Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work

by Anthony C. Delauney, Anthony C. Delauney, Chiara Civati (Illustrator)

Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBA) 2022 Finalist

Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work is a rhyming book that helps young children understand why their parents go to work and how the money that they earn helps their family live.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens

38 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2022

About the author

Anthony Delauney is a Certified Financial Planner Practitioner, author and “financial dadvisor”. He created Owning the Dash, LLC to promote childhood financial literacy and to guide families on their journey to financial freedom.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anthony-C-Dela...
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Reviews

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good moral story for children to educate them about the priorities. Obviously, they are the most important for their parents but still to feed them one need resources which eventually comes from money.
Lilly & May are two little girls who crave for their parents to spend time with. One day when they felt low when their father left for work, their mother let them learn about the importance of work, for home and for society.

It is a good one to read and educate the li'l ones.

My NetGalley reviews: https://www.netgalley.com/book/270376...

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the rhyme scheme of the story which made the book an easy and understandable read for kids and family readers. It made it easier for my children to understand what real life is like in a household and the value of what we parents bring to ours and our families' daily lives. It shows the productivity of a family and the appreciation of parenthood as well as the family unit.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work by Anthony C. Delauney teaches youngsters a few basic concepts about money, budgets, savings, and how they apply to a family.

The rhyming phrases help make the story easy for younger readers. The concepts are simple and suited to the recommended age group. I’m a fan of children understanding how money works. They don’t need to be privy to all the issues facing parents. But, it’s nice for them to have an understanding that our taxes support community services, like police, firemen, libraries, etc. and the reasons why parents are gone from home. It’s never too early to teach a youngster why they can’t have everything they want.

I do wish the story was a little more inclusive to non-traditional work schedules and situations.

The book is a great conversation starter for all families and would be a good fit for home and school libraries.


Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy of the book. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Rachel W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When dad walks away to work, Lilly and May are sad and ask why daddy and mommy need to go to work every day. This book-in-verse explains how many things money pays for, including taxes and, indirectly, others’ salaries. It’s a cute picture book for 3-6 year olds.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work, written by Anthony Delauney and illustrated by Chiara Civati, a household economics crash course for young bookworms.

When Lilly and May’s father leaves for work one morning, the girls are feeling emotional, and ask their mom a point blank question: why do their parents leave them all day to go to work? Their mom explains that work earns their family money, to which the girls are unimpressed, claiming that money is boring. Patiently, their mom explains how important money is to the life they lead, from paying for their clothes and books and the food that they eat, to heating their house, to paying – either directly or through taxes – for the service employees in their lives. By the end, the girls have reached a better understanding of the part that money plays in their lives.

Highly educational, if slightly uneven. Delauney’s writing broaches a ton of practical issues surrounding personal finance in a way that is well-tailored to children’s understanding; his explanation of how taxes on income pay for public services, for instance, is the first of its kind that I’ve seen in a kid’s book, and is incredibly well-executed. Also critical is Mom’s explanation at the end that money is not nearly as valuable to the girls’ parents as their daughters’ unique personalities, talents, and love. The main places the book struggles is the rhyming text, which adds little to the meat of the narrative and loses rhythm on occasion, and the inherent class privilege of the characters. While the financial planning described in the story may work well for middle-class readers and higher, for families in lower SES’s, the idea of saving for emergency funds or annual travel expenses may seem a bit foreign. Other than that, the length is good, Delauney’s illustrations are sweet (if a little overly reliant on traditional gender roles in the depiction of various workers), and JJ enjoyed it. Definitely worth a look, especially for kids curious about their own family’s finances, and Baby Bookworm approved.

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to the Baby Bookworm by a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A Pre-Financial Literacy Lesson for Kids

My Review: Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work by Anthony Delauney and illustrated by Chiara Civati is a wonderful, kid-friendly book that introduces financial literacy concepts. With a simple rhyming style, a colorful display of contemporary illustrations, and the use of everyday life examples on how money plays a role in the lives of Lilly and May's family, this book does much to educate young minds. I particularly loved the diverse representation used from job professions to people group representations. Also, the bonus activity at the end of the book was helpful and will likely serve as a great conversation starter for families interested in teaching on occupations and money management.

My Final Say: This book would make a fantastic gift for a child.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Kids (5-9)

Appreciation is extended to all parties associated with this project. A special thank you is extended to the publisher and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words that I have voluntarily shared are my own.

[Jenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book to my nephew and absolutely loved the story and explanation of household finances and the reasoning for the absence of parents to go to "work."

