Vote for Me! - Hardcover

Ben Clanton is an up-and-coming author-illustrator from Seattle who describes himself as a ?story scribbler, picture squiggler, book aficionado, child advocate, dragon tamer and avid sock wearer.? Vote for Me! is the first book he has both written and illustrated.

Ben Clanton is an up-and-coming author-illustrator from Seattle who describes himself as a ?story scribbler, picture squiggler, book aficionado, child advocate, dragon tamer and avid sock wearer.? Vote for Me! is the first book he has both written and illustrated.

Talk about timely. For those poor kids whose TV rooms have been invaded by bickering presidential contenders comes this sarcastic (but painfully true) distillation of the nomination process. A blue donkey and red elephant take up residence on either side of each spread and make their cases to the reader. Well, make their cases is a bit generous. They pander (“Yes, YOU with the great hair and that dazzling smile”), brag (“I’m a SUPER CUTE elephant”), bribe (“if you vote for ME, I’ll give you a sucker”), and inflate their connection to the voter (“I know your friend’s mother’s aunt’s gym teacher’s pastor’s duck-billed platypus. So, we’re practically FAMILY”). Eventually, they go negative and sling mud—literally—while a tiny mouse, seen scurrying in the corners, walks away with the election as an independent. Obviously adults are going to get a kick out of this, but the Mo Willems–like presentation, clever coloring (when the candidates make up, the background becomes purple), and universal anti-arguing message will tickle future politicos, too. Grades K-2. --Daniel Kraus