Picture books that win your vote

Kid Culture features fun and educational books and toys for kids.

The presidential election season is in full swing, so it is a wonderful time to introduce children to democracy in action through some great new books.

“Vote For Me" By Ben Clanton

This is a picture book for all ages that truthfully and humorously reveals how an election may devolve into mudslinging nonsense. Donkey and Elephant begin their election race with civility, but quickly resort to name-calling and one-upmanship. While they are fighting it out, Mouse has been running his own campaign and wins the day to become “The Big Cheese."

“Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote" By Herman Parish

Herman Parish, nephew of Peggy Parish, has continued the beloved Amelia Bedelia series, and his newest is “Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote." This picture book introduces the process of voting to preschoolers with humor and some of Amelia Bedelia’s trademark literalness.

When Mr. K, the principal, promises to implement whatever new rule the children vote on, Amelia Bedelia proposes no-homework Wednesdays. After a tie vote between Amelia’s rule and ice cream sandwiches for lunch, an absentee ballot decides the election.

“See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House" By Susan Goodman and Elwood Smith

This book has been updated just in time for the 2012 election season. This wonderful nonfiction title for children in grades 4-7 introduces the process of presidential elections through a blend of history and current events. Both text and illustrations are engaging and illuminating. Pithy quotes from Ben Franklin appear throughout the book and this is one is a keeper: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

“Babymouse For President" By Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm

“Bad Kitty For President" By Nick Bruel

The graphic novel “Babymouse For President" and the novel “Bad Kitty For President" are two hilarious series books for children in grades 2-5. These titles introduce the two candidates and their campaigns, which seem both ridiculous but also very familiar. While Babymouse regains her soul at the end of her unsuccessful campaign, curmudgeonly Bad Kitty swears revenge at the end of his.