Developed in conjunction with illustrator and artist Nathan T. Wright, “Eleanor Saves the Day,” is the bank’s gift to every parent who opens a Bank Iowa Young Savers account for their child through July 31.

In addition to a copy of the book, the bank will provide up to $25 match of the account opening deposit.

Bank Iowa Vice President of Marketing Josh Fleming said the book is part of the bank’s intention to help kids and parents navigate an increasingly tumultuous financial services ecosystem.

“There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to teaching kids about money,” Fleming said. “Whereas financial lessons once came primarily at home and school, kids are now streaming YouTube videos and downloading apps to satisfy their curiosity about money. The tale of Eleanor gets back to the basics, using a classic medium to show kids how making good choices with money puts them on a path to financial freedom.”

“Eleanor Saves the Day” is a homegrown project, with writing, illustration, and printing, all possible thanks to Iowa businesses.

The story begins with Eleanor’s parents opening a savings account immediately after she’s born. As she grows, Eleanor learns about money at school, at home, and from her very own lemonade stand venture.

Eleanor deposits her lemonade stand earnings into her savings account. She watches her balance grow through high school into college. Eleanor experiences financial hardships through the years. Fleming said that part of the story was based on real challenges faced by real people.

“We felt it was important to prepare kids for inevitable hiccups on the road to financial freedom,” Fleming said. “The story line opens doors for parents to discuss values like perspective, optimism, and hard work.”

After a lifetime of budgeting and saving, the money Eleanor has saved all her life helps her start another business, this time as an adult. Eleanor’s financial freedom manifests in travel, paying off her student loan debt, giving back to her community, and starting a family.

Fleming said author visits are available for Iowa schools beginning in September.

Educators interested in scheduling a visit are asked to contact marketing@bankiowa.bank .