With over one billion players in 111 countries, the game of Monopoly is a favorite among folks from every walk of life.

But do you know who the true inventor of this brilliant game really is or how many “players” it took to get Monopoly where it is today?

Pass Go and Collect $200 – The Real Story of How Monopoly Was Invented takes the reader on an incredible journey of invention, change, and “borrowed” ideas – this book truly showcases the adage of how “life imitates art.”

Although Elizabeth Magie first conceived the idea of Monopoly in the late 1800s, it went through several “upgrades” with many people improving on Magie’s original game.

Today, Monopoly is still a best-selling board game, with several variations like Monopoly Junior and a Star Wars Edition topping the list.

If you’re a fan of the game, you may also be surprised to learn that the “iron” playing piece has been retired and replaced with a cat token. In 2017, the Hasbro company also held an online vote. This resulted in the retirement of the boot, thimble, and wheelbarrow, as well.

What’s taken their place as tokens? 

A penguin, a rubber ducky, and the T-Rex!

Pass Go and Collect $200 is a must-read for any fan-favorite of Monopoly. It’s written by Tanya Lee Stone and illustrated by Steven Salerno – both do a superb job of drawing the reader into this fascinating journey!

Plus, at the end of the tale, there’s some cool Monopoly facts and fun Monopoly inspired math quizzes for the kids.

Do you want a copy of this delightful book? Check out Macmillan Publishers!