This is Planet Money from NPR.

It's story time in Mandy Robbex, third grade class.

Alrighty readers, here we go.

The kids' little faces light up.

So we're going to read today and just see what do we think and discover about this story.

Pancakes, pancakes, by Eric Carl.

In the story, there's this little boy Jack who wants pancakes, but his mom is busy, so he's got to do some of the work.

How can I help? Ask Jack.

We'll need some flour, she replied.

Take a sickle and cut as much wheat as the donkey can carry.

Then take it to the mill.

The miller will grind it into flour.

As Mrs. Robbex reading, it becomes pretty clear, at least to this economics reporter.

This isn't just a book about a boy making pancakes.

It's a story about tastes and preferences, about specialization and trade.

Mrs. Robbex been weaving econ into her lessons, so the kids get it too.

Ariman, what are you thinking?

He was asking him to do it.

Can you please grind the sweet into flour because I need it for a big pancake?

He didn't just go and make it himself. He asked someone to do it for him.

I think you're right, Ariman. Who is he asking?

The miller.

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