Lion, King, and Coin

An intriguing picture book interpretation of the invention of currency, set in ancient Turkey.

Laos enjoys his life in ancient Turkey. His father and grandfather are blacksmiths, famous for melting gold into beautiful objects, and he helps by working in his grandfather's market stall, bartering their gold for food and livestock.

But exchanging such different goods and quantities is complicated. What they need is something to represent the value of their goods, something durable and lightweight. So the king comes to Laos's family with a very important task: to create something that will make the market accessible to everyone. 

A National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)-Children’s Book Council (CBC) Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. 

An author’s note is included; translation edited by Joy Cowley.