Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • We Sing From the Heart wins Julia Ward Howe prize for children’s literature!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Carter G. Woodson Book Award Honoree!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
Menu
Books for Kids about Entrepreneurship

12 Books for Kids about Entrepreneurship

Posted on April 3, 2019April 17, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

I wasn’t a child entrepreneur like one of my business partners at Aquent, John, who bought soda wholesale as a kid and tried to sell it in Central Park from his wagon. The business was brisk until other food sellers sent over the police to shut him down because he was selling without a permit.

His entrepreneurial spirit followed him to Harvard. He got his father, who was wrapping up the family business in Taiwan, to ship him a crate of inexpensive headphones. I remember when he had to go to the docks in Boston to retrieve them from customs. He convinced a local store selling speakers to sell them on consignment. Periodically, I would accompany him as he went to collect a check. We’d eat out from that money so this was a welcome reprieve from our boring dorm food.

 

Aquent Founders in 1986

 

I learned how to be an entrepreneur from John. We bootstrapped a business that started off as desktop publishing out of our college dorm room into a multinational corporation. Now, thirty-four years later, Aquent is the world’s largest company staffing creative, digital, and marketing talent with 37 offices around the world.

 

Aquent Boston Office

 

I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is both nurture and nature in that entrepreneurs need personality traits that include optimism and fearlessness. Mentors are also important to help provide a roadmap for the unknown. Education whether it’s through books or the classroom is also helpful to learn concrete skills like accounting and finance.

 

 

I think entrepreneurs learn from the laps of their parents, just like kids learn to read if they are lucky enough to possess parents with that skill set. My own kids have asked about business and entrepreneurship since they were little — some more than others — and this has resulted in questions like Who Owns the Money? I’m proud of them for launching their own business, indigo clothing co.

 

Indigo Clothing Company teen girls entrepreneurs

 

Today, I have author Carter Higgins, with a book list for kids on entrepreneurship. We are also giving away a copy of her new book, Bikes for Sale. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom.

Bikes for Sale by Carter Higgins, illustrated by Zachariah OHora

I’m a huge fan of Carter Higgins. Not only does she write in lyrical prose, but she always manages to find a new, interesting spin on her stories. Honestly, her books never disappoint! Her latest book was sparked by seeing a sign of Bikes for Sale. From that innocuous sign that could very be outgrown bikes, she has created a story of entrepreneurship, ingenuity, and friendship. Bikes are involved too! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

 

p.s. Related posts:

How Do You Teach Innovation? My Entrepreneurial Story

Lemonade Stand Ideas for Young Entrepreneurs: 100 Days of Play

Entrepreneurship for Kids: Failure IS an Option (but that’s OK!)

Two Year Wait List Book Trailer Release! My Sister’s Book! (An Entrepreneurial Guide for Music Teachers)

 

Carter Higgins on Entrepreneurship

The dedication in Bikes for Sale says this:

For the bike riders in my neighborhood: Sallie, Beverly, Wendy, Kate, and Brooke.

The six of us lived in three pairs of sisters: big and little, big and little, big and little.

We lived next door to each other and just down the street. We did everything together on bikes or roller skates and only wore regular shoes if it was time to set up shop.

The Anything Store is what we called it. We used sticks to hollow out acorns and strung them on yarn to make necklaces and bracelets. We sold rocks as paperweights. And we created artwork on small pieces of construction paper, let the glue dry on the back, and told our customers that if they licked the glue, it would become a sticker.

We didn’t sell that many if I remember right. But the stick-collecting and lemonade-stand-ing have roots in The Anything Store, that’s for sure.

Here are some other books for young entrepreneurs in your neighborhood.

 

12 Books for Kids about Entrepreneurship

 

Project Startup (Eat Bugs #1) by Laura D’Asaro, Rose Wang, Heather Alexander, and illustrated by Vanessa Flores

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“This was a great mix of business skills and 6th grade friend drama. We all know (or possibly were) a Hallie; any of your students who are wearing cat ear headbands right now would be her friend. Jaye was born in China, and Wang’s portrayal of her difficulties with her mother and her classmates are sensitively done. She represents so many girls who don’t want to cause a stir and are willing to be somewhat unhappy if they can retain friends who are “popular”. The arc of her friendship with Spencer is also realistic. I really appreciated the roles that the parents and grandmother played in this book: driving children to practice, helping with homework, overseeing work to be done.” [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Enemies by Svetlana Chmakova

Middle school is complicated for Felicity. Her younger sister seems to win at everything she does, while Felicity can’t seem to finish anything she starts. Friendships are also complicated. Things are really awkward with her best friend in elementary school, Joseph Ko, and she doesn’t why. Still, she floats between groups and that helps to keep the drama to a minimum. That is until she decided to enter a business plan competition to show everyone including herself that she can be a winner too. Only, now her friendships are intermingled and the stress to come up with a good idea increases. This might be a good time to reassess who is an enemy and what makes for a good friend. Failure isn’t an option, or is it? [middle grade graphic novel, ages 10 and up]

