The city of Turin, home to the Museum of Saving, has always had a deep connection with books and publishing. Since 1988, it has hosted the Salone del Libro, Italy’s most important book fair.
The 36th edition will take place from May 9 to 13, and we can’t wait to discover the latest releases at Lingotto Fiere. Meanwhile, we’d like to share four book recommendations on economics for adults and children that deserve a spot on your bookshelf!
Reading About Economics: Always a Great Idea
If the thought of diving into hefty manuals doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry. While it’s an excellent way to learn about economics, financial education can also come through novels, fables, and even cookbooks!
Page by page, you can start building your understanding of terms and concepts that will help you manage your personal finances better in everyday life.
Here are four books recommended by the Museum of Saving for children and adults.
Economy…a fairy tale!
Introducing children to economic concepts is essential. It helps them see money as a useful tool for achieving goals and realizing dreams. Familiarizing them with basic ideas early on will allow them to manage money responsibly and confidently as adults.
To teach the fundamentals of saving without being boring, nothing works better than storytelling.
Arco & Iris – The Fairy tales by MdR
Our first recommendation is a project of the Museum of Saving close to our hearts: the Arco & Iris fairy tales. So far, we’ve written and illustrated three stories to give parents a fun tool for guiding children toward financial independence through imagination.
Arco and Iris are siblings who live in the Saving Room at the Museum of Saving, where a piggy bank representing them is displayed. Magically, they come to life and embark on unforgettable journeys.
The three books cover topics like saving, planning, diversification, risk and return, price determination, and inflation—all explained simply and accessibly for children.
Adventure after adventure, our heroes become more financially aware, and so will the children who hear their stories.
Economics Books for Youngsters and Adults
Studies show that young Italians lack strong money management skills. Economic literacy is particularly low among those aged 18 to 34.
On the bright side, people in this age group are increasingly eager to learn the basics of managing money effectively.
Here are our reading suggestions for young people and adults.
“A Pinch of Economy” – Luciano Canova and Giovanna Paladino
What do yeast and inflation, profiteroles and business plans, and fruit salads and investment risk have in common? With this book, written by Giovanna Paladino, Director and Curator of the Museum of Saving, and economist and popularizer Luciano Canova, along with chefs Davide Caranchini and Barbara Girardi, you will discover the many relationships between the world of economics and that of cooking, learning and having fun.
The protagonists, Salt and Pepper, are friends who love asking questions and experimenting in the kitchen, preparing seemingly complex recipes with their families. Along the way, they discover that basic cooking principles help explain economic concepts. From caloric budgets to grocery shopping, ingredient origins, and sustainable processes, the book makes economics clear and enjoyable for teens and adults.
Bonus Tip: Meet the authors at the Salone del Libro on May 13 at 10:30 a.m. during a school-friendly event.
“The Story of My Money” – Melissa Panarello
Melissa Panarello, known for her exploration of female desire in “One Hundred Strokes of the Brush Before Bed” (2003), examines the relationship between women and money in “Story of my money”. This book tackles a subject often considered taboo and sheds light on its complexities.
“How Economics Can Save the World: Simple Ideas to Solve Big Problems” – Erik Angner
The last book, written by Erik Angner, a philosopher and economist at Stockholm University, and translated by Museum of Saving collaborator Luciano Canova, is an engaging read that shows how economics can provide practical tools to improve lives and benefit the planet.
Economics has powerful resources to address the many challenges we face today.
These are just a few recommendations for those interested in books on economics for adults and children. To stay updated on personal finance and sustainability, don’t forget to check out our blog, where we publish new articles every week!