By Stephenie Barker
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brown Books Kids Introduces The Little Copper Penny, a Delightful New Book
that Teaches the Value of Money and Self-Worth
In Stephenie Barker’s debut children’s book, it makes “cents” to know your worth!
Dallas – Brown Books Kids is proud to introduce The Little Copper Penny, the
authorial debut of Stephenie Barker, otherwise known as the “Copper Penny
Lady.” Accompanied by illustrations brought to life by Cynthia Meadows, The
Little Copper Penny promotes the concept of self-confidence and the importance
of knowing your worth – because everyone is worth something!
In this charming story about accepting who you are, Little Copper Penny is sad
because all the other coins say pennies are worthless. Luckily, Grandpa Wheat
– aptly named after the iconic early 20th century penny – knows just how to
help him see that no matter who (or what) you are, you have value.
“Stephenie’s passion for the penny is irresistible. She perfectly pairs an
educational lesson about counting and saving money with a message about the
value of self-worth, reinforcing key principles that will benefit young readers
into adulthood,” says Milli Brown, founder and CEO of Brown Books Publishing Group.
The Little Copper Penny not only teaches kids the basics of making change and the monetary value of quarters,
nickels, dimes and pennies but also demonstrates the important opportunity parents (and grandparents) have to
instill confidence and self-worth in their children. It’s a heartwarming reminder, for children and adults alike, that
everyone has value and a place in this world.
Barker is an advocate for respecting money down to its lowest form – the penny, her favorite coin. Because they are
so often cast aside, she makes it a point to pick up every penny she sees and is committed to teaching children to
value each and every coin – and person – with respect, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
“The story of The Little Copper Penny has been waiting to be told for a long time,” says Barker. “And I am so excited
to share it because children are never too young to appreciate the value of money and recognize the value within
themselves.”
Look around. How many pennies can you find? How long does it take to collect enough to make a dollar? Five
dollars? Ten? Visit the Copper Penny Lady on Facebook and share your own penny adventures, or visit
www.TheLittleCopperPenny.com.
###
The Agency at Brown Books | www.TheAgencyatBB.com
Media Contact: Alicia Auping| 972-248-9500
[email protected]
The Little Copper Penny
Stephenie Barker | ISBN: 978-1-61254-943-9| $16.99
Juvenile Fiction | www.TheLittleCopperPenny.com
By Stephenie Barker
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephenie Barker
“Copper Penny Lady”
As young newlyweds, Stephenie Barker and her husband
didn’t fully realize the importance of financial planning and
saving money. As their family quickly grew, however, so did
their understanding of fiscal responsibility. As a result, they
made it a goal to teach their kids early about how to plan
and save and appreciate the value of money. The couple’s
children are now grown and continue to respect those key
principles their parents taught them.
For more than two decades now Barker has held a career in
real estate, and through this has also had the opportunity
to help young home-buyers, like she and her husband
many years ago, navigate the difficulties of savings and
investments.
A native Texan, Barker has moved around within the Lone Star State throughout her life. She and her husband
currently reside in Celina, TX. Barker’s hope is for The Little Copper Penny to teach children to appreciate the
value of money in its lowest denomination, as well as recognize the value within themselves.
We want your penny stories! Connect with Stephenie Barker, the Copper Penny Lady, on Facebook at
CopperPennyLady to tell your tale or share your two cents!
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Cynthia Meadows
Cynthia Meadows, a native Texan, draws and paints on anything she can find. Whether it was cartoons on the
sides of her homework in elementary school, paintings as Christmas gifts, murals or faux finishes on walls, or
illustrations and storyboards for advertising agencies, she has continually decorated the world. Cynthia’s desire
to look inside characters is the reason she loves to illustrate children’s books, to create characters, and to give the
reader a positive, often humorous, view of life.
The Agency at Brown Books | www.TheAgencyatBB.com
Media Contact: Alicia Auping| 972-248-9500
[email protected]
The Little Copper Penny
Stephenie Barker | ISBN: 978-1-61254-943-9| $16.99
Juvenile Fiction | www.TheLittleCopperPenny.com
By Stephenie Barker
Q&A with Stephenie Barker
What inspired you to write The Little Copper Penny?
I have had the privilege to hear great teachers such as Dave Ramsey and the late Jim Rohn speak about the principles
of money. I have read books like The Richest Man in Babylon, Think and Grow Rich and The Richest Man That
Ever Lived to name a few. In my opinion, the common thread is a respect for money down to its lowest form – the
penny.
