All books

Magic Beans

How the Maya Used Cacao as Money

Travel to the world of the ancient Maya, where cacao beans, used to make chocolate, were more than a tasty treat. They were money for food, clothes, and even toys.

Cowrie Shells

Little Money from the Sea

Tiny seashells once held big value across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Discover how cowries helped people trade, celebrate, and connect.

The Story of Yap Stones

The Biggest Money in the World

On the island of Yap, enormous Rai stones were money. Learn how these giant coins traveled across the sea and taught a whole community about trust.

Nutmeg and the Great Spice Exchange

A tiny seed from the Banda Islands became one of the most valuable spices in history. Follow nutmeg across the world and see how spices worked as money.

The Farmer and the Goat Herder

A Story of Barter

Farmer Fiona and goat herder Gabe trade with their neighbors, until trading gets tricky. A gentle first look at barter and why people invented money.

The First Coins

Lydia's Golden Invention

Along a golden riverbank in ancient Lydia, people turned electrum into the world's first coins. See why a stamped symbol made everyone trust them.

Flying Money

How China Invented Paper Currency

Merchants in Tang and Song China grew tired of heavy coins and dreamed up paper notes so light they earned the name "flying money."

Gold's Grand Adventure

How It Became Money

The story of how gold became money. A new adventure in the series, coming soon.

The Circle of Shells

A Kula Ring Adventure

An island adventure with the Kula Ring of the Pacific. A new title in the series, coming soon.

Satoshi's Secret

The Story of Bitcoin

Meet the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto and discover a new kind of money that lives on computers, needs no banks, and is protected by secret codes and teamwork.