Money Troubles (A Little Bill Book for Beginning Readers) [Paperback]

Bill Cosby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998 | Age Level: 4 and up | Series: Little Bill

Now a Scholastic Reader!

Little Bill wants to be a famous astronomer. But first, he has to buy a telescope. He only has $47.87, and the telescope costs $100. How will he get the money?

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Cartwheel (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059095623X
• ISBN-13: 978-0590956239
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

The legendary comedian, author, and activist Bill Cosby continues to be as prolific and relevant as ever, reaching every generation and every audience since he began his career in stand-up four decades ago. He is one of the most influential performers of the second half of the 20th century. He has had an unparalleled career in television; has sold more record albums than any other comedian; his blockbuster books have sold millions of copies; and his generous support of numerous charities, particularly in the field of education, have endowed many Americans with the gift of hope and learning. Through his groundbreaking appearances on television, particularly in two landmark series each of which defined an American decade, Bill Cosby has touched the lives of millions of Americans. In the 1960s, "I Spy" broke the racial barrier in television by featuring Cosby as the first-ever black lead of a weekly dramatic series. In the 1980s, Cosby returned to television with a show that Coretta Scott King described as "the most positive portrayal of black family life that has ever been broadcast." "The Cosby Show" enjoyed years of number-one ratings and nearly unanimous critical praise.

Cosby's success on television has been matched in other areas. In 1986 he broke Radio City Music Hall's 53-year-old attendance record for his concert appearance. Cosby's also a giant in the publishing world. Fatherhood (1986) became one of the fastest-selling hardcover book of all time, remaining for more than half of its fifty-four weeks on The New York Times Best Seller List as Number 1. It has sold 2.6 million hardcover copies and 1.5 million paperbacks. Time Flies had the largest single first printing in publishing history--1.75 million. Now, I Am What I Ate,and I'm Frightened. A crusader throughout his career for a better world, his great success in the world of entertainment is complemented by his involvement with a host of charity organizations, making substantial gifts in support of education, most notably to predominantly black colleges and to various social service and civil rights organizations. On the evolution of his own style of comedy, Bill Cosby states that he was drawn at an early age to the masters of jazz, learning to emulate in comedy their ability to take an idea and continually find new and innovative ways of expressing the same theme. The legacy of Bill Cosby's comedic genius is as sweet, meaningful and universal as any piece of music ever played.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic, honest, humane-- Excellent !, October 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Money Troubles (A Little Bill Book for Beginning Readers) (Paperback)

My kids (girls, 7 & 8) have recently fallen in love with the Little Bill books. But this one is a special discovery. The realistic approach to the subjects of money, want, need, being poor, to give or not to give, are dealt with so succinctly in this little book. All three of us were moved by the events as they unfolded. Thought-provoking and challenging for kids AND their parents!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only $52.13 and Little Bill will be famous forever, April 6, 2004

By 

Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Money Troubles (A Little Bill Book for Beginning Readers) (Paperback)

Little Bill has an interesting plan in "Money Troubles," another Little Bill Book for Beginning Readers by Bill Cosby. His teacher has explained about the Oort Cloud that exists beyond the orbit of Pluto and how one day a comet will emerge from the cloud and travel through space toward the sun. Little Bill has decided that he is going to discover that comet and have it named Comet Little Bill after himself so he can become famous. The only problem is that Little Bill needs a telescope to be able to discover a new comet and it costs $100. Knowing his parents will never give him that much money, Little Bill is coming to have to get the money himself. When he checks his football bank, he discovers he is only $52.13 away from becoming famous.

Little Bill does a pretty good job of finding jobs that someone his age can do, although along the way he learns that some people have even better reasons for wanting to make money than being famous. Of course, there is a point where Little Bill gets ahead of himself and tries to take advantage of a situation, which explains why he looks so different at the end of the book from how he starts out. Ironically, "Money Troubles" does end up with Little Bill becoming famous. As Dr.Alvin F. Poussaint points out in his introductory letter to parents, one of the main lessons of this book for beginning readers is that working brings money. Little Bill shows some of the things the children can do to earn money through jobs outside the family. However, the other lesson is that other people may need money more than we do.

The idea of Cosby's Little Bill books is to affirm the value of friendships and family relationships while encouraging children to solve problems fairly and creatively. But as this particular story shows, the famous comedian is also interested in modeling positive behavior for young children as well. I know how everybody used to applaud Cosby's "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids" for its educational value, but I really think these Little Bill books are much more impressive. As always, the story is illustrated by Varnette P. Honeywood.

5.0 out of 5 stars All Little Bill Books are great!, October 5, 2009

By 

Onlinenow - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Money Troubles (A Little Bill Book for Beginning Readers) (Paperback)

My school was cosponsoring a bookdrive for underserved children in the community. I knew that this book, along with all of the other Little Bill Books, would be a great addition to any home. This book is valuable for the young and old.