62 books like Harmoney & the Empty Piggy Bank

By Crystal McLean, Dave Lentz (illustrator), Shawnon Corprew (editor)

Here are 62 books that Harmoney & the Empty Piggy Bank fans have personally recommended if you like Harmoney & the Empty Piggy Bank. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Cooper Learns To Save

Leslie Clark Author Of O is for Ownership! The ABCs of the Stock Market for Beginners

From my list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up I noticed that a lot of my friends would avoid conversations about the stock market mainly because a lack of confidence or knowledge around how it works. I also saw a visible gap in financial literacy among kids that I volunteered with. The school system is doing the best they can, but we can’t rely on them to plant every seed within our kids. With the knowledge gained from friends and countless hours of research from taking classes on the stock market, I created a book that focused on teaching kids about all things stock related but also could be used as a tool of learning for all ages.  

Leslie's book list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training

Leslie Clark Why did Leslie love this book?

Cooper Learns to Save is such a good book to plant that seed of financial literacy early.

In a world where everything comes at a cost, whether it's Fortnight, electronics, or toys, teaching your kids the basics of saving to earn those things will always be a valuable lesson. Annisa gets that and is able to communicate that through her book along with tangible things you can implement to make saving fun. 

By Annisa Morgan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cooper Learns To Save as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of A Boy, a Budget and a Dream

Leslie Clark Author Of O is for Ownership! The ABCs of the Stock Market for Beginners

From my list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up I noticed that a lot of my friends would avoid conversations about the stock market mainly because a lack of confidence or knowledge around how it works. I also saw a visible gap in financial literacy among kids that I volunteered with. The school system is doing the best they can, but we can’t rely on them to plant every seed within our kids. With the knowledge gained from friends and countless hours of research from taking classes on the stock market, I created a book that focused on teaching kids about all things stock related but also could be used as a tool of learning for all ages.  

Leslie's book list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training

Leslie Clark Why did Leslie love this book?

A Boy, a Budget and a Dream is easily one of my favorites because I related with the character first which made it so much easier to share with my son.

He is still too young to understand but it makes for a great bedtime story now. The book is easy to follow along and the illustrations are great. Jasmine does a great job in breaking down the connection between proper budgeting and having a plan to get what you want. 

By Jasmine Paul, Jose Nieto (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Boy, a Budget and a Dream as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.


Book cover of Sunny and the Seven Streams of Income

Leslie Clark Author Of O is for Ownership! The ABCs of the Stock Market for Beginners

From my list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up I noticed that a lot of my friends would avoid conversations about the stock market mainly because a lack of confidence or knowledge around how it works. I also saw a visible gap in financial literacy among kids that I volunteered with. The school system is doing the best they can, but we can’t rely on them to plant every seed within our kids. With the knowledge gained from friends and countless hours of research from taking classes on the stock market, I created a book that focused on teaching kids about all things stock related but also could be used as a tool of learning for all ages.  

Leslie's book list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training

Leslie Clark Why did Leslie love this book?

I really love Sunny and the Seven Streams of Income book.

Growing up I was not aware of multiple streams of income and I think as parents it's our job to ensure that the next generation is better off than we were. This book plants seeds of things that kids enjoy and can be turned into a way to make money and I love that!

By Andrea N Pope, Naomi Amevinya (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sunny and the Seven Streams of Income as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Every child should know the path to building wealth. Follow Sunny as she learns about the seven streams of income and how they can help her earn enough money to reach her dream goal.


Book cover of Owen Learns to Manage Money

Leslie Clark Author Of O is for Ownership! The ABCs of the Stock Market for Beginners

From my list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up I noticed that a lot of my friends would avoid conversations about the stock market mainly because a lack of confidence or knowledge around how it works. I also saw a visible gap in financial literacy among kids that I volunteered with. The school system is doing the best they can, but we can’t rely on them to plant every seed within our kids. With the knowledge gained from friends and countless hours of research from taking classes on the stock market, I created a book that focused on teaching kids about all things stock related but also could be used as a tool of learning for all ages.  

Leslie's book list on children’s stories for financial wizards-in-training

Leslie Clark Why did Leslie love this book?

Owen Learns to Manage Money is a great example of a real-life kid dilemma that teaches a valuable lesson.

Own encounters a challenge when the newest game system is released. He has to decide if he is willing to save his money, spend it, or invest his money. I love how relatable the topic is and my family reads it weekly. 

By D Preyor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Owen Learns to Manage Money as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

Owen encounters a challenge when the newest game system is released. What will he do? Will he save money, spend it, or even invest his money? Follow us along Owen's journey. Owen Learns to Manage Money is a fun informative book that introduces financial literacy to children by focusing on topics such as saving, investing, spending, and entrepreneurship.


