Book Review of A Surprise for a Friend
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The Children’s Book Review
What to Expect: Friendship, generosity, saving and budgeting, financial literacy, kindness, and life skills.
A Surprise for a Friend introduces readers to financial literacy concepts through the lens of friendship and thoughtful decision-making, all delivered via a purposeful, rhyming narrative.
Skye and Rey are twins who love playing soccer together, but they are facing a slight dilemma: their soccer ball is worn out. When they set out to earn, save, and budget their money to reach their goal of buying a new one, they learn valuable lessons along the way about planning, making choices, and even giving back—all while preparing a surprise for a friend.
Author Doug Godard, who dedicates the book to his grandson, brings sincerity and heart to the storytelling. He uses an engaging and straightforward narrative, ideal for early elementary readers, that underscores the importance of setting goals and making thoughtful financial decisions. Each of the characters models positive behaviors—such as collaboration, perseverance, and generosity—offering young readers an emotionally sound and ethical framework alongside the practical money lessons. Bright, expressive illustrations complement the story and enhance the emotional tone, helping to capture the excitement and kindness of the friends shared efforts.
A Surprise for a Friend is a welcome addition to the library of families and educators looking to empower children with life skills that will serve them far beyond childhood. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and quietly instructive, this book succeeds in making financial literacy accessible—and even fun—for the youngest of readers.
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About the Author
Doug Godard is the author of Best Day at the Zoo and A Surprise for a Friend – the first two books in a series that present personal financial literacy concepts to children through storytelling. Doug and his wife, Cheryl, live in Columbus, OH. Doug and Cheryl have three grown children and a grandson. After 40 years in commercial real estate, Doug shifted his energies to Bonzy Charities, a nonprofit he founded. Doug is passionate about supporting economically disadvantaged children and helping them reach their full potential in life. Doug is active in his Upper Arlington Rotary Club, an avid perennial gardener, and enjoys playing a lot of pickleball.
For more information, visit www.bonzy.org.
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