Storytime

“Bode’s Car Shop” (featured in Lesson 1 – What is a Job?) Bode and Leo are on the playground talking about what they want to be when they grow up. “I want to be a doctor,” Leo says. “Or maybe a magician, or a policeman.” Bode says “I want to be a tennis player, or a chef, or maybe work in a bank.” Just then, Benji, the money tree, chimes in and says, “You know boys, if you work really hard in school, listen well and show lots of respect to others, your dreams may very well come true, and you will get paid money for doing that work. Having the chance to do that work means having a job.”

“Owin Money” (featured in Lesson 2 – Understanding Credit) Bode and Leo are on the playground when they come across some change in the grass. It only amounts to 50-cents, but combined with the few dollars they recently earned from doing some chores at home, they thought it was a good time to go to their favorite store to see what they could buy. They went to the tiny store on the corner with a very friendly looking red door. The windows have so many goodies to look at and kids walk by in awe. The moment Bode and Leo walk in, they are immediately overwhelmed by the array of awesome toys and sweet smell of candy being sold from behind the counter. They are literally two kids in a candy store. Bode and Leo are so excited to see what their money can buy! A few minutes later, Leo comes across a toy train he decides he must have. However, this train Leo so desires costs a bit more than a small something he can afford with the money he has.

“The Lunch Lesson” (featured in Lesson 3 – Borrowing Money) Bode meets Leo at the playground one morning before they head off to school together. The sun is shining and Benji, the money tree, is waking up. He stretches out his branches and opens up his crisp dollar bills. They say good morning to Benji and Benji happily responds, “Good morning, boys! Have a good day at school!” “We’ll see you later, Benji,” Bode says, before the boys grab their school bags and start their walk. When the boys arrive, they give each other a high five and head off to their classes. “See you at lunch!” Bode says. “It’s chicken day! My favorite!” Leo excitedly responds. Every morning, both boys’ parents give each of them some lunch money and today was no different. Except, when it was time for lunch and Leo put his hand in his pocket, he realizes he is missing some of the money.

“The Ice Cream Decision” (featured in Lesson 4 – Spending Money) It’s a hot, sunny day on the playground and Bode and Leo get very excited when they hear the sounds of the ice cream truck approaching. All they can think about is some sweet, cold ice cream to help beat the heat. As they run over to the truck, they stop short in their tracks, put their hands in their pockets and realize neither one has enough money. “Oh no!” Leo screams. “What are we going to do?” Benji, the money tree, overhears Leo’s disappointment and as always gives them some advice.

“Moolah is Hungry” (featured in Lesson 5 – Saving Money) It’s a cloudy, windy day on the playground, but that is not stopping Bode and Leo from having fun. As the boys laugh and run around, Leo notices that Bode is wearing the coolest, new sneakers. They are blue and green with flashing lights. Bode’s sneakers light up the playground and Leo wants a pair. “Those are so cool, Bode!” Leo says. “When did you get them?” “I got them the other day and used some of the money I saved to pay for them,” Bode explains. “How do you save?” Leo asks.

“The Numbers Add Up” (featured in Lesson 6 – Paying Bills) It’s a sunny day on the playground and Bode and Leo are running around having a great time. Suddenly, there is a ringing tone coming from Bode’s pocket and they both stop in their tracks to see what it is. Bode reaches into his pocket and pulls out a phone. “Hi Mom,” Bode says. “Yes, I will be coming home soon. Don’t worry,” he assures her. Bode presses a button to hang up, puts the phone back into his pocket and continues running around. “Wait,” Leo says. “When did you get a phone?” he asks. “My Mom gave it to me. She said I am now old enough to hold onto it and use it for emergencies only,” Bode replied.

“Bode and Leo Go Back to School” (featured in Lesson 7- Back-to-School Shopping) With lists in hand, Bode and Leo can’t wait to hit the store for back-to-school shopping. Each year the boys get excited for new supplies. To get ready for an awesome school year, the boys make sure they have just what they need. They also go into the store with a dollar amount in mind which their parents tell them they can spend. It’s always more than enough, but the boys are careful to make sure they spend it carefully on the items they really need. All ready for this back-to-school adventure, Bode and Leo decide to meet at the playground and walk over to the store together. It’s a warm day as Bode waits under Benji the Money Tree for Leo to arrive. A few minutes later Leo arrives and they are ready to go!

“From the Corner of the Playground to the Corner Office” (featured in Lesson 8 – What it Takes to Be a CEO) Bode and Leo are playing on the playground, rocking back and forth on their two favorite animals, Sammy and Price. They are also known as S and P. Sammy is a bull; strong and assertive and Price is a bear with a softer side. Together, they teach Bode and Leo and all their friends about companies on Wall Street. The two boys are having a great time when they decide they are going to play a game called “I’m in Charge!” “I’m in charge first,” says Bode. “I’m going to be in charge of a new candy company!” “Sound good,” says Leo. “I’ll work for you at the company making chocolate.” Bode and Leo are ready for some sweet success as they pretend to make candy.

“Benji the Money Tree Plants the Investing Seed” (featured in Lesson 9 – Investing Fun) It’s a warm day on the playground and Bode and Leo are sitting under the shady leaves of Benji, the money tree, drawing some pictures. Bode insists on using lots of bright colors in his picture while Leo only wants to use the color orange. Two very different styles, but both very special. “Mine’s a Picasso,” says Bode. “Mine’s a Van-O,” says Leo. “I think you mean a Van Gogh,” Bode corrects with a smile. “Yes! That’s what I meant. I learned about him in school the other day,” Leo says. “You are both so talented,” Benji proudly tells the boys. “Thank you,” says Bode. “I love art. My grandma has a lot of very special paintings in her home. She bought them a long time ago. She always tells me I have to be very careful when I am near them.” “You know boys,” Benji says. “Lots of art is very expensive and people buy art not only because they think it is very nice, but also as something called an investment.”

“Bode and Leo Perform Some Tipping Magic” (featured in Lesson 10 – A Good Tip)
Bode and Leo are running around the playground one afternoon when a magician suddenly shows up to entertain the kids.
Everyone immediately runs over and gathers around to get a front row seat for the show. There are cheers, laughter and tons of oohs and aahs as the magician does his magic.

Once the show is over, Bode and Leo notice people putting money in a small hat the magician is passing around.

“What are they doing?” Leo asks. “I’m not sure,” says Bode. “I think we are supposed to give him some money since he put on a show for us.”

“I know,” says Leo. “It is called a tip! I remember I saw my mom give money to a waiter in a restaurant because he was nice to us and served us our food. Maybe we are supposed to give the magician a tip since he made us happy with his tricks.”