Overview
Using a town's mayoral election as a model, this lively introduction to voting covers every step in the process, from the start of the campaign all the way to the voting booth. There's even a recount! The cast of characters includes two dogs (and a cat), whose questions and comments mirror those of young readers and help to explain some of an election's more confusing aspects. Told with clarity and wit in Eileen Christelow's signature comic-book style and vetted by an expert in voter education, this look at how we choose our leaders turns an often daunting topic into an exciting narrative. Who would have guessed that learning about voting could be so much fun? A timeline of the history of voting in the United States, a glossary of words associated with voting, a discussion of American political parties, and a list of Internet resources are included.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.
Editorials
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 WardPublishers 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)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