In this Author POV, we highlight Giving Makes Maury Happy Too!, the latest children's book in David Maurice Sharp's Adventures of Maury series. Building on lessons about earning and saving, the book introduces charitable giving as an important part of financial literacy.
Through donating belongings, volunteering at a food bank, and giving a meaningful gift, Maury discovers the rewards of generosity and helping others. Designed for young readers and soon-to-be readers, Giving Makes Maury Happy Too! offers families, librarians, and educators an approachable way to begin conversations about money, kindness, compassion, and giving back.
Can you introduce your book for librarians who may be discovering it for the first time?
Giving Makes Maury Happy Too! Is a continuation of the lessons learned in A Bell for Maury’s Bicycle and Maury Becomes a Super Saver! In it, Maury now discovers the joy of charitable giving and generosity as an important component of financial literacy. As he decides what to donate to a thrift store, volunteers at a food bank, and gives a special gift to a family friend, Maury learns that giving can make him happy, just like saving the nuts that he has earned does. Young readers and soon-to-be-readers can learn along with Maury as he discovers the benefits of helping others.
What inspired you to write this book, and what core themes do you hope readers take away from it?
The books in the Adventures of Maury series aim to introduce young readers to basic financial literacy skills that will aid them throughout their lives. The two prior books focus on saving and working towards achieving what you want over time. I felt that it was important at this point to introduce the idea of being charitable and how giving to others can be just as rewarding as saving and spending on yourself. I think this is a concept that is often missing from financial literacy education but one that is essential to the complete, financial well-being picture.
What kind of readers or patrons do you see this book resonating with most?
Giving Makes Maury Happy Too! is directed towards young readers and soon-to-be readers. All children can find a way to relate to Maury’s discovery of the benefits of charity—and their parents may learn some financial literacy skills along with them!
What themes or discussion topics do you hope librarians highlight when recommending the book?
The importance of helping others when you have an abundance is the core theme of this book. Realizing that you may one day be in a position of needing help, and that having others show you kindness and support, is a wonderful lesson to be learned.
Are there any sensitive topics or content considerations librarians should be aware of?
No. The topics in all of the Adventures of Maury books are suitable for all children.
If your book were part of a library display, what topics, themes, or comparable titles would you pair it with?
Giving Makes Maury Happy Too! would fit well with any library display featuring charitable giving, kindness, compassion and helping others. The Adventures of Maury series would also be a wonderful addition to any financial literacy events aimed at children.
Are there companion resources librarians or educators should know about?
There are currently three books (so far!) in the Adventures of Maury series:
A Bell for Maury’s Bicycle
Maury Becomes a Super Saver!
Giving Makes Maury Happy Too!
I am also the author of The Thriving Artist: Saving Investing for Performers, Artists, and the Stage & Film Industries (Focal Press) which is a financial literacy book for artists and other freelancers.
Which formats are currently available?
There are paperback and EPUB versions of all three Adventures of Maury books and they are available through all common retail and wholesale outlets, including Amazon and Ingram Sparks. Their ISBNs are:
A Bell for Maury’s Bicycle
979-8-218-26173-3 (paperback)
979-8-9896450-0-8 (e-book)
Maury Becomes a Super Saver!
979-8-9896450-1-5 (paperback)
979-8-9896450-2-2 (e-book)
Giving Makes Maury Happy Too!
979-8-9896450-3-9 (paperback)
979-8-9896450-4-6 (e-book)
How could this book be used in community events or themed programming throughout the year?
April is financial literacy month so the books would fit nicely into any programming around that. Giving Makes Maury Happy Too! would be a good addition to any programs around giving, helping others or charitable awareness.
Do you offer author engagement options for schools or libraries?
I have done readings of the books, along with the illustrator Franklin Silva, at the children’s programs for various libraries.
To learn more about David Maurice Sharp and his work, visit his author website. Librarians, educators, and families can also explore the Adventures of Maury series on its official website.
If you enjoyed this Author POV and want to stay connected with more librarian-focused interviews, collection development resources, and film and book coverage, be sure to subscribe to Video Librarian.