Book cover of The Assassin's Curse

Annie Sullivan Author Of A Touch of Gold

From my list on YA fantasy with pirates.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a young adult fantasy author who’s been in love with pirates since before Pirates of the Caribbean came out…and who then wrote a novel inspired by it. I grew up watching every pirate movie I could and have always wanted to hunt for treasure. I feel my most calm when I’m by the ocean, and I’m a bit of a wanderer myself—having traveled to over 60 countries and to every continent (yes, including Antarctica!). I have a master’s degree in Creative Writing and love sharing my adventures with the world. 

Annie's book list on YA fantasy with pirates

Annie Sullivan Why did Annie love this book?

I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope, and this one has it! Pirate Ananna nearly escapes a forced marriage into another pirate clan, but her freedom comes at a cost—an assassin sent to kill her. Hold on to your hats because this book has adventure, romance, curses, and more! You’ll fall in love with the world and the characters as they leap off the pages! 

By Cassandra Rose Clarke,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Assassin's Curse as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to an allying pirate clan: she wants to captain her own boat, not serve as second-in-command to her handsome yet clueless fiance. But her escape has dire consequences when she learns the scorned clan has sent an assassin after her. 

And when the assassin, Naji, finally catches up with her, things get even worse. Ananna inadvertently triggers a nasty curse — with a life-altering result. Now Ananna and Naji are forced to become uneasy allies as they work together to break the curse and return their…


Book cover of Wizard of Oz

Martin Campbell Author Of Sailor's Heart

From my list on true courage in facing danger when afraid.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a Scottish writer who has published two books, one about poker and plumbing (Bad Beat Hotel) and the other about the treatment of men who sailed in the WW2 Arctic convoys and were unable to continue fighting (Sailor’s Heart). I’m interested in how people work and how they can be “repaired” when they wear out, malfunction, or break. My professional background is in clinical psychology and the study of human behaviour. I chose “cowards who become heroes” as my book theme because I’m constantly amazed by people’s resilience when faced with the most terrible circumstances.

Martin's book list on true courage in facing danger when afraid

Martin Campbell Why did Martin love this book?

This is (still) the best book that I have ever read about cowards who became heroes.

Whether you read it as an adult or with a child, before or after you have seen the movie multiple times, you can marvel at how Dorothy and all the characters (and there are many more in the books than in the movie) inspire the readers by overcoming adversity.

The book is a rollercoaster of emotion - never knowing what is on the next page - and the movie transcends Harry Potter or Indiana Jones for action. “True courage is in facing danger when you are afraid.” This is the difference between being fearless and being courageous.

If you feel no fear, then you are fearless, yes, but not courageous.

By L. Frank Baum,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wizard of Oz as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

When a tornado hits her farmhouse in Kansas, Dorothy is caught up in a whirlwind of adventure, complete with flying monkeys, talking lions, and silver slippers. Advanced readers will join Dorothy, Toto, and her friends from Oz on an unforgettable journey down the Yellow Brick Road in this Level 4 reader.

The Wizard of Oz will now join classics like The Secret Garden and Alice in Wonderland in the Penguin Young Readers program!


Book cover of Dark Lord of Derkholm

Jinn Nelson Author Of Traveler

From my list on underrated humorous fantasy with happy endings.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a fantasy writer, I love to play with possibilities and invent new words for our experiences. I find that humorous fantasy is especially powerful in this regard because it pairs possibilities with absurdity, coming at reality sideways or backwards, putting everyday life into a new and more interesting light. Humor has the unique ability to transcend genres, from thrillers to cozy mysteries. It helps you process difficult emotions, or lift your spirits when the world feels a little too dark. These are some of my favorites within this category, and they all happen to be the first books in a series (you’re welcome). I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Jinn's book list on underrated humorous fantasy with happy endings

Jinn Nelson Why did Jinn love this book?

This is a high fantasy adventure that does hilarious things with classic RPG tropes.

A magical kingdom grows fed up with hosting epic fantasy adventures for tourists from the world next door, complete with Wizard Guides, tavern stays, dragons, and epic battles with a Dark Lord.

Wizard Derk is assigned to be this year’s Dark Lord and—while he’s at it—save the world from these destructive tours.

The story romps across countries and continents, includes plenty of action, and doesn’t hold back when it comes to the somewhat messy familial relationships between Derk, his wife, and his children.

This is one of those books that reveals something new every time you read it.

By Diana Wynne Jones,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Dark Lord of Derkholm as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Everyone - wizards, soldiers, farmers, elves, dragons, kings and queens alike - is fed up with Mr Chesney's Pilgrim Parties: groups of tourists from the next-door world who descend en masse every year to take the Grand Tour. What they expect are all the trappings of a grand fantasy adventure, including the Evil Enchantress, Wizard Guides, the Dark Lord, Winged Minions, and all. And every year different people are chosen to play these parts. But now they've had enough: Mr Chesney may be backed by a very powerful demon, but the Oracles have spoken. Nw it's up to the Wizard…


Book cover of The Demon King

K. A. Gandy Author Of The Lost Talisman

From my list on sci-fi to fall in love with morally gray heroes.

