The presidential election is coming up. So it is the perfect time to start talking to kids about voting and elections. My daughter has started noticing lawn signs on neighbor’s yards, and asking me questions about the election. So I was thrilled when we received two new children’s books about voting to help me explain the process to her.

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V is for Voting

Written by Kate Farrell and illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald

This informative and inspiring kids’ book about voting takes readers through the alphabet, offering voting related concepts for each letter of the alphabet. The lyrical rhyming text is paired with colorful illustrations featuring a diverse cast of characters. Several of the pages feature cartoon versions of famous people who have played big roles in civics and government throughout the history of the country. The back of the book includes information on the importance of voting, the important people from history pictured throughout the book, and a timeline of voting rights. Overall the book is a great introduction to the importance of voting for little ones  It is also an inspiring call to action for everyone to have their voice be heard.

If You Go with Your Goat to Vote

Written by Jan Zauzmer and illustrated by Andrew Roberts

Once your kids understand the importance of voting, the next step is teaching them how to vote. This fun animal themed voting book for kids uses parent and child animal pairs to walk the reader through the process. Each two page spread highlights a different pair of animals. The text uses the adult and child names of the animals, and a fun play on words that relates to the animal and voting. The story takes the reader through the whole process, from considering the choices, to mailing in a ballot, going to the polls, signing in, going to a booth, even staying up late to watch the results. The back of the book includes stickers with animal related spins on classic “voting” related sayings.

Introduce kids to the President’s job

The President’s job is a complicated one. From representing the country to making big decisions, there are tons of ways that the president can make a difference. Check out this list of kids’ books about the Presidency to introduce the job to young ones, and encourage them to dream big with a printable booklet about their own Presidential goals.

Talk to kids about being an American

One of the most important things about the election, is that we all have the right to have our voices heard. This list of children’s books about being an American citizen introduces the responsibilities and ideals of US citizens. Talk to your kids about why we vote, and how lucky we are to have that right.

Explaining elections

Elections are big, complicated things. And there is often a lot of confusion and misinformation out there that can be confusing to kids. (And to adults — I’m looking at you electoral college). Explain the process of elections to kids with these children’s books about elections. Several of the books on the list explain the fights that women and African Americans have dealt with to get the right to vote, underscoring the importance of using our vote to have our voices heard.

Help them overcome election negativity

Without fail, election time seems to bring out the worst in people. It can be incredibly draining to listen to the constant negativity and nastiness being flung around by the various candidates, parties, and interest groups. Anyone else feel themselves tuning out when the attack ads hit the air? Help kids overcome this burnout, and keep them positive by sharing these positive books about America and what it means to be a good citizen.

Talk to them about the good, the bad, and the ugly

Election time can be ugly. The hate filled smear campaigns are everywhere. Even if I don’t like a particular candidate, the attack ads and mean-spirited disagreements start to get to me. Try your best to teach your kids HOW to think about the elections and the candidates, without telling them WHAT to think. This is obviously a difficult thing to do, especially in an election year like this one when emotions are burning hot. But in the long run, it is better for your kids to learn to think for themselves, rather than puppet what YOU believe in. Check out this post for ideas on how to talk to your kids about politics (and how NOT to talk to them).

How do you teach kids about the election? Do you have any favorite election books for kids? Share in the comments below!

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