Inspired by the fine Five Books series partnered by the Browser, I have turned my own hand over at Business & Politics to analysing five classic children’s books which teach vital messages of economics.

Such as Billy Bunter:

It all ends badly for Bunter, of course, with a drastic caning which leaves the dolorous Fat Owl reluctant to use his ventriloquist powers ever again. Yarooh!

Key economics messages? Don’t over-consume: use resources sparingly. Look out for negative externalities, ie inadvertently creating costs for other people through your own actions. Be honest — do not steal others’ tuck. If you’re selling things by telephone or Internet ordering, have in place robust precautions to be sure that the person making the purchase is duly authorised to do so.

And Little Hippo:

In this story in our version from 20 years ago Little Hippo keeps asking Daddy to play with him, only to be fobbed off with various highly realistic Daddy-like excuses (ie Daddy is reading the newspaper, polishing the car or ‘ working’). In the end they sit down together to snuggle up and read a book.

Key economics messages? Take good care of expensive capital assets such as vehicles. Balance your time sensibly between work and family. Look out for the opportunity cost of being too focused on what you are doing. Don’t take no for an answer.

Ignore the revolting picture which heads the essay. Nothing to do with me.