Why am I passionate about this?

Morally gray heroes are my absolute favorite kind. Whether it’s Batman, Dean Winchester from Supernatural, or the heroes on this list—if he’s not dark and stormy, well, I’m not interested. There’s a depth to these characters that others often lack, and I find it so fascinating. Especially when there’s romance involved. The books on this list are nearly all polar opposites, and yet... they each stretch our capacity to love to the very breaking point—and then make us catch our breath. How far into the darkness can he go, and still come back with a heart left to give to his heroine?

K. A.'s book list on sci-fi to fall in love with morally gray heroes

K. A. Gandy Why did K. A. love this book?

This book is so underrated, it’s painful. A truly engrossing read. Han Alister must rise up from the slums of the city to embrace his magic, and find revenge for his innocent sister’s death. She was his heart, and when her life is extinguished, so is that part of himself. Or so he thought, until Raisa. A princess by birth, she’ll have to overcome her so-called privilege to have a chance at real happiness with someone less than a commoner—a reformed thief and gang leader. Or is he? Will revenge prove a more powerful conviction than love? Magical twists and surprises abound, and the depth of this world will suck you right in. If you’re not cheering for Han by the end, do you even like morally gray heroes? 

By Cinda Williams Chima,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Demon King as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima presents the first installment in a thrilling new fantasy series, in which the lives of Han Alister and the brave Princess Raisa collide in a magical and dangerous adventure.
One day Han Alister catches three young wizard setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. Han takes an amulet away from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won't use it against him. The amulet once belonged to the Demon King, who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece so powerful at stake, Han…


Book cover of The Eyes of the Dragon

Charlene Williams Author Of Unexpected Places

From my list on a supernatural twist.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a big believer in ghosts. I love to read about them both in fiction and in nonfiction. I think ghosts can be used to elevate a plot in so many ways, either in subtle ways via background influences or overtly by making the supernatural entity a vital character. Beyond ghosts, there are so many ways the supernatural and its various creatures/forms can add layers to a text. Not all supernatural stories have to be a horror story. I also enjoy comedic ones and ones that relay a meaningful message. It’s not the things we see that fascinate me; it’s the things we don’t see.

Charlene's book list on a supernatural twist

Charlene Williams Why did Charlene love this book?

I adored this book because it was not of the typical Stephen King variety. I did, of course, enjoy the rich kingdom that King weaves, but the very ingenious escape of one of the main characters nailed it for me.

I like it when things are not easily guessed, and I love it more when books are so creative that you remember details 30 years after you’ve read them.

By Stephen King,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Eyes of the Dragon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the kingdom of Delain, a young prince must struggle against powerful forces to gain his rightful inheritance.


Book cover of Master of the Five Magics

Jason Lancour Author Of Rise of the Red Hand

From my list on fantasy featuring a well-structured magic system.

Why am I passionate about this?

In today’s world we have unprecedented access to knowledge and science. We are increasingly unsatisfied with seemingly impossible things that have no plausible explanation. Speculative fiction is known for asking one simple question “What If?” Science fiction leans toward scenarios that might be possible, whereas fantasy dwells in the world of the impossible. In early fantasy writing we would read about impossible things, and the author would wave it away with a simple “It’s just magic – don’t think about it.” Modern audiences want more. Hard fantasy (where magic systems have a logical and rules-based premise) dares not only to ask “what if” but also suggests “here’s how.”

Jason's book list on fantasy featuring a well-structured magic system

Jason Lancour Why did Jason love this book?

Master of the Five Magics delivers exactly what the title suggests. Hardy creates not only one, but five distinct and well-thought-out systems of magic. Each discipline is different from the next in practice, application, and style. The mechanics of how each of the systems functions is logical, precise, and adheres to a well-planned set of rules. The reader explores the world of magics through immersive storytelling and the reader can enjoy the journey without the perception of having attended a university course on the subject material.

The trilogy is seen as ahead of its time and is often credited as having influenced later authors as they explored the subject of magic in fantasy in their own writings.

By Lyndon Hardy,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Master of the Five Magics as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?


Vendora, the crafty queen under siege in a castle that had never fallen.

Alodar, the mere journeyman, learning the least of the five crafts of magic.

He had no right to aspire for her hand --- but aspire he did!

Wizards, sorcerers, dragons, castles, and more!

Alodar's quest takes him from one magical craft to another—each with its own distinct powers and pitfalls. Aided by a mysterious eye from deep within the earth, at a college for magicians, he discovers the secret lying behind the hypnotic flicker of common flame.


Volume 1 of the Magic by the Numbers series


Some…


Book cover of Cooper Learns To Save
Book cover of A Boy, a Budget and a Dream
Book cover of Sunny and the Seven Streams of Income

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