I still remember with vivid detail the first time my mom took me to cast my vote in a presidential race. It set a precedent for the rest of my life and taught me the importance of being informed on issues and exercising my right to vote. Taking your children to a Kids Voting precinct will spur political conversation in your home and let you impress upon your kids the need to be involved in the political process. To initiate a conversation on the election that doesn’t bore the little ones to death, grab a copy of President Pennybaker.

The Book

Title: President Pennybaker

Author: Kate Feiffer

Illustrator: Diane Goode

Recommended Age: 4-8

Book Brief: What if a boy ran for president and won?

Being a kid isn’t easy, just ask Luke Pennybaker. Chores, school, homework, and more chores. Who needs it? Sent to his room for a time-out, Luke devises a plan to run for president and make life fair for kids once and for all.

As “Pennies for Pennybaker” builds momentum, Luke’s campaign takes hold across America. Being president of the United States is all a kid could hope for – or is it?

Completely plausible and surprising, Kate Feiffer and Diane Goode’s spirited collaboration is sure-fire inspiration for presidential hopefuls across the land.

About the Author: Kate Feiffer is the author of three picture books for children, Double Pink, illustrated by Bruce Ingman, which the New York Times praised for its “economy of style and understated wit,” and the recently published Henry the Dog with No Tail, illustrated by Jules Feiffer. Ms. Feiffer is also a filmmaker and a mother. She lives with her family on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, where she is at work on her next book for children. Visit her at katefeiffer.com.

About the Illustrator: Diane Goode is the illustrator of more than forty books for children, including several written by Cynthia Rylant, Alligator Boy; When I Was Young in the Mountains, a Caldecott Honor Book; and most recently, Baby Face: A Book of Love for Baby. She lives with her family in Warren, New Jersey. Visit her at web.mac.com/goodedog.

The Blast

Kids Voting

Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Location: Local Kids Voting precinct or on the web

It’s a Blast! Participating in Kids Voting is simple. First, have a discussion with your kids about the issues that you think they’ll understand and that impact them. In this particular election, they’ve probably been hearing about the presidential race for a year. They most likely don’t know how the race could impact them or their family, though.

Next, visit www.kidsvotingaz.org to see whether your school is participating as a precinct. If so, schedule a time on election day to vote in person. If not, you may vote online . . . and discuss with your kids how an absentee ballot is just as valuable as a vote cast in person.

Finally, watch the results of the “grown-up” election come in throughout the evening on the various news channels and websites. Also be sure to check the results on the Kids Voting website and discuss with your kids why the results may be similar or different.

Extra tips for a Good Time:

• Help your kids practice before they show up to vote. This will make them feel more empowered when they actually vote, instead of having to rely on your assistance.
• Discuss with your children the things they’ve been hearing at school about the coming election. Take the opportunity to teach them to be tolerant, but to stand up for what they believe.
• Visit with an older relative and talk about the different presidential races they remember.