A finance professional and an award-winning Stoke-on-Trent animation studio have joined forces to launch a new children’s book designed to help young people develop healthy money habits.
Nathan Waldron, who has spent more than 20 years working in the finance industry, has created Ava Saves Up through his Community Interest Company, Pocket Money Adventures (PMA).
The book is the first in a planned series aimed at supporting children, parents and schools with financial education.
It has been brought to life by animation company Carse & Waterman, whose team has worked on projects with the likes of Disney, ITV and the BBC.
Nathan said: “Pocket Money Adventures has so many facets which we are developing. One of the first parts of this is our book series, starting with Ava Saves Up, which tells the story of our young Ava who goes on a journey of understanding what the impact of purchasing new products can bring.
“Our book series is very exciting and I am delighted to be working with Carse & Waterman on all of this. They have been instrumental in bringing my ideas to life and helping to make all of this a reality.”
Designed for four to seven-year-olds, Ava Saves Up is already being piloted in several primary schools across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
PMA was launched in January with the aim of “breaking financial education barriers” ahead of schools being expected to introduce enhanced financial education in 2028.
The books are designed to encourage young children to think about why they want something, what is the cost and where does that money come from.
Gary Carse, co-founder of Carse & Waterman, said: “Nathan has an amazing vision and we could not wait to work with him.
“The work and research which has gone into all of this is incredible and Nathan’s expertise in the finance industry and personal experiences is always at the fore. Nathan has a way to explain and simplify finances which encourages others to share their own experiences on money matters.”
