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Presidents & Politics (U.S.), Politics & Government - United States

Vote!

by Eileen Christelow
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Overview

In a presidential election year, when selecting a new leader will be the focus of national attention, what could be more timely than an upbeat and informative introduction to voting? Eileen Christelow’s Vote! is now available in a special paperback edition at a bargain price, to give even more young readers the chance to understand the process.
Parties, voter registration, campaigns, rallies, debates, Election Day, even a recount . . . all are clearly presented in a graphic format as the story of a local election unfolds, with hilarious commentary by the candidates’ pets.
Choosing our own government is one of our most cherished rights. This book is the perfect guide to how our democracy works.

Using a campaign for mayor as an example, shows the steps involved in an election, from the candidate's speeches and rallies, to the voting booth where every vote counts, to the announcement of the winner.

Synopsis

In a presidential election year, when selecting a new leader will be the focus of national attention, what could be more timely than an upbeat and informative introduction to voting? Eileen Christelow’s Vote! is now available in a special paperback edition at a bargain price, to give even more young readers the chance to understand the process.
Parties, voter registration, campaigns, rallies, debates, Election Day, even a recount . . . all are clearly presented in a graphic format as the story of a local election unfolds, with hilarious commentary by the candidates’ pets.
Choosing our own government is one of our most cherished rights. This book is the perfect guide to how our democracy works.

Eileen Christelow has created numerous fun and funny picture books, including the Five Little Monkeys series, Author, and most recently, Letters from a Desperate Dog. She and her husband, Ahren, live in Vermont. For more information visit www.christelow.com.

The Washington Post

In this brisk and engaging deconstruction of a small town's mayoral election, Christelow explains the whys and wherefores of the voting process, from campaign kickoff to post-election recount, and why it all matters. Glossary, timeline and wisecracking canines included. — Elizabeth Ward

About the Author, Eileen Christelow

Eileen Christelow has created numerous fun and funny picture books, including the Five Little Monkeys series, Author, and Letters from a Desperate Dog. She and her husband, Ahren, live in Vermont. For more information visit www.christelow.com.

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Editorials

From the Publisher

"It's hard to imagine a more accessible introduction to voting....whimsical and creative...Vote aye on this one" ALA BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

"Simple language...color, and humorous subplots make for an appealing introduction to electoral politics...conveys the eye-opening evolution of democracy" KIRKUS REVIEWS Kirkus Reviews

"well-executed...accessible introduction...may well inspire future lever-pulling in the voting booth...a strong kickoff to the 2004 election year." PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Publishers Weekly

"solid information...the cartoon cast is animated and committed...useful end matter...an excellent overview of the democratic process." THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"brisk and engaging...explains the whys and wherefores of the voting process...and why it all matters...wise-cracking canines included." THE WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD The Washington Post

"Colorful, comical illustrations...light, yet informative tone...This accessible and appealing title deserves a place in all collections." SLJ School Library Journal

"Important information about elections is explored with enthusiasm...Christelow walks kids through the process...all to help democracy stay alive." SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE The San Francisco Chronicle

The Washington Post

In this brisk and engaging deconstruction of a small town's mayoral election, Christelow explains the whys and wherefores of the voting process, from campaign kickoff to post-election recount, and why it all matters. Glossary, timeline and wisecracking canines included. — Elizabeth Ward

Publishers Weekly

With two wisecracking pooches and the candidate's daughter as pint-size commentators, "this book effectively explains the nuances of the election process using a small-town mayoral campaign as an example," according to PW. "A well-executed book that could serve as a strong kickoff to the 2004 election." Ages 6-10. (Aug.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

The election process is brought to life in this fictional account of a town's selection of a mayor. Beginning with the grassroots campaigning and continuing through the election, complete with a recount, this energetic account aptly illustrates the procedures, the legalities, and the emotions of selecting a local leader. Telling the story from the perspective of the daughter of one of the candidates personalizes the story for young readers. Angela is involved every step of the way. She even studies the history of voting, noting when African-Americans and women were included through Constitutional amendments. When Angela's mom wins, everyone rejoices. Presented in Christelow's signature comic book style, all readers will gain an understanding of this important piece of our democratic form of government. Young children will especially enjoy the campaigning and side remarks of Angela's two dogs as they participate along with the rest of the family. Useful reference aids include a glossary, a "Timeline of Voting Rights," some information about political parties, and a list of internet sources. 2003, Clarion/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 5 to 10.
—Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Using a fictional mayoral election as an example, the author clarifies the entire voting process from campaigning to casting ballots. Humorous comic-strip-style cartoons, featuring a running dialogue between Elmer and Sparky, one of the candidate's dogs, support the text and keep the tone light. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

After the sorry example of the 2000 presidential election, it's good to be reminded of the simple beauty-and hard-won right-of voting for a candidate. And Christelow goes farther in this primer on the process of electing a candidate. Simple language, gay color, and humorous subplots make for an appealing introduction to electoral politics, and she wisely complements her somewhat dry explanatory text with a typically funny word-bubble story of one woman's mayoral campaign. Readers learn about political parties and polls, voter registration, to be wary of campaign advertising, the right to recounts, and are urged to conduct research into the candidates. There's also a very handy timeline of voting rights that conveys the eye-opening evolution of democracy in the US. Impressively, Christelow gives to each individual vote a sense of importance-an act of participation that nestles in the heart of democracy. (Picture book. 5-8)

Book Details

Published
February 1, 2008
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages
48
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780547059730

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