It’s a No-Money Day

This moving picture book about a family’s visit to the food bank is a sensitive exploration of how it may feel to live below the poverty line.

Although Mum works hard and budgets carefully, today there is no money to buy food. She feels ashamed that she has to rely on donations from strangers, but her daughter likes going to the food bank and chats happily to the kind lady who gives her biscuits and squash. Despite their hardships, the girl is cheerfully optimistic and talks enthusiastically about all the free activities she can enjoy on a no-money day, such as chasing pigeons, reading a scary book from the library, and making a kitten out of mum’s dressing gown.

Perfect to share with young children to develop empathy and understanding (or to recognise their own situation), this accessible tale invites discussion about what it means to live in poverty, why food banks are needed and who may use them.

The distinctive illustrations in muted tones are full of interesting detail, providing further talking points and beautifully enhancing the sparse text. An outstanding book by an award-winning author/illustrator, which successfully presents this thought-provoking topic to a young audience and is full of hope for a brighter future.