Enemies by Svetlana Chmakova

The Babysitters Club series by Ann M. Martin

These girls were financial icons to the six of us, or me at least. Claudia had a phone in her bedroom! They had a secretary and made money and pooled it for the common good! They were amazing. The originals are still just as good as ever, and the revamped graphic novel series proves that kids are still just as interested in financial literacy and hidden candy. [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Alexander Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz

Well, Alexander is no keen entrepreneur, but his mishaps are an excellent look at what happens when you spend more money than you earn. Can’t we all relate to this?! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins and G. Brian Karas

Everyone’s had a lemonade stand, right? This book takes that childhood staple and sets it in an unexpected season. The writing is bouncy and fun to read out loud, and the illustrations are surprising and cozy. Definitely a good twist on an old favorite. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

The Monstore by Tara Lazar and James Burks

This is a funny, twisty take on what not to do as an entrepreneur! The booming voice of the shop owner hollers, “No refunds! No exchanges!” and our main character is in a monstrous bit of trouble and fun. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

One Hen by Katie Smith Milway, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

After Kojo’s father dies, he has to quit school in order to help his family on their farm in Ghana. Thanks to a small loan from neighbors, Kojo buys one hen. That one? Turn into one of the biggest farms in the area. It’s based on a true story and an inspiring look at micro-loans and citizenship. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Tía Isa Wants a Car by Meg Medina and Claudio Muńoz

Before Meg Medina won a Newbery (!), she won an Ezra Jack Keats award for this beautiful book. Like the title tells us, Tía Isa wants a car, and her niece—our narrator—is determined to help. How else can you get to the beach with the folks you love? It takes some saving, some waiting, and some hope. [picture book, ages 3 and up]


What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom

All action starts with an idea, right? My neighborhood friends and I had one. Kojo had one. Pauline and John-John had one. This is a perfect book to read in those tenuous moments between having an idea and figuring out what to do with it. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

What Does it Mean to be an Entrepreneur? by Rana DiOrio and Emma Dryden, illustrated by Ken Min

Are your little ones ready to get to work? This handbook is both practical and empowering. Let it invite your youngsters to put that creativity to use. Their ideas are just as good as any grownups. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

(Just maybe don’t let them tell people to lick glue.)

Kitten Chaos (Must Love Pets #2) by Saadia Faruqi

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“This was a solid realistic fiction choice with Kids Doing Things. I liked that the girls had a business plan, even though it wasn’t always easy to follow. The way they got clients was realistic. I enjoyed the storyline with Dada Jee and the fact that it hadn’t occurred to his family that he might be homesick! The farmer’s market was a fun setting. Of course, the kittens are the biggest draw here.” [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Kitten Chaos (Must Love Pets #2) by Saadia Faruqi

 

Bikes for Sale GIVEAWAY!

We are giving away a copy of her new book, Bikes for Sale. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Carter Higgins

Carter Higgins is the author of  A Rambler Steals Home (HMH) and three picture books from Chronicle Books: This is Not a Valentine (Lucy Ruth Cummins), Everything You Need For a Treehouse (Emily Hughes), and the forthcoming Bikes for Sale (Zachariah Ohora). She is an Emmy-winning visual effects and motion graphics artist and spent a decade as an elementary school librarian. She writes about picture books and graphic design on her blog, Design of the Picture Book. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @carterhiggins.

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

Books for Kids about Entrepreneurship & GIVEAWAY!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

      • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
      • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
      • Starred review from School Library Journal
      • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
      • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
      • Green Earth Book Award longlist
      • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

24 thoughts on “12 Books for Kids about Entrepreneurship”

  1. Joyce Johnson says:
    April 3, 2019 at 7:14 am

    I love the whole idea of an “Anything Store.” Teaching kids how to be an Entrepreneur is invaluable in today’s digital and global world. I know so many young people who want to live a global life and who need to figure out how to support this chosen lifestyle. Entrepreneurship is the key to doing so.

    Reply
  2. Barbara Mojica says:
    April 3, 2019 at 8:05 am

    Ingenuity and creativity are two characteristics that are well worth instilling in children at an early age.

    Reply
  3. John Smith says:
    April 3, 2019 at 9:08 am

    “What are your favorite picture books that inspire kids to be entrepreneurs?” I haven’t read it, but “Arthur’s Pet Business” looks fun.

    I was unfamiliar with Aquent, and it was interesting to learn about. If co-working is a subject if interest, I watched several YouTube videos last summer where WeWork’s vice-president for European real estate Patrick Nelson gave very interesting talks at various conferences. (He also looks like a supermodel, but that totally doesn’t change the fact that what he said was really interesting in itself.)

