02/28/2022
On his birthday, a young boy is told by his father that, rather than receive the Dragon Rocket 2.7 that he hoped for, he’ll be going on a quest to learn the golden rules of money, just like his father did at his age. Told in chapters that explain one of each of four golden rules, with a narrative that follows a traditional fantasy hero’s journey, The Golden Quest engages and intrigues children in learning financial basics. Coupled with Hanson’s cheerful and expressive digital illustrations, the story stands out among other graphic novels, and Delisle, financial advisor and proud dad, uses the format to its advantage to keep young readers interested in the journey as well as the lessons.
Best used as a tool for teaching finance basics, The Golden Quest still contains valuable lessons for young readers. The most powerful rule of Delisle’s four golden rules is the first–only buy the awesome stuff. That chapter includes important discussion of how “the awesome stuff” isn’t always a thing but rather could also be an experience or a pet. As the narrative functions as a vehicle for the financial information rather than an organic story in its own right, the story’s fantasy aspects are downplayed, often just a means to an end. Readers meet the boy on his birthday, but there’s no clear indication as to his age, which is indicative of the uncertain age range for this book’s intended audience, as topics like compound interest and investing in stocks and bonds are complex, even for adults.
Still, The Golden Quest is a great way to start meaningful conversations about money with kids and provides them with a foundation of basic knowledge and vocabulary that can be built upon as they get older. The Golden Quest turns a potentially intimidating topic into an inviting, informative adventure.
Takeaway: Young readers will delight and be informed by this unique graphic novel that teaches the basics of finances.
Great for fans of: Jasmine Paul’s A Boy, A Budget, and A Dream, Walter Andal’s Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss.
Production grades Cover: A- Design and typography: A Illustrations: A Editing: A- Marketing copy: A-
