In celebration of Financial Literacy Month in April, Penn Community Bank proudly opened a new chapter of its financial education efforts with the release of its first-ever children’s book, Sprout $aves the Day. The vibrantly illustrated, lesson-filled story introduces young readers to essential financial concepts in a fun, accessible way – offering families an engaging opportunity to start important conversations about money.
Authored by long-time team member and passionate financial literacy educator Antoinette Gellentien, the book made its debut at the Bucks County Children’s Museum in New Hope. During a special launch event, children and their families gathered to enjoy a live reading by Gellentien; meet Sprout, the bank’s beloved mascot; and take home a unique keepsake: a free, author-signed copy of the book.
Sprout $aves the Day brings to life the bank’s beloved mascot in an engaging tale that unfolds in an elementary classroom. Readers follow a group of curious students as they embark on a thought-provoking mission to create the ideal saving and spending plan. Their goal is to earn a spot on the Penn Community Bank float in the town’s annual Spring Parade. Along the way, young readers are introduced to key financial lessons – like saving for goals and budgeting – in a way that feels both playful and relatable.
“Financial literacy starts young, and we believe that introducing these basic concepts in a fun and relatable way can make a lifelong impact,” said Gellentien, a retired financial center manager and longtime financial educator. Gellentien drew inspiration from her years of classroom visits across Bucks County.
“This book brings adult concepts down to a child’s level,” she added. “That’s crucial for building money-smart individuals who will thrive financially in adulthood.”
For Penn Community Bank, Sprout $aves the Day is more than just a charming storybook. It’s an extension of the bank’s mission to promote financial literacy and strengthen the communities we serve from the ground up. This is just one way we strive to find creative, meaningful ways to live out our values and make a difference.
As the book makes its way into classrooms, libraries, and homes across the region, we hope it inspires children and sparks conversations about smart money choices for years to come. After all, it’s never too early to discover the power of saving.