    Reply
    1. John Smith says:
      April 3, 2019 at 9:14 am

      Correction: “a subject *of* interest,” not “a subject *if* interest.”

      Reply
  4. Po Tim King says:
    April 3, 2019 at 9:52 am

    Love your post with all the amazing suggestions of the books. I like the Lemonade in Winter. It is a cute book.

    Reply
  5. Beth T. says:
    April 3, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    It has been so many years, but I remember the book “Hats for Sale”–a man selling hats, hats in trees, monkeys with hats! What I remember about that is that it made being a salesman seem fun. And I am the LEAST entrepreneurial person you’ll ever meet, so that is saying something.

    Reply
  6. Erica says:
    April 3, 2019 at 6:22 pm

    I love using “How the Second Grade Got $8205.50 to Visit the Statue of Liberty” by Nathan Zimmelman and “What Does it Mean to Be an Entrepreneur” by Rana DiOrio to teach my students (2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders, depending on the year) about what it means to be an entrepreneur.

    Reply
  7. Debra Branigan says:
    April 3, 2019 at 11:01 pm

    How about Charley the Bulldog’s Fantastic Fruit Stand? There is also Uncle Jed’s Barber Shop.

    Reply
  8. Sara Fajardo says:
    April 3, 2019 at 11:22 pm

    Carter’s book looks absolutely adorable. I just love the voice she infuses in each of her stories. Looking forward to adding this one to our family bookshelf.

    Reply
  9. Patricia Nozell says:
    April 4, 2019 at 10:10 am

    Congratulations, Carter, on your latest picture book. I can’t wait to read it, especially as I head to an Entrepreneurship weekend at my alma mater, where I mentor budding entrepreneurs. Can’t wait to share this list with the staff of the college bookstore (which has a terrific kids’ section).

    Reply
  10. Abigail Gibson says:
    April 6, 2019 at 7:13 pm

    I don’t know of any that I recall reading to fit this description. My first choice from the list above is Lemonade in the Winter.

    Reply
  11. Rosanne says:
    April 6, 2019 at 9:14 pm

    I love the idea of Lemonade in Winter. Kid Start Up -How You Can Be an Entrepreneur is a good way to teach a kid who has an inclination for do it your self work

    Reply
  12. Julie Waldron says:
    April 7, 2019 at 11:27 am

    The Baby Sitter’s Club books! My daughter loved those books when she was growing up.

    Reply
  13. Sandy Klocinski says:
    April 7, 2019 at 1:03 pm

    Camila’s Lemonade Stand by Lizzy Duncan, Brian Cunningham, and Giles Jackson takes young minds on a little adventure ride with fun characters, and shows how plucky little ones can be innovative and work with others.

    Reply
  14. Linda G says:
    April 7, 2019 at 2:53 pm

    the Monstore is a really good book to start with.

    Reply
  15. Miri says:
    April 9, 2019 at 10:00 am

    I can’t recall any picture books from my childhood that promoted entrepreneurship, but definitely remember the Babysitter’s Club books and ‘Henry Reed’s Babysitting Service’

    Reply
  16. Sharon C says:
    May 1, 2019 at 9:29 am

    What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada is the only book mentioned that I am familiar with. I am in favor of children being taught business concepts and self reliance. At age 62, I know of not one woman who has money making skills. We are all depressingly dependent on jobs, bosses and/or family.

    Reply
  17. Ed says:
    May 1, 2019 at 4:28 pm

    Sebastian Creates a Sock Company!

    Reply
  18. Laura DeLaRosa says:
    May 2, 2019 at 2:10 am

    I like The Babysitters Club books.

    Reply
  19. Cynthia Harmony says:
    May 2, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    Great post! Love books about kids with agency. Loved Tía Isa wants a car and can’t wait to read Carter’s new one!

    Reply
  20. Lily Kwan says:
    May 2, 2019 at 4:08 pm

    I enjoyed reading The Babysitters Club books.

    Reply
  21. Leela says:
    May 2, 2019 at 6:27 pm

    Billy Sure Kid Entrepreneur.

    Reply
  22. Philip Lawrence says:
    May 2, 2019 at 6:31 pm

    My favorite book for kids is Lemonade in Winter to encourage them to be entrepreneurs.

    Reply
  23. Tina S. says:
    May 2, 2019 at 10:39 pm

    I haven’t read any of these or similar books. Would love to get a chance to share these with my daughter.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • Read Your World Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month Virtual Event July 16, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco Unboxing! July 14, 2025
  • The 2026 PADIBA Awards are now open for submissions! July 11, 2025
  • We Sing From the Heart wins Julia Ward Howe prize for children’s literature! July 9, 2025
  • Changing the Game’s 4th Birthday & 4 Signed Book GIVEAWAY! July 7, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT