Publicity Contact
Leslie McClure
(831) 656-0553
leslie@411videoinfo.com
Los Angeles, CA—Saving money is fun?! The Money Mammals think so. Kids two to six, as well as their parents, will jump up and dance to the music and antics of Joe the Monkey and his friends as they learn to “Share & Save & Spend Smart Too.” “THE MONEY MAMMALS: SAVING MONEY IS FUN” DVD (30 minutes, $19.99) received the KIDS FIRST! Endorsement, is recommended by The Dove Foundation and has earned the Film Advisory Board’s Award of Excellence. “The Money Mammals” have been making live appearances and conducting interactive workshops at bookstores, community centers and preschools in Southern California, with plans to tour the country to bring the message to kids and parents that “Saving Money Is Fun.”
Created and Produced by John Lanza, Producer of the Emmy Award winning show, “Life With Louie,” “THE MONEY MAMMALS: SAVING MONEY IS FUN” is an insightful venture that explores the importance of teaching young children the value of money. “It’s become common knowledge that Americans aren’t saving money. Americans can become savers once again and The Money Mammals can help.” says Lanza, “We help teach them young by making it fun.”
Most money experts agree that you should start teaching kids about money as soon as they can count and a 2004 Northwestern Mutual survey revealed that most parents believe that children should start learning the ABC’s of money management before they start kindergarten. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan noted that “Improving basic financial education at the elementary school level can provide a foundation for financial literacy...” Former US Treasury Secretary, John T. Snow said “We must work to satisfy the natural desire of young people to learn now and reduce this problem [debt] for the next generation.”
In the DVD, Joe the Monkey and his friend, Piggs the Bank, need to purchase a birthday gift for their friend Clara J. Camel, but they really want to spend their money on the newest Coconut Hero Card. Through songs and puppet antics, Joe and Piggs make the right choice. Kids and parents alike will be humming “We’re The Money Mammals,” “One Coin for the Coconut Card,” “Red Straw Hat,” “I’m Frugal,” “Make a Choice,” ”Saving Money Really Rules,” “Reasons to Save,” and “Make the Right Choice” as they digest the wholesome messages that the rocking songs convey.
Bonus features include: “Just for Parents,” a discussion with John Lanza and the show’s Financial Consultant, Sarah Harden, who focus on the way in which parents can inject money value issues into their kids’ lives; “Kids and Money” is a funny look at what kids think about money and “The Money Mammals”; “Sing With Us” features a video jukebox so kids can enjoy all the show’s songs back-to-back; and a “Behind the Scenes” slide show adds further insight.
The long-term effects of learning the value of money should not be overestimated. “Kids are inundated with messages to spend, spend, spend before they’re two,” says Lanza, “which is why we must teach them about the value of money young, when their minds are so receptive. “THE MONEY MAMMALS: SAVING MONEY IS FUN” effectively educates and entertains through the efforts of the Creator/Producer John Lanza, Director Bert Ring, Story Advisor Vicki Ariyasu, Executive Producers Eileen Lanza, Mark Lanza and John Lanza and through the original music of Randall Crissman and Mark Lanza.
Go to www.themoneymammals.com to order the DVD, view snippets of the show and download the theme song. You can also sign up for the Money Mammals newsletter and receive information on attending a Money Mammals event in your area. For publicity information, call (831) 656-0553.
