But why? A podcast for curious kids is known for serious answers to silly questions sent

in by kids just like you. But did you know that but why is now a book series?

Our first book, Our Lama's Ticklish, answers questions from real kids about farm animals.

This colorfully illustrated book is perfect for kids ages 8 to 10. And our second book,

To Fish Breathe Underwater, explores the underwater world of the ocean. Learn more at

But Why Kids.org slash books.

This is But Why. A podcast for curious kids produced at Vermont Public Radio. I'm Jane

Lindholm. In each episode we take questions from kids just like you. Maybe you've even

sent one in. And we find people who know how to help you find an answer.

Before we get started, I have a message for the adults who are listening. We have support

for this episode from Let's Grow Kids. Vermont kids have a new anthem and you can watch the

music video featuring Mr. Chris, Kat Wright and children from across Vermont at Let's

Grow Kids.org. Today we're going to talk about a very complicated topic, money and why

it's important. The first question is a doozy. Hi, my name is Luka and I live in Ashwin,

Oregon. I'm nine and my and my question is who invented money? Good question, Luka,

and a really tough one because it kind of depends on what you mean by money. Let's start

by going back in time way back in time. Imagine two cavemen hanging out in the middle of

a summer morning and one of them is feeling hungry. I am really hungry. I think there's

a mastodon over there. That would feed my family for a long time. What's a mastodon again?

That thing over there looks like an elephant. Which don't exist yet, but go on. But a lot

hairier. Oh right. Anyway, any chance you could help me chase down that mastodon and

spear it and then drag it back to my home? Well, I guess so. I'm pretty free right now,

...