This year is extra special because we have the opportunity to elect leaders for our local, state, and federal communities. These picture books help explain the election process and why it is important to participate!
Vote for Our Future! by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Micah Player
Every two years, on the first Tuesday of November, Stanton Elementary School closes for the day. For vacation? Nope! For repairs? No way! Stanton Elementary School closes so that it can transform itself into a polling station. People can come from all over to vote for the people who will make laws for the country. Sure, the Stanton Elementary School students might be too young to vote themselves, but that doesn’t mean they can’t encourage their parents, friends, and family to vote! After all, voting is how this country sees change– and by voting today, we can inspire tomorrow’s voters to change the future.
Arthur Meets the President by Marc Brown
Arthur’s essay wins a contest and he has to read it to the President in a special ceremony at the White House.
What Does It Mean to Be American? by Rana DiOrio and Elad Yoran, and illustrated by Nina Mata
Does it mean you like apple pie? No. Does it mean you love fireworks? Not exactly. Being American means believing that all people are equal. Being American means we have the right to follow our dreams and that we work hard to achieve them. This heartwarming celebration of America will help readers of all ages learn that being American means the love we have for our diverse country can unite us and that we have the potential to make our nation – and the world – a better place.
Duck for President by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin
My fellow Americans: It is our pleasure, our honor, our duty as citizens to present to you Duck for President. Here is a duck who began in a humble pond. Who worked his way to farmer. To governor. And now, perhaps, to the highest office in the land. Some say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he is a duck. We say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he will be the next president of the United States of America. Thank you for your vote.
The President of the Jungle by André Rodrigues, Larissa Ribeiro, Paula Desgualdo, and Pedro Markun
Lion may be King of the jungle, but lately he only seems to care about himself. His subjects are fed up, so they decide to try something new–hold an election! Once Owl explains the rules, the fun begins, and Snake, Sloth, and Monkey all announce they will be candidates. Lion is going to run too! This funny, non-partisan story features lively illustrations, a helpful glossary, and colorful characters who have an infectious enthusiasm for the election process.
Buddy for President by Hans Wilhelm
Vote for Buddy! Buddy is the best dog in the whole world. He loves the great outdoors, he believes in sharing and helping others, and he’s a natural-born leader. That’s why his boy, Hunter, thinks Buddy should be our next president! Author and illustrator Hans Wilhelm’s accessible text and humorous illustrations introduce young readers to the presidential campaign and election.
If You’re Going to a March by Martha Freeman and illustrated by Violet Kim
This cheerful guide serves as a great reference tool and conversation starter for youthful march participants. Inspired by author Martha Freeman’s own experiences, this picture book addresses many of the questions kids might have: What should I wear? How will I get there? Where will I be able to go to the bathroom? Is it okay to dance? (Yes, it is!). All the while the text stays focused on the fact that the right to assemble is a Constitutional part of our life as Americans… whatever our political point of view.
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham
When Grace’s teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides she wants to be the nation’s first and immediately jumpstarts her political career by running in her school’s mock election! The race is tougher than she expected: her popular opponent declares that he’s the “best man for the job” and seems to have captured the votes of all of the class’s boys. But Grace is more determined than ever. This timely story not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system but also teaches the value of hard work, courage, independent thought.
Vote for Me by Ben Clanton
The donkey wants your vote. So does the elephant. And each will do just about anything to win your support. Brag? Sure. Flatter? Absolutely. Exaggerate, name-call, make silly promises and generally act childish? Yes, yes, yes and yes. Soon, the tension mounts, and these two quarrelsome candidates resort to slinging mud (literally) and flinging insults. And what happens when the election results are in? Well, let’s just say the donkey and the elephant are in for a little surprise — and a certain bewhiskered, third-party candidate is in for a first term.
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts
Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school… until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so. Sofia misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea—the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do.
All book descriptions were borrowed from Goodreads.com.
Register to vote in Nebraska here.
Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library 