The Mad Cash Dash
By Art Rainer (B&H Kids)
Money matters, and money especially matters in helping children learn balance and the importance of giving and saving. To help instill a healthy Christian view in young readers, Art Rainer has created the Secret Slide Money Club series of chapter books for children in grades 1-4. The second in the series, The Mad Cash Dash, builds on lessons in The Great Lemonade Stand Standoff.
In the story, Brody, Sophia and Jake have completed the first of three challenges to become official Secret Slide Money Club agents who rescue classmates from the evil Albatross who turns children into smelly Albies. The “really cool and smart kids” realize in art class that their friend Kate smells like “dirty … wet … socks” and wants to purchase Pretty and Plus Ponies to add to her hundred-plus collection.
Sure enough, Agent G.B. calls the three to enter the Secret Slide Money Club by pushing GIVE-SAVE-LIVE buttons in order. He shows them Kate has just bought three more ponies and doesn’t follow the Master’s Money Plan. After explaining the working ants in Proverbs 6:6-8, the future agents receive their assignment: Help Kate learn to give and save before her bracelet glows red, the sign of Albatross control.
The mission leads them to help Kate earn money raking leaves, sweeping sidewalks and pulling weeds. However, mischievous Albies interfere by shaking trees, splashing mud balls and making a muddy mess. Jake, Sophia and Brody ultimately help their friend figure out how to put aside 10 percent to give and the rest to save. Soon, the smell of “dirty … wet … socks” disappears, and the three are ready for their final challenge.
Like Kate, girls and boys who read The Mad Cash Dash adventure will learn how to make good money choices. Breaks in the book add interest, and the story ends with a personal giving challenge. The fun characters bring lots of laughter and offer easy-to-remember lessons like the one from the ants and GIVE-SAVE-LIVE. Stay tuned for the final book in the series.
Tucker Joseph Hillman, age 10, with his grandmother
Kathy Robinson Hillman, past president
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Waco
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