Pre-K

Growing Reader

Don’t Forget to Vote!
10 Picture Books About Elections
and Voting

by Devon A. Corneal

Photo credit: Ariel Skelley, DigitalVision Collection/Getty Images

Elections are a big deal! Talking about the voting process and the value of a peaceful transition of power in the United States with your kids is important. These books will help introduce your children to the complexities of our electoral process in terms they can understand. They’re engaging, informative, and might even make voters out of your kids. Just be prepared for their disappointment when you explain they have to wait a few years before casting a ballot.

Citizen Baby: My Vote

Citizen Baby: My Vote

by Megan E. Bryant and Daniel Prosterman, illustrated by Micah Player

Even the youngest of citizens will be jazzed (and informed!) about voting with Citizen Baby: My Vote. This colorful and inviting board book highlights all the steps of the voting process, from getting to know the candidates to collecting a sticker at the polls. Complete the Citizen Baby series and get a primer on the branches of government with My Congress, My President, and My Supreme Court.
(Ages 0 – 3)

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The Night Before Election Day

The Night Before Election Day

by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Amy Wummer

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Natasha Wing’s delightful The Night Before series now includes the very exciting — and highly anticipatory — night before Election Day! Told from a young girl’s perspective and written in the style of Clement C. Moore’s The Night Before Christmas, it’s a fun spin on a beloved classic. There are so many questions that crop up before Election Day, and this soothing read is a great conversation-starter.
(Ages 3 – 5)

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Max for President

Max for President

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

It's time to vote for class president and Max and Kelly have both decided to run. They create posters and give speeches to get the word out among their classmates. When Kelly wins the election, Max is sad — that is, until Kelly asks Max to be her vice president. A sweet story that brings the election process close to home (or school!) for little readers.
(Ages 3 – 7)

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What’s the Big Deal About Elections?

What’s the Big Deal About Elections?

by Ruby Shamir

Have you ever wondered why Election Day is on a Tuesday? Or if a presidential candidate has ever run without an opponent? Then this book’s for you! What’s the Big Deal About Elections? recaps the history of voting in the United States, providing tons of facts and trivia to help kids learn all about local and national elections, and how they work.
(Ages 4 – 8)

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Vote for Our Future!

Vote for Our Future!

by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Micah Player

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The lucky students at Stanton Elementary School get an inside peek at Election Day: every two years for one special day, their school is transformed into a polling station so citizens can make their voices heard. Vote for Our Future! sends an inspiring and hopeful message about the privilege to vote, and reminds those not yet of voting age that they too can help our country toward a brighter future.
(Ages 4 – 8)

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Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote

Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote

by Kirsten Gillibrand, illustrated by Maira Kalman

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Accompanied by bright illustrations by Maira Kalman, Senator Gillibrand’s debut picture book introduces young readers to ten American women who worked tirelessly for equal rights. It focuses on the work of bold, brave activists and suffragists across history and, ultimately, looks optimistically to the future: "Now it's your turn," Senator Gillibrand writes. "You are the suffragists of our time."
(Ages 6 – 9)

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One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote

One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote

by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Aristedes Ruiz and Joe Mathieu

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Learn about elections and voting from Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat! With colorful illustrations and rhyming text, this picture book focuses on the election process — whether you’re voting for a class pet, local sheriff, or president of the U.S. — and explains that elections provide a way for voters to have a say in local and national politics.
(Ages 5 – 8)

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So You Want to Be President?

So You Want to Be President?

by Judith St. George, illustrated by David Small

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On this stroll through 41 of our past Presidents (apologies to Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who were elected after the book was published) you’ll learn what it takes to make it to the White House, as well as some of our former leaders’ idiosyncrasies.
(Ages 7 – 10)

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Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

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Even at 100 years old, Lillian is determined to make it to the ballot box on Election Day. As she climbs a very steep hill to get to the voting booth, she reflects on all that African Americans like herself have endured in the fight for voting equality. A must-read for kids learning about civil rights and a reminder for readers of all ages to not take the right to vote for granted.
(Ages 5 – 9)

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My Teacher for President

My Teacher for President

by Kay Winters, illustrated by Denise Brunkus

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Oliver has been learning about the responsibilities of the president in school and he has the best candidate in mind. He writes a letter to his local news station that explains why he thinks his teacher is perfect for the job. This is a great book for sparking discussions around the character and duties of a strong presidential candidate as they relate to a job kids are already familiar with.
(Ages 5 – 8)

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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2020.