The Bundesbank is showcasing its new children’s book about payments at the Frankfurt Book Fair. From 7 to 11 October 2026, families and other visitors to the trade fair can come along to the Bundesbank’s exhibition stand to learn about the story “Geli Geldgespenst – Einkauf in der Krümelstube” and the English-language version, “Mona Moneyghost goes shopping at Crumble Corner”. They can also find out about the rest of the educational resources that Germany’s central bank has to offer.

We spend our whole lives making financial decisions, from those first cents in our piggy bank all the way through to putting money aside for our retirement. That’s what makes financial literacy so important, emphasises Bundesbank Executive Board member Lutz Lienenkämper. With our new children’s book, financial education starts young. The Bundesbank’s educational offering is designed to impart foundational knowledge about money, monetary policy and the tasks of central banks. The digital euro is also covered. 

Questions and answers on central bank topics, tailored to children

The new publication is written with primary school-aged children in mind. It takes them on an exciting journey of discovery through the world of payments, broaching questions in a child-friendly format. How does money get into your wallet? Why does the euro exist? How does paying with cash work? What about cashless payments? And what part does the Bundesbank play? The story provides answers from imaginative angles. On an adventurous trip to the local bakery, a young ghost called Geli meets Buba the goblin, Fred the troll and Edi the elf. Together, they discover the many and varied ways there are to pay in our everyday lives – using cash or paying digitally with a card or mobile phone.

During the Book Fair, visitors will have the opportunity to attend readings and live drawing sessions with author Laura Ferfort and illustrator Sophia Stephani. The 45-page, hardback children’s book has 14 chapters and was developed in collaboration with the Hamburg-based Carlsen Verlag publishing company. The full story has been translated into English as “Mona Moneyghost goes shopping at Crumble Corner”. The German version is flanked by a package of digital resources, comprising colouring and puzzle sheets as well as a quiz. ”Geli Geldgespenst” has been published online and will be available to borrow from libraries throughout Germany. The Bundesbank will also be distributing copies at open days, trade fair stalls and exhibition stands through to autumn 2027.