This image is the cover for the book Lion, King, and Coin

Lion, King, and Coin

An intriguing picture book interpretation of the invention of currency, set in ancient Turkey.

Laos enjoys his life in ancient Turkey. His father and grandfather are blacksmiths, famous for melting gold into beautiful objects, and he helps by working in his grandfather's market stall, bartering their gold for food and livestock.

But exchanging such different goods and quantities is complicated. What they need is something to represent the value of their goods, something durable and lightweight. So the king comes to Laos's family with a very important task: to create something that will make the market accessible to everyone. 

A National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)-Children’s Book Council (CBC) Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. 

An author’s note is included; translation edited by Joy Cowley.

Jeong-hee Nam, Lucia Sforza


Jeong-hee Nam has a graduate degree in children's literature. She has written several picture books, including The Green Festival: Recycling Paper to Save Trees, A Very Special Chocolate, Snow Train, and The Kalundborg Gang: Alternative Energy (all Big and Small Publishing). She lives in South Korea.


Lucia Sforza is an Italian illustrator who has never been content to work with a mere pencil. She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, where she studied engraving, monotyping, and intaglio printing. She has illustrated many international picture books, and her artwork has been displayed in children's illustration exhibitions throughout the world.

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.