The penny has always been my favorite coin because it is the one that many people throw aside. I have always
picked up every penny I see. If it is in a place of business, I give it to the owner. If not, it quickly finds its way into
my purse. Once I started giving the penny my attention, I noticed other coins lying around too, and even dollars!
All of this inspired me to write the story about The Little Copper Penny and the penny’s value. My goal is to teach
our children to value every coin with respect. They say, “Money can’t buy happiness,” and I agree, but it sure does
make life easier. I really like what Dave Ramsey says about how the more money you have, the more you can give
away to help someone else’s life become easier.
How do you feel about the ongoing debate to take pennies out of circulation?
I read that the penny does not produce enough revenue to pay for its production, therefore, the cost is covered by
the other coins’ revenue. I gave thought to what we would do without pennies. Would we only count by fives? I
think there would be a lot that would have to change if we didn’t use the penny anymore. Our percentages (like
sales tax) would have to be set in denominations of five. What about the stamps we buy? Their prices would have
to be adjusted too. I think taking the pennies out of circulations would result in more costly issues than the loss
of revenue from production. I think our little copper penny is extremely important and carries more worth than
we recognize.
Why do you think you’re drawn to pennies?
I have heard many people make comments about dropped pennies such as, “Don’t worry about it, pennies aren’t
worth enough.” I have also had cashiers ask as they provide me change, “Do you want the pennies?” My answer is
always, “Yes” and usually includes attitude. One store cashier actually commented, “I hate pennies!” I had to just
walk away from that one.
Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” I think pennies by
themselves represent very little but can definitely become very much.
The Agency at Brown Books | www.TheAgencyatBB.com
Media Contact: Alicia Auping| 972-248-9500
[email protected]
The Little Copper Penny
Stephenie Barker | ISBN: 978-1-61254-943-9| $16.99
Juvenile Fiction | www.TheLittleCopperPenny.com
Do you think pennies are undervalued? How can we make people more aware of the penny’s worth?
Pennies have their place in the bigger picture. The story of The Little Copper Penny has already been proven to
make a difference in how pennies are viewed. Children say they are going to start collecting them, adults share
fond memories and games from their childhood. After hearing the story, everyone starts to see them and pick
them up as they do. I especially love when they call or write to me about the adventure of where the penny was
found.
There is an underlying message to this story that goes far beyond money. Which came first, the money or the
message?
The realization that children are learning about their own self-worth has humbled me and greatly motivates me
to share the book. I didn’t realize the story had an underlying message about self-worth until a sixth grade boy
answered the question, “What was the message of the story?” His hand was first in the air and he said with
excitement, “We ALL have value!” His answer made me step back and think. Many of the other children verbalized
the same answer with different words.
So when you ask which came first, there is not an easy answer. My own self confidence suffered greatly through my
childhood, but finally began to change when I married my husband of 34 years now. My story is not unique by any
means. Parents divorced when I was young, mother did the best she could to take care of us, remarried when I was
six years old and blessed my life with two brothers and a man that wanted to be my father. I have always admired
my mother for working so hard (she was very young) and sacrificing everything to take care of us during that time.
But no matter how hard she tried to do and be everything, there was a missing part in my development. I didn’t
even know what it was until I married and had children. It was a solid foundation for growth and development. I
believe a loving foundation in a child’s life helps prepare them for life’s adventures. I even read that most of a child’s
emotional development happens in the first five years.
As for me, to compensate I have surrounded myself with loving friends, read many books, attended seminars and
listened to other people’s many stories, which all helped form the confident adult I am today.
The Little Copper Penny gains wisdom from his Grandpa Wheat, which is what I have tried to do as an adult. Little
Copper Penny recognizes his worth, which is also what I was determined to do.
What are your hopes and plans for The Little Copper Penny in the future?
Ultimately, I hope The Little Copper Penny becomes a favorite bedtime story for children. In the meantime, I look
forward to reading to young children at schools, libraries and book stores. I also look forward to presenting the
book to young writers as a story I desired to tell, as well as sharing the long process of bringing that story to life. I
want to develop games to accompany the book for teachers to use in their classrooms.
The Agency at Brown Books | www.TheAgencyatBB.com
Media Contact: Alicia Auping| 972-248-9500
[email protected]
The Little Copper Penny
Stephenie Barker | ISBN: 978-1-61254-943-9| $16.99
Juvenile Fiction | www.TheLittleCopperPenny.com
Do you collect pennies or any other coins?
I have never collected coins for a hobby, but I do have a few that are very special to me, such as a 1925 silver dollar
given to me when I was six years old by my grandparents. I also have a 1903 Indian Head penny given to me by
dear friends as their encouragement to continue with the completion of this book. Every coin does have a place in
my house, whether it is for saving, spending or donating.