#goodreadsgiveaway

[Lily L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work is a story about kids who are wondering and feeling sad about why their mom and dad go to work. This story will show the readers to value their parent's sacrifices for their sake and good. Good story for kids and the illustrations are beautifully drawn.

[Suzan Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a prosaic, nicely illustrated, little book for children about why people work, and why the economy as a whole depends on the labor of individuals.

This would be a good introduction to the subject of occupations, as well as finance and money, for homeschooling and classroom teaching.

[Jet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells how hard parents work for their needs and their family. I recieved a copy of the from the author for free.

[RainyDayReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Learning about money can be challenging for kids unless you talk often about it without attaching the negative feelings we grown ups get around the subject. I really liked how this book wove in money concepts with the fact that parents go to work because they love and care for their kids. My only wish was that it was #ownvoices.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two adorable little sisters, Lilly and May, cry as their beloved dad leaves for work. Mom lovingly explains to them why both she and dad go off to work each day.

She pulls out the family budget book and points out that their parents have to work so the family can have money to pay for their home, food, clothes, and house utilities.

More family money is paid out in the form of taxes which subsidizes other people's jobs such as: teachers, policemen, construction workers and firefighters, just to name a few.

Once the girls realize the importance of their parent's jobs they begin to understand and calm down. The children now know why both of their parents leave them daily in the loving care of a trusted care giver as they attend work. Dad and Mom go to their jobs to make money for the necessities of living, to finance some fun things the family can do together and for their future needs.

The illustrations enrich the message and kids will love that the book is written in rhyme. The family is biracial and the endpapers show diverse people performing different jobs around the city. The author has included an engaging fun matching game at the end of the book for kids to enjoy also.

Visit Anthony C. Delauney's website, Owning the Dash, for free financial literacy resources for kids and parents. I love the book and highly recommend it!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to teach young kids about finances and why parents have to go to work!

[StirringThePlot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most children are sad when parents leave each day. Many children struggle to understand the importance of work, money, and the support people we depend on. This book is a great way to help your kids understand our roles in the workforce.
As Lilly and May start to understand why Mom and Dad leave them they also are introduced to money. Money is a concept even teenagers do not understand. Money is invisible these days. Children rarely see cash as we use cards for everything.
I gave this book Five stars. It addresses something all parents and children struggle with. Issues are addressed at a level they will understand even at a vet young age. Introducing budgets, money, careers and other important emotions a working family deals with everyday. I wish there would have been a book like this available when my children were young. I hope every preschool child has an opportunity to be read this story.

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebook received for free through NetGalley

A great book to explain what we spend money on. Great reading with my kids.

[FictionalFlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Lilly and May start to understand why Mom and Dad leave them they also are introduced to money. Money is a concept even teenagers do not understand. Money is invisible these days. Children rarely see cash as we use cards for everything.
I gave this book Five stars. It addresses something all parents and children struggle with. Issues are addressed at a level they will understand even at a vet young age. Introducing budgets, money, careers and other important emotions a working family deals with everyday. I wish there would have been a book like this available when my children were young. I hope every preschool child has an opportunity to be read this story.
I recieved this book free for my fair and honest review.

[Judy Wyndham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good explanation of the reasons parents work but also an introduction to all the things required to take care of a family -great artwork as well

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work" by Anthony Delauney, illustrated by Chiara Civati, is a delightful addition to the Owning the Dash Kids’ Book series, offering young readers an insightful exploration of the concept of work and income in a simple and engaging format.

Through charming rhymes and vibrant illustrations, Delauney and Civati take readers on a journey with sisters Lilly and May as they discover the reasons behind their parents' work and the role it plays in supporting their family. The narrative unfolds with clarity and warmth, making complex concepts accessible to young minds and fostering a sense of understanding and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of parents.

What sets this book apart is its ability to address a fundamental aspect of family life in a relatable and relatable way. By highlighting the connection between work, income, and everyday life, Delauney encourages children to grasp the importance of financial responsibility and the value of contributing to the family unit.

Civati's illustrations beautifully complement the text, bringing the story to life with vivid colors and expressive characters. From the bustling workplace to the cozy family home, each scene is rendered with attention to detail, enhancing the overall reading experience and captivating the imagination of young readers.

Moreover, "Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work" serves as a valuable resource for parents and educators seeking to initiate conversations about work and money with children. The book provides a gentle and supportive framework for discussing these topics, promoting financial literacy and fostering a sense of empowerment and responsibility in young readers.

In conclusion, "Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work" is a heartwarming and educational book that offers an important lesson in understanding and appreciating the role of work and income in family life. Delauney and Civati have created a charming and accessible story that is sure to resonate with children and adults alike, making it a valuable addition to any child's library.

