Dirt Cheap

K-Gr 2–Birdie has her eye on an XR1000 Super Extreme soccer ball. But it costs $24.95, and she doesn’t have the money. Fortunately, Birdie is a smart little girl and realizes she can make the money by going into sales. If only she could think of something she has that people need. Then she has a brilliant idea. She could sell dirt at a dirt cheap price: one bag for only 25 cents! It’s not long after she purchases the ball that she realizes she has dug up her yard and doesn’t have a place to kick it around. Once again, Birdie comes up with yet another creative idea. This is a clever and funny tale. The text is a dialogue between the narrator and Birdie, and the banter between the two is humorous and light. The illustrations are colorful and include oversize shapes and clean lines. Birdie is adorable with her large glasses, dirty overalls, yellow boots, and quick comebacks. Our heroine has a positive outlook and doesn’t let things get her down. The book demonstrates how even a young child can be a great entrepreneur. Money math is incorporated into the story, which will help young children observe different ways to combine coins that will add up to 25 cents.