When was the last time you really wished you had some pennies to make exact change?
Due to my love for pennies, I either have them to make exact change, or receive them to keep a while for later
change. It makes no difference to me. I just don’t want to see them thrown aside.
What advice can you give parents who are beginning to teach their kids about money?
All coins and dollars have value, but even the smallest can count as much as the largest. Recently a grandmother
shared with me the game she plays when she takes walks with her grandchildren. The game is to see who can find
the most pennies. At the end of the walk, the person with the most gets everyone’s pennies. What a great game!
I would like to see parents teach their children by collecting each day’s coins, discussing how many of the smaller
coins make up the others and then start a collection for the month. Have the child keep a daily log of the coins
(3 quarters = $.75, 1 dime - $.10, 2 nickels = $.10, 20 pennies =$.20 Daily Total = $1.15). At the end of the month,
reduce the coins to dollars at the bank with your child. Then, donate to a charity supporting education for children.
And of course, have your child write me their story of their adventures collecting pennies!
The Agency at Brown Books | www.TheAgencyatBB.com
Media Contact: Alicia Auping| 972-248-9500
[email protected]
The Little Copper Penny
Stephenie Barker | ISBN: 978-1-61254-943-9| $16.99
Juvenile Fiction | www.TheLittleCopperPenny.com
By Stephenie Barker
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
“Having taught several children’s financial literacy programs, I can say with confidence that The Little Copper Penny is a fun way to help kids learn about the value of coins but more importantly to help them learn that everyone
has value. I am looking forward to reading it to my six grandchildren.”
—Dennis Fitzgerald, Banking Center Manager, Comerica Bank
“I LOVE this book! It's such an uplifting story that teaches both money counting and self-worth. Wow! What a
great way to teach little ones the differing values of coins. The artwork brings the money to life, the story flows at
a brisk pace, and reading it just makes me feel happy. As a retired educator, I recommend reading this to students
and having it in the classroom library. Younger elementary students will read this little book over and over.”
—Sheryl Dougherty, Retired Elementary/Middle School Teacher and Grandmother
“The value of a child is priceless, and it becomes every parent’s privilege to equip sons and daughters with the timeless principles of money management. Stephenie has shown us that these little but mighty pennies have the ability
to inspire every child, encouraging them to recognize their own uniqueness and self-worth.”
—Blaine Riney, Senior Loan Officer, First National Bank Mortgage
“This is a fun, engaging way to introduce children to money and how to count. The rhymes are catchy and easy for
children to remember, with super cute illustrations for reinforcement. Highly recommended.”
—Linda Greiner, author of the award-winning Sashi children's book series
The Agency at Brown Books | www.TheAgencyatBB.com
Media Contact: Alicia Auping| 972-248-9500
[email protected]
The Little Copper Penny
Stephenie Barker | ISBN: 978-1-61254-943-9| $16.99
Juvenile Fiction | www.TheLittleCopperPenny.com
By Stephenie Barker
Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Little Copper Penny
Author. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephenie Barker
Illustrator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cynthia Meadows
ISBN-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 978-1-61254-943-9
Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hardcover
Retail Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.99
Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8x10 portrait
Pages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Carton Quantity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
LCCN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016953357
BISAC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juvenile Fiction
Publication Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04/01/17
Distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ingram, Baker & Taylor
Publisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brown Books Publishing Group
Publisher Website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.BrownBooks.com
Author Website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.TheLittleCopperPenny.com
BIG, SHINY, COPPER, OR SMALL—YOU ARE STILL WORTH IT ALL. It makes “cents” to know your worth!
Little Copper Penny is sad because all the other coins say pennies are worthless. Luckily Grandpa Wheat—who
has been around for a very long time—knows just how Little Copper Penny feels and exactly what to say to cheer
him up! A charming story about accepting who you are, Stephenie Barker’s The Little Copper Penny not only makes
counting fun but also reminds you to know your worth, no matter what others say. Join Little Copper Penny and
Grandpa Wheat for a memorable rhyme that will help you see that no matter who (or what) you are, you have
value!
Marketing Budget: $30,000 • National print, broadcast and digital campaign
The Agency at Brown Books | www.TheAgencyatBB.com
Media Contact: Alicia Auping| 972-248-9500
[email protected]
The Little Copper Penny
Stephenie Barker | ISBN: 978-1-61254-943-9| $16.99
Juvenile Fiction | www.TheLittleCopperPenny.com