Money Doesn't Grow on Trees

A funny and relatable introduction to money, value, and making choices--perfect for curious kids ages 3-7.

Ice cream, toys, donuts--there are so many tempting things to buy! But when kids hear "No, we can't get that" or "Money doesn't grow on trees," it can be confusing, frustrating, or just plain unfair. In this clever and comical picture book, children's author and illustrator Heath McKenzie helps young readers understand a timeless truth: money has limits, and making smart choices matters.

With vibrant illustrations and laugh-out-loud moments, Money Doesn't Grow on Trees introduces children to basic financial concepts like earning, saving, and spending in a way that's engaging, age-appropriate, and easy to grasp. It also opens the door to important conversations about needs versus wants, budgeting, and where money really comes from (spoiler: not trees or phone screens!).

Key Features:

• Teaches Financial Literacy for Kids: Helps children understand where money comes from, why it's limited, and how to use it wisely.
• Supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Encourages patience, gratitude, and the ability to handle "no" with resilience.
• Relatable Everyday Scenarios: Perfect for helping children navigate real-world moments like shopping trips and wish lists.
• Humorous and Approachable Tone: Heath McKenzie's signature illustrations and writing style make tricky topics fun and accessible.
• Perfect for Families and Classrooms: An ideal read-aloud for sparking early conversations about money management, saving, and smart spending.

Part of the Life Lessons series, Money Doesn't Grow on Trees uses humor and heart to introduce kids to one of life's most important concepts: money may not grow on trees, but understanding it can help us make thoughtful, empowered choices.

About the Life Lessons Series:
The Life Lessons series by Heath McKenzie takes timeless sayings and transforms them into fun, engaging picture books that help children make sense of the world around them. With humor, warmth, and relatable storytelling, each title explores a well-known adage--like "You get what you get and you don't get upset" or "Honesty is the best policy"--through everyday situations kids face at home, at school, and with friends. These playful yet meaningful books are perfect for introducing social-emotional learning topics in a way that's accessible, age-appropriate, and truly enjoyable for young readers and grown-ups alike.

Author: Heath McKenzie
Publisher: Lake Press
Published: 04/22/2025
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 10.70h x 9.10w x 0.30d
ISBN: 9780655235316
Audience: Ages 4-8

About the Author
Heath McKenzie lives and works in a very small suburb in Melbourne, Australia and has worked with numerous clients and publishers worldwide. Along with illustration (which he's been doing professionally since 2003) and writing (which he's been getting away with since 2013) he's managed to sneak in the odd bit of design work along the way.

When not drawing he's busily helping raise a little family with his lovely wife, collecting an unnecessary amount of toys and books and occasionally attempting ambitious culinary feats in the kitchen.
He also enjoys possibly a bit too much tea.