bill with more monetary worth comes true. But his new life is not quite what he’d thought it would be. This imaginative tale reminds readers to be careful of what is wished for, especially when embracing one’s true self is rewarding and wonderful enough. Interesting facts in the back matter make this story a winner.

[Stephanie Gibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the same team who created A Penny’s Worth, this “be careful what you wish for” story is about Big Bill who tires of being a dollar bill and wishes (thanks to a great cameo from Penny) for more zeros. But once he becomes a $10,000 bill, he realizes his new life of luxury isn’t as one-derful as he’d hoped. Jam-packed with word play and puns, this book is as delightful for the adult reading it as it is for the child listening. And brilliant back matter explains currency and provides math facts.

[Margaret Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel to A PENNY'S WORTH is packed full of clever puns and characters that burst off the page. Dollar bill, Big Bill, dreams of adding zero's to become something grander, but when his wish comes true, things aren't as sparkly as he first thought.

The illustrations are vibrant and fun. Kids will love finding all the small details and recognizing some familiar characters from the prequel! The backmatter adds extra educational value to this fun story. A must-buy!

[Carrie Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollar Bill loves his life. But when a thousand dollar bill comes to town, Bill believes life is better with more zeros. With a wish, Bill’s life is transformed. But is life really better when you can’t be who you truly are? I loved this funny, pun-filled tale about a dollar bill’s dreams come true. This sequel to A PENNY’S WORTH by the same fun and funny team of Kimberly Wilson and Mark Hoffman is filled with splashy onomatopoeia, more fun money puns, and clever illustrations.

[Donna Cangelosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable sequel to A PENNY'S WORTH tells the story of Big Bill who dreams of adding zeros to become grander. But when Bill’s wish comes true, he discovers that bigger is not always better and a life of luxury is not as pleasing as he had hoped. Filled with fun money puns, fantastic word play, and bright, playful illustrations, this one-derful story weaves a wonderful message-"be careful what you wish for." The backwater includes fantastic money facts. A winner in every way!

[Kelly Rice Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read aloud! My children and I love the first book, A Penny’s Worth, and we are thrilled for book 2 following Dollar and his journey to see if the grass really is greener on the other side. With humor in the text and art plus lots of punny fun — A DOLLAR’S GRAND DREAM makes for a wonderful entry point to talking about money and math. Great messages about staying true to yourself and appreciating what you have. Highly recommend for home or the classroom!

[Jamie Donahoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, the puns keep a comin' in this one-derful book that follows Wilson's A Penny's Worth.
The story of the 10,000 bill is interesting in and of itself, but the other "moral of the story" to be careful what you wish for and value what you already have is priceless. The puns make this a fun and even groan-worth read for the grown-ups while Mark Hoffmann's illustrates incorporate so much topical detail that readers will find something new every time they crack open the cover.

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A DOLLAR’S GRAND DREAM is another super creative, fun and educational book from the team that brought us A PENNY’S WORTH. Filled to the brim with humorous wordplay, this story takes us on Dollar’s journey. Dollar wishes (with the help of Penny) for more zeroes, but can he handle the change? Of course, this series includes perfect books to add to your money lesson plans, but they’re also delightful reads. I can’t wait for CREDIT CARD TAKES CHARGE, the third book in the series!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loaded with laugh-out-loud puns and ten gallons of heart, A Dollar's Grand Dream teaches children about the value of being who you are and not falling into the trap of more is better, while at the same time seamlessly teaching about the dollar value of money. It's whimsical, colorful, and a real page turner! I can't wait to buy more copies to share with all the children in my life. You will love it!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from SLJ Day of Dialogue.
One wants to be richer so he wishes for more zeroes. He gets his wish and becomes a $10,000.00 bill. Unfortunately, life isn't what he dreamed so he finds a way to get back to being himself again. Wilson offers readers informative text about money throughout the story and provides more facts at the end of the book.

[Lydia Lukidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The same author/illustrator team from A PENNY’S WORTH has struck again! Funny, full of word puns, and informative, A DOLLAR'S GRAND DREAM features a dollar bill who dreams of the big life and becomes a ten thousand dollar bill. He ultimately realizes this lifestyle is not for him. The text is engaging and humorous, and accompanied by whimsical illustrations, Children will love this book!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book is colorful and informational about the role of the dollar bill and those printed that are of greater face value. The main character is the dollar bill. Good math reference and back matter for counting bills, what bills are printed by the U.S. mint, and place value. For older elementary students grade 2 or 3 or up I think.

[Howard Pearlstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punny Money Fun!
A Dollar's Grand Dream shows that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. When Bill gets what it wishes for, he soon realizes that it's better to be your own true self. A wonderful message wrapped in a story filled with funny puns and great facts about money.

[Megan Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth every dollar! Love this cute, pun-filled tale about a dollar's dreams for more. A careful what you wish for story, its theme of "money can't buy you happiness" feels fresh and clever told from the perspective of a dollar. With adorable illustrations and witty dialogue, this book will surely charm you into pulling out your wallet. But it definitely won't leave you feeling short-changed.

[Aimee Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this follow up to A Penny's Worth. It's chock-full of puns, adventure, math equivalencies, and a sweet lesson that a life of luxury isn't all it's cracked up to be. I loved the humor, the art, and the return of Penny, and as an educator I appreciated the infusion of math as well as the historical backmatter. This book will entertain and teach in classrooms, homes and libraries!

[Angela Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great follow-up to Wilson and Hoffman's first financial literacy tale, A Penny's Worth. Dollar Bill is quite the cowboy, but when he thinks more might be better, it doesn't work out quite the way he hoped. Filled with great puns and priceless characters, this is a fun cautionary tale of "careful what you wish for." Backmatter gives fun facts about the history of paper currency in America.

[Suma Subramaniam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this picture book sequel from the fantastic author-illustrator duo. They brought their funniest bones to the book. This story makes for a truly fun read-aloud for children and it's a great way to introduce finance to young readers.

[Jj · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute idea here, but it's confusing and all over the place. If you're trying to impart information about something to an audience that knows very little about it (i.e., money and kids), do not make puns and have rambling storylines.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy a good rhyme, and this book has plenty. Going above and beyond, there are many puns that will delight readers of all ages. Follow along as Bill's dreams come true - or do they? Read to find out!

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to introduce the value of a dollar and a thousand dollars. Helpful representation of place value on the last page.
Today I learned that the US used to have a thousand dollar bill. Introduced during the civil war, these big bills were last printed in 1945 and discontinued in 1969.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for teaching money math to kids!!

[Shruthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightfully clever book this is! Loved the puns and the silliness and the swashbuckling characters.
Great way to learn about money too!

[Natasha Topandasani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what pun! A great read, and a great moral.

[Elizabeth E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a fun read! Adults will giggle at the silly wordplay and children will love the illustrations where the bills and coins come to life. And to make it even better, there are math and life lessons hidden within. It’s definitely “worth” the read!

[Danielle Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute characterization wrapped up in a fun, educational story. Best as a follow-up read to A Penny's Worth! Great additions to the family library.