[Ausita Ausita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is the third book I am reading from this author and it is absolutely a gem.

Told in rhyme, easy to read, easy to be understood by children, this book again contains a great lesson bout the importance of parents going to work. Besides that, is also teaches children that all jobs are important and why people pay taxes, why taxes are important, etc...

At the end of the book there are two pages with different jobs and you can have a nice activity with the children putting each job under the correct category.

Someone in the comments said that their children could not stay until the end of the book but I think this is the kind of book is not so much for entertaining the child, but for education. And educational books are not always too entertaining. But I would say you can always read few pages, and leave some for another day.

The illustrations are going well with the subject of the book.

If I would have one objection regarding all three author's book from this series, I would say that I don't find the cover enough captivating. It gets lost and doesn't get the deserving attention. I got one book by chance and I looked for the other books because of the content, but I could easily pass by without knowing the great topic inside the book. So, it would be great to have the covers of these books more appealing but also to have more info about the content of the book on the cover. What it pops up from the cover are the names , and I think they don't necessarily present much interest.

[Ms Chamberlain's Class · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here are some reviews from the students in our class:

This is a good book for kids and grown ups because it tells why people work and why it is important to save money. Some books aren't like this, this is a good one.

I liked how it told how mom and dad and others earn money and how they spend it. This book teaches people (mostly kids) how we use money.

I learned that how we spend money is important because it helps others and our community.

I liked that they learned why Mom and Dad need to work. Mom and Dad love us and work for us.

I liked when Lily and May learn why their mom and dad work. I learned why my mom and dad leave us for work. Sometimes kids cry when mom and dad go for work. When kids read this book, I think they will understand. I think someone else would enjoy this book.

I liked this book because it tells me about money and work. It is interesting because it tells us what we need to know and teaches about why people work.

I liked this book and how it tells us how money is used in our town to help others.

[Marin . · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To all the moms and dads who know the sadness of goodbye hugs and the joys of hello kisses."
Before the story even begins the dedication above grabbed my attention.
And the title fully satisfied my curiosity.
The author is a financial adviser with a poet's heart or a poet disguised as a financial adviser: he found beautiful rhymes to discuss a rather boring but important family subject - MONEY.
Talking about money in verses and in a nice way helps young readers understand why mom and dad go to work.
The author wrote the book with good rhythmic sentences - we know that children love the melody cadence brings to their ears.
The illustrations are well-done - they capture young readers' attention and increase the educational value of the story.
I received a free copy of the book from the author.

[A.M. Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

It mainly focuses on the aspect of money and taxes. Regarding why some families may have both parents working for instance. I think the concept is great, but I do think that some kids may get bored with the lengthy text on some pages. Again, it's informative and a decent way to show kids how money works in the real world for instance.

[Danna Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work is a touching story about children feeling sad every time their mom and dad leave them each day for work until one day they ask their mom why and they understand that they go to work so that they may provide their needs every day. The illustrations are interesting and colorful.

[K.A. Mulenga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very insightful rhyming book that will teach kids about budgeting and what money is used for. It will also help them to understand why their parents work. The illustrations are lovely! I received a copy of the book from the author for free.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rhyming book is fantastic! It's a great teaching tool for helping little ones understand the roles money and work play in our lives. My niece (5) really liked this book and wanted to hear it several times. Great buy!

[Zara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for parents and educators alike. This book beautifully combines storytelling with an important life lesson. The rhymes are enjoyable, and the message is clear. My kids enjoyed it so much that they wanted to read it again immediately. It's a must-have on every child's bookshelf

[Anthony Delauney]

"A mother demystifies work and money for her daughters in Delauney’s picture book.... A straightforward and practical economic primer for young readers." ~ Kirkus Reviews

[Pauline Atilite · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good rhyming story that teaches young readers unity and family value.
I received a copy of the book from the author for free.

[Tori (alwaysbookphoenix) Kisamore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was a charming explanation for kids on why their parents have to leave them at home when they go to work. It discusses budgets and taxes as well as the importance of having a job to pay for goods and services to keep a household running. Sure, it describes a lifestyle that with our current climate is not always obtainable, but for the kid who learns best by books and rhymes, this explains it fairly well. However, the book doesn’t really discuss part-time, night-shift, or stay-at-home parents. It is definitely targeted at the “two parents who work five 8-hour shifts a week”. The illustrations are adorable though and there is a workbook portion in the back pages of the book as well. 3/5 stars from me, due to the lack of describing less traditional work schedules.

[Bonnie Lieberman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple language is used to educate kids about the value of money. Most of the content is well beyond a young child's background of experience. I got this book free from the author.