Feature

Top Five: Political Books for Kids

In an election year, kids’ books turn political.

By Susan Avery
Published May 21, 2005

1. Duck for President
Preschoolers with political aspirations will surely be cured by Doreen Cronin’s picture book. The lead character is dissatisfied with the state of the grange, and beats the farmer by a landslide in a barnyard election. But as Duck climbs the political ladder to the White House, he finds that being the POTUS is no fun at all. (Simon & Schuster; $15.95.)

2. The Peace Book
In a letter disguised as a picture book, Todd Parr’s one-sentence-per-page style combined with his simple, primary-colored drawings convey the essence of peace, tolerance, and embracing differences. We especially enjoyed the sentiment “Peace is having enough pizza in the world for everyone.” (Little, Brown and Company; $15.99.)

3. Lu and the Swamp Ghost
The Democratic pundit James Carville’s Depression-era story is about a Louisiana girl who puts aside her fear of the unknown to help out a hungry phantom and, in the end, finds her first real friend. The Cajun twang throughout adds spice. Good for 4- to 8-year-olds. (Simon & Schuster; $17.95.)

4. Eddie: Harold’s Little Brother
Ed Koch and sister Pat Koch Thaler celebrate the former mayor’s physical spazziness with a tribute to his brother’s athleticism. As a lad, the mayor bumbles at baseball—his “How am I doing?” catchphrase was born on the field, when he couldn’t catch anything—eventually finding his rightful place as a play-by-play announcer. For ages 5 and older. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons; $16.99.)

5. Beekman’s Big Deal
It’s not exactly about politics, but kids who read between the lines will learn about the slimier side of shrewd operators who talk a good game. Michael de Guzman’s chapter book depicts 12-year-old Beekman O’Day’s complicated Manhattan life with a wheeler-dealer father who ends up learning a thing or two from his more grounded son. Ages 10 and older. (Farrar, Straus & Giroux; $16.)