Election Picture Books: Vote for Monsters, Ducks, and Teachers!

The primary debates have begun. Whether you're anticipating the coming presidential campaign hoopla with glee or grimaces, kids will be viewing a flood of media on the topic. Take a  proactive approach to help them learn that elections, civic responsibilities, and campaign issues are about more than ranting, self-serving, and attacks. If we are to have any hope of sustaining a true democracy, it's essential for young people to see government as something other than a warped and orchestrated reality show. 
To make those discussions age-appropriate and FUN, here's a new release and several favorite picture books to launch you on your way. It's both sad and ironic that books featuring a monster and a duck as candidates may offer more legitimate discussions of democracy than actual campaign media.

Mighty Media Kids, 2015

First up is MONSTER NEEDS YOUR VOTE, written by Paul Czajak and illustrated by Wendy Grieb,  hot off the press just in time for the fall campaigns. This is not Monster's first starring role in a book, but he certainly has ambitions. If you love candy (or power of any kind) why not run for president? Then you can have and do anything you want, right?
This story suggests that his monster-ous persona turns off voters and his promises aren't enough to win them back to his side. 
Monster's visual qualities combine "scary" elements with an awkwardly winning smile, expressive eyes and eyebrows, and soft, fuzzy colors. Metaphors for actual candidates abound. Anyone seen as "perfect" should be viewed with a strong dose of skepticism. Candidates are flawed humans, and it is up to voters to do the analytics needed to evaluate and select the one(s) who can best lead our communities, digging deeper than appearances and campaign slogans..
Monster's kid-sidekick plays an essential role in helping Monster redefine public service as his mission. There's potential for comparing this to the traditional EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES, too, in which those in power are blinded by flattery and it takes an honest kid to see and proclaim the truth.
Touch-points of reality include underfunded libraries and schools, and Constitutional requirements for becoming president. Kids who have met Monster in earlier titles will welcome this one, and those who meet him for the first time here will want to read about his other adventures. The conclusion of this story sets a fine example that individuals can "campaign" for their worthwhile causes without running for public office. 

Simon and Schuster, 2004

DUCK FOR PRESIDENT, written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin 
Titles produced by this author/illustrator/cast of characters-combo have become classics, making Duck's exploits and ambitions even more appealing. The animal antics in this series aren't just comic, but are recognizably human and universal. If you've ever asked someone (of any age) what they would do if they were president, their responses are likely to be as cluelessly-warped in their assumptions as Duck's  and Monster's are. 
Fun discussions of that question after sharing these books will be an ideal preliminary to sharing the next offering.

Dutton Juvenile, 2004

MY TEACHER FOR PRESIDENT, is written by Kay Winters and illustrated by Denise Brunkus. The premise here is that students nominate their teacher to be president, offering concrete examples of her practices and values that PROVE she would be the best possible president. 
Facing spreads display the teacher in classroom settings and then applying the same judgment and character traits in a presidential role.
There are plenty of laughs (or at least chuckles) in these pages, along with recognition and analysis of the way character traits and habitual practices have value in every day lives. 

Bloomsbury Books, 2012, with updates

For older readers don't miss Susan E. Goodman's SEE HOW THEY RUN: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the Whitehouse. Goodman's thorough and resourced research offers page after page of election anecdotes and expanded stories that seem too incredible to be true. As they say, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, they are! Illustrator Elwood H. Smith brings to hilarious life these ludicrous but illuminating historic vignettes. Kids will pore over the images  time and again, and repeat many of the facts to incredulous adults. Some of these stories make Ducks and Monsters for president sound close to feasible!

While you're at it, share some of our nation's history regarding voters' rights with resources offered in this previous post. Sounds like a perfect way to get families engaged in productive discussions of elections. If you have other titles to suggest, share them in the comments!

Paul Czajak, author of MONSTER NEEDS YOUR VOTE, contributes articles to HUFF POST: EDUCATION blog. Here's his recent piece on engaging young people in the election process and the essential principles of democracy and voting (here).

Look for MONSTER NEEDS YOUR VOTE and other election titles at Barnes and Noble "Kids' Corner" table displays this fall, and check Monster's CAMPAIGN headquarters  to find other interesting election-related facts at this link. 

A Peek at Picture Book Presidents

Monday is officially "Presidents' Day".

My grandpa, George, named for Washington, was born at the end of the 19th century in Appalachia on February 22. It's been a favorite story among kin that he married Martha, whose birthday was the Fourth of July.

So call me sentimental, but I appreciate Presidents' Day as more than just a bank, stock market, and post office holiday on which to shop for discounted linens.

In a post at the start of the month I commented on the importance of acknowledging significant history throughout the year, not just on designated days or months. I hope you'll share these featured titles year 'round.

This week, though, I'll put them in the spotlight in honor of Grandpa George's memory.

First up: Presidents' Day by the incomparable Anne Rockwell. She has the ability to make any subject not only appealing but accessible for even the youngest readers or listeners. Key historic facts about Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt, all honored on Mt. Rushmore, are shared through a simple story about a school play.

Equally appealing and informative is My Teacher for President, by Kay Winters. When it comes to discussions about desirable qualities and character traits in a president (as opposed to rants and attacks), we might do well to make this required reading for all voters. In fact, a civics or poli-sci class could share this and launch a spirited debate about which qualities (apart from money and party affiliations) are most essential in a candidate for president. Includes a lovely dose of inside jokes and tongue-in-cheek parallel situations.

If you don't already know Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin I'd have to ask- where the heck have you been? With the same addictive appeal as Click Clack Moo and related titles (images, irony, repetition, and humor) Duck for President takes a seriously funny look at responsibility with "the grass is always greener" undertones. If you don't believe me, you can view the entire book on this book trailer video. But no peeking at the last page until you've seen or read it all!

You may feel that the abundance of titles related to Lincoln would have exhausted the subject. Lincoln Through the Lens: How Photography Revealed and Shaped an Extraordinary Life by Martin W. Sandler offers remarkable and unexpected insights into Lincoln's presidency.
If you are impressed by the impact of social media on presidential politics, imagine the effects of nascent photography on Lincoln's presidency (and power). He was the first president whose image reached the majority of Americans, (albeit after a much greater time lag than with FaceBook or Twitter). His was the face loved or hated during the Civil War, his were the first presidential decisions, signings, speeches that were visually recorded and widely distributed. He was the first of our presidents generally felt to be "known" by the citizenry, for better or for worse.
Take time to look at the archival photographs in this book, even if you don't read a word (but I dare you not to read once you open the cover).

With any luck at all you'll have found some new titles here to explore and share. Just remember to keep them in the mix throughout the year, especially this political year. If you have other titles to recommend, please leave a note.