Max and Ivy Learn to Spend, Share and Save is a complete Read, Play, Learn set that introduces children aged 3 to 7 to the basics of money management. The illustrated storybook follows Max and Ivy as they help with chores, earn rewards, and learn from their grandparents that money can be divided into three clear purposes: spending, saving, and sharing. The three colourful money boxes included in the set mirror the ones in the story, so children can move straight from reading to doing.

How it helps

Financial concepts are abstract for young children, and the set makes them tangible. By physically handling money and sorting it into labelled boxes, children begin to understand that money involves choices, not just spending. The storybook gives those choices meaning: Max wants to spend everything immediately, but learns through experience that saving and sharing have their own rewards. Children who recognise themselves in Max are more likely to engage with the lesson. The money boxes also stack neatly, so they become a visible, ongoing part of a child's routine rather than a one-use activity.

Why it works in early years and primary settings

• Directly supports PSHE and financial education. Teaching children about earning, saving, and generosity is embedded in the EYFS and KS1 curriculum. This set provides a ready-made, concrete resource for those conversations.
• Encourages maths skills through play. Sorting, counting, and comparing amounts across the three boxes builds early numeracy in a purposeful context that children find genuinely motivating.
• Accessible for mixed ability groups. The story is designed for ages 3 to 7, making it suitable across nursery, Reception, and lower KS1, including children with emerging reading skills or learning differences.
• Supports discussion and oracy. The story prompts natural conversations about wants versus needs, fairness, and helping others, giving teachers and TAs a clear starting point for group discussion.
• Low preparation, high engagement. The set works straight out of the box as a guided reading resource, a PSHE activity, or a reward resource, without any additional materials or set-up.

For home use

Parents looking to introduce pocket money and chores will find this is a practical, low-pressure way to start that conversation. The boxes give children agency over their own money from the beginning, and the story provides a shared reference point that the whole family can return to. It also makes a thoughtful and lasting gift.

• 32-page fully illustrated storybook following Max and Ivy as they earn money through chores and learn to divide it wisely.
• Read, Play, Learn format: the three money boxes in the box mirror the ones in the story, creating a hands-on follow-on activity.
• Includes three colour-coded money boxes labelled Spend, Share, and Save, designed to stack neatly when not in use.
• Teaches three core financial concepts through play: immediate spending, saving towards a goal, and sharing with others.
• Aimed at ages 3 to 7, suitable from early years through lower KS1.
• Supports early numeracy, PSHE, and oracy development.
• High-quality, vibrant packaging with colours that match the storybook illustrations.

• What age is this set suitable for?
  The set is designed for children aged 3 to 7, covering early years through lower KS1. The storybook works well as a read-aloud for younger children in this range and as an independent or shared read for older ones.
• Do the money boxes take both coins and notes?
  The boxes are designed to accept coins. Whether they can accommodate folded notes will depend on the slot size — we recommend checking this directly with us if it is important for your intended use. [UNVERIFIED - please confirm with supplier]
• Is this suitable for children with dyslexia or learning differences?
  Yes. The combination of storybook and physical activity makes this a multi-sensory resource that works well for children who benefit from hands-on, concrete learning. The story gives abstract money concepts a visual and narrative context that is much easier to grasp than instruction alone.
• Can this be used in a classroom or early years setting?
  It works well in a small group, one-to-one, or as a focus for a PSHE lesson. The story and money boxes provide a natural starting point for conversations about earning, saving, and giving, without any additional resources needed.
• Are the money boxes durable enough for repeated use?
  The boxes are designed to be used regularly as part of a child's pocket money routine. Some reviewers have noted that the joins benefit from careful handling, particularly with younger children. They are designed for home and supervised classroom use rather than heavy-duty play.
• Are there other sets in the Max and Ivy range?
  Yes. Max and Ivy is a series of Read, Play, Learn sets on different themes including magic, dinosaurs, and sports. Each set follows the same format: a storybook paired with a physical activity component that brings the story to life.