Three Cups, by Mark St. Germain

Illustrated by April Willy

Review by Ellen Gable Hrkach

Three Cups is a delightful children’s book which “teaches children from an early age the rewards of practicing a timeless, unique and effective method of personal financial management and charity.”

On his fifth birthday, the main character receives a present which his parents promise will “take him on adventures.” When he opens the package, he finds three cups from the cupboard.  Disappointed, he says, “Is this my present?”  His mother tells him to open the envelope.  His father then shares with him that they are going to start giving him an allowance.  Each week they will help him figure out how much will go into the first cup for savings, the second cup for spending and the third cup for charity.

Weeks later, he realizes that his cups are becoming full.  His parents take him to the local bank where he learns about interest and deposits.  Soon, he finds that he’s able to buy a baseball glove with the money in his spending cup. His father reminds him that he has more money in his charity cup.  Remembering that his school is collecting food for needy families, he takes his charity cup money and buys eight cans of soup for the needy families.

Asked which cup is his favorite, the boy can’t decide.  As the youngster grows older, he eventually gets a job, continues to put money in each of the three cups.  By the time he’s in high school, he has spending money, is able to help people through his charity cup and with the money in his savings cup/account, he is able to attend college.

The book ends with the boy (now a married father) giving his three cups to his five-year-old son, asking him “Are you ready for an adventure?”

In this difficult economy, I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated, delightful and educational book which can give parents and children a unique, interesting and reliable way to handle their money.  A Parents’ Guide is included at the back of the book.

Copyright 2011 Ellen Gable Hrkach