Childhood Storybooks of Frugal Inspiration

**Incognito** · 05-15-2009, 08:55 PM

As I recall the literature of my childhood, I realize I wasn't just being entertained, I was being programmed for a life of frugality.
And I'm very thankful for it, because it's helped to me to survive and to live happily.

Some of the childhood storybooks of frugal inspiration from which I've benefited:
1. The Three Little Pigs

-- make good choices, have a solid work ethic, watch out for danger, get up early in the morning, don't try to follow the crowd.
2. The Elves and the Shoemaker

-- plan ahead, do what you can and the rest will work out too, we're not alone in our work (we're being watched over and helped as we go along, strive for quality in your work.
3. The Ant and the Grasshopper

-- don't waste time or opportunity, even when others do, making a living is serious so stick to your tasks and you'll be able to meet your own needs and even the needs of others through compassion and helpfulness.
4. The Little Red Hen

-- be prepared to go it alone because it's best to depend on yourself if you want to get your work done, be patient while working out your goals, do watch out for the "takers" and "users" you meet along the way and learn to say NO to them, provide for your family.

Your turn...

**AmyBoz** · 05-15-2009, 09:21 PM

I think the childhood books that influenced me the most toward frugality were the Little House series. They always made do with what they had, they made things last and last, they never wasted a single thing, and worked hard to earn what they had.

**peanut** · 05-16-2009, 12:55 PM

I think "Sword in the Stone" taught me to not give up hope, even when ridiculed. But to keep trying...perseverance.

"Let Papa Sleep" was the book that taught me to read. Other than that it taught me to be careful with things I owned and take care of them...and to let Papa sleep!

**ladykemma2** · 05-16-2009, 02:54 PM

the little house books by laura ingalls wilder.

a tree grows in brooklyn

**forHISglory** · 05-16-2009, 03:23 PM

The Little Red Hen came to mind for me, too. Also, I would add to the list the Little Women books by Louisa May Alcott.

**blitzen** · 05-16-2009, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by AmyBoz

I think the childhood books that influenced me the most toward frugality were the Little House series. They always made do with what they had, they made things last and last, they never wasted a single thing, and worked hard to earn what they had.

Same here! I just reread some of them last week. LOVE those books and rereading them helps me remember the simple things are what matters.

**Luckybustert** · 05-16-2009, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by Incognito

As I recall the literature of my childhood, I realize I wasn't just being entertained, I was being programmed for a life of frugality.
And I'm very thankful for it, because it's helped to me to survive and to live happily.

I haven't thought about those stories for years, but I agree they all taught important life lessons. Those stories don't seem to have the same popularity today as they once had and I think that's unfortunate as the lessons were very good ones.

**Sara Noel** · 06-08-2009, 12:59 PM

These aren't from my childhood. They're current, but all teach children money lessons.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Brock-Savings-Shock-Sheila/dp/080757094X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244480258&sr=1-1"]Amazon.com: Rock, Brock, And the Savings Shock (9780807570944): Sheila Bair, Barry Gott: Books[/ame]

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Isabels-Car-Wash-Sheila-Bair/dp/0807536520/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244480292&sr=1-1"]Amazon.com: Isabel's Car Wash (9780807536520): Sheila Bair, Judy Stead: Books[/ame]

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Second-Grade-205-50-Statue-Liberty/dp/0807534315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244480327&sr=1-1"]Amazon.com: How the Second Grade Got $8,205.50 to Visit the Statue of Liberty (9780807534311): Nathan Zimelman, Bill Slavin: Books[/ame]

**peanut** · 06-08-2009, 03:21 PM

Then there's the one by Louise Armstrong [ame="http://www.amazon.com/How-Turn-Lemons-into-Money/dp/0152372504"]"How to Turn Lemons into Money" [/ame]on economics...written for the grade one level or thereabouts.

**frugalwarrior** · 06-08-2009, 05:44 PM

Most of those from my childhood. Plus I read the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books. My children were read the Berenstein Bears. They had a book for everything. Going to the dentist and dr.,sharing,money matters.Loved them!!

**joyofsix** · 06-08-2009, 05:52 PM

I wasted my time with Nancy Drew and The Happy Hollisters but I often quote
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe to my kids, LOL. I stress the whipped them all soundly and put them to bed part.

**Incognito** · 06-08-2009, 07:02 PM

Just today I was reminded of "The Little Engine That Could", when I was thinking about one of my own personal challenges.
It's amazing what a person can do if you actually make a start, and keep on trying.

**RenieB** · 06-08-2009, 08:33 PM

I would have to say the Little House on the Prairie series. However, I didn't read them until I was an adult.

RenieB

**ncarr** · 06-08-2009, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by AmyBoz

I think the childhood books that influenced me the most toward frugality were the Little House series. They always made do with what they had, they made things last and last, they never wasted a single thing, and worked hard to earn what they had.

me too! I used to play Little House in the Big Wood in my backyard lol

QM · 06-08-2009, 10:56 PM

I read quite a bit as a child...and even as an adult, but I think that the most frugal inspiration was from the TV series of "Little House on the Prairies", "Road to Avonlea" and "Anne of Green Gables".