Second and third graders at Bevis Elementary School (Northwest Local Schools) learned the value of money during a book reading in the school's library this morning. They were also the first recipients of a new coloring book aimed at teaching the value of saving.

The book reading was Ohio's first event in observing Saving And Investing Education Week (April 25-May 1). The week, which is being recognized in more than 20 countries, is designed to encourage individuals to save and make wise investment decisions. This year's focus is on classroom instruction.

Ohio Securities Commissioner Thomas E. Geyer read "If You Made A Million" written by David M. Schwartz and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. The book, which stars Marvelosissimo The Mathematical Magician, highlights how money is used and how it can grow when properly saved.

"It is vitally important that young people, even as young as the second and third grade, learn the basics of money management," Commissioner Geyer said. "Today's lesson can help the students learn how to better manage their allowances and can put them on the road to making wise investment decisions in the future."

Following the book reading, Commissioner Geyer presented the students with a new coloring available from the Division of Securities. The students then drew pictures in the coloring book titled "Billy and the Basketball -- A Coloring Book about Saving Money." A copy of the coloring book will be mailed to each school district in the state.

As Ohio Securities Commissioner, Geyer oversees the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities. The division promotes an honest and fair securities market where individuals and businesses can raise capital and investors can expect a fair return on their investment.

"Commissioner Geyer's book reading and presentation of the new coloring book provided a fun and useful lesson for our students on how money works and how it should be properly managed," said Denny Nagel, Principal of Bevis Elementary School.

# # #

During Saving And Investing Education Week and throughout the year, Ohioans can request the new coloring book and the other free investor education publications available from the Division of Securities by calling 1-800-788-1194. The coloring book and many other publications can also be accessed on the division's web site at www.securities.state.oh.us