Book Review: Stock Explore by Nicolette DiMaggio (Author), Ethan Roffler (Illustrator)

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Stock Explore by Nicolette DiMaggio (Author), Ethan Roffler (Illustrator)

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Stock Explore follows Elle, a courageous girl who is learning about her first stock. Throughout her journey, Elle acquires five superpowers with help from an owl named Sam! Each superpower teaches Elle principles of financial literacy. Stock Explore is an entertaining and educational story for children ages 7+.

Stock Explore Review

I was compensated with a small amount for my time and effort in reading the book and writing this review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and are based on my honest personal experience reading the book. Nor did the publisher in any way shape or form ever pressure me to give a positive review.

I absolutely adore the art style in Stock Explore by Nicolette DiMaggio. It’s soft, welcoming, and simply pleasant to behold. Even as an adult, I found myself completely immersed in the reading, partly due to how beautifully the art complements the story’s aesthetic. It’s a seamless fit that adds so much to the overall experience.

If I were to offer one critique, it would be about the abruptness of the book’s introduction and setup. Jumping right into Elle asking Sam, “What is a stock?” without any prior context felt a bit jarring. I understand the need to capture children’s attention quickly, but since this is both an educational and storytelling endeavor, a smoother transition into the topic would have made for a more enjoyable read. A little more groundwork before diving into the subject matter could have helped set the stage more effectively.

However, when it comes to the educational content, I have no reservations whatsoever. It’s incredibly engaging and packed with valuable information. My only pondering revolves around whether some of the concepts might be a tad complex for the intended audience of around 7-year-olds. Granted, it’s been a while since I was that age myself, but I wonder if certain aspects might not resonate as strongly due to the volume of content. That said, the author has done an admirable job simplifying complex financial concepts, evident in the way even things like financial reports and ratios are presented (and trust me, having studied finance, I can appreciate the level of simplification). So, while it’s something to consider, it’s ultimately just a personal musing to take with a grain of salt.

Despite these gentle critiques, I overall had a pleasant experience with the book. Stock Explore is a lovely blend of financial insight and storytelling enchantment. Though it ends a little abruptly, the warm illustration style and educational material make it a worthwhile read for adults and children alike. You’re welcomed into a world where learning about money feels as natural as breathing, much like receiving a loving hug from a book. With its captivating story and clear-cut, yet perceptive, explanation of financial ideas, Stock Explore can encourage crucial conversations about money problems with young readers. It’s the kind of book that’s a real gem for any bookshelf, teaching kids priceless life lessons while also entertaining them.

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About the Author of Stock Explore

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As a young woman in the financial sector, it wasn’t easy for Nicolette DiMaggio to make it in the world of investing, having to overcome rejection and failure in the early part of her career. Now, as a successful professional equity investor and investment researcher named one of the “most influential women in institutional investing” by Pensions and Investments, her mission has become to demystify the world of investing by starting with the very young. 

Nicolette’s foray into publishing begins with her book series Stock Explore, which aims to teach children the basics of financial literacy through positive storytelling that fosters confidence and a desire to learn more. Inspired by the important women in her life—her mother, grandmother, and friends—she aims to share positive role models for kids by creating stories with characters that are relatable and leave young readers feeling capable and self-assured and that this feeling stays with them long after the book is closed. 

Hailing from Stamford, Connecticut, when she isn’t writing illuminating stories for kids, Nicolette researches companies in her role with Shelton Sustainable Equity Mutual Fund and enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan and their dog Newton, running, and fitness training.