Mellody Hobson to Publish Children’s Book About Money: ‘No Greater Gift Than a Financial Education' (Exclusive)

It’s never too early to learn about finance, according to Mellody Hobson.

The businesswoman has shared the cover of her forthcoming book, Priceless Facts About Money, exclusively with PEOPLE. Forthcoming from Candlewick Press this fall, the book aims to demystify money for a young readership.

As co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, as well as the chair of the Board of Directors for the Starbucks Corporation, Hobson understands the importance of financial know-how. In Priceless Facts About Money, which features illustrations by Caitlin Stevens, the author breaks down the significance of money, from what the symbols on U.S. bills mean, to why people have such strange nicknames for currency.

Hobson also looks at the history of money itself, such as how the Maya used chocolate as a form of currency and how banking systems were developed. Readers will also be able to learn fun facts about money from around the world, as well as the origins of financial tools we used today, such as credit and ATMs.

“There is no greater gift than a financial education to help young people learn that money can be a tool to help their dreams come true,” said Reese Witherspoon about the book, in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “And there is no better teacher than Mellody, whose passion for financial literacy has inspired so many already!”

Hobson was named as one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in 2020 for her work with Ariel Investments. She is also on the board for institutions like JP Morgan Chase & Co. and the Sundance Institute and has previously served as chairperson for DreamWorks Animation. Hobson was also a financial contributor for CBS News and Good Morning America.

Hobson and husband George Lucas have also donated millions to charitable endeavors through the Hobson Lucas Family Foundation, including the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Hobson discussed the couple’s philanthropic efforts while accepting the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2019.

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"We view ourselves as stewards of society's money. We're just holding this money for a little bit before we pass it on and give it back," Hobson said, at the time. "We're just paying a debt, and a debt that we're happy to pay and hopefully one that will lead others to pay as well."

Priceless Facts About Money will hit shelves on Oct. 1 and is now available for preorder.