Pretty Penny Cleans Up

K-Gr 3—This message-driven book delivers a pleasing-enough story, though its main attraction is the financial advice it dispenses. Penny, introduced in Kinch's Pretty Penny Sets Up Shop (Random, 2010), is a spunky girl with entrepreneurial talents. When her friend Emma has no money to purchase a Sassy Pants concert ticket, Penny has an "aha" moment. The girls will open La Perfect Pup Salon, a grooming enterprise that brings in $30, more than enough for Penny to demonstrate the effectiveness of what she calls the Pretty Penny Saving Setup. Sweet cartoon characters dressed in jewel-tone fashions; irresistible puppies; and rooms filled with girlie paraphernalia make it easy to see which patrons will gravitate toward this book. Although it is gender specific, the idea of keeping track of one's money and designating some for saving, some for sharing, and some for spending is prudent. This title could go a long way toward establishing good personal finance practices.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT