V Is for Voting

by Kate Farrell, Caitlin Kuhwald (Illustrator)

Overview

"This playful, though powerful book engages little readers in the tenets of democracy and activism through rhyming text and colorful works of art." —PBS Kids for Parents

"An ideal starting point in helping kids to understand elections and voting." —Today.com

V Is for Voting is an ABC board book that introduces progressive families to concepts like social justice and civil rights and reminds readers that every vote counts!

A is for active participation.
B is for building a more equal nation.
C is for citizens' rights and our duty.
D is for difference, our strength and our beauty.

An engaging introduction to the tenets of democracy, V Is for Voting is a playful, poetic, and powerful primer about the importance of voting and activism. Featuring Kate Farrell’s rhyming text and Caitlin Kuhwald’s bold art, plus thoughtful back matter, the book is a gorgeous, and crucial, addition to every young reader’s library. It makes the perfect gift for fans of A Is for Activist, Woke Baby, and Feminist Baby.

"This ABC-style children's book reinforces every element from A to Z of just how powerful one vote can be." —Romper

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250231253
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	07/21/2020
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	197,521
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Kate Farrell believes that every vote counts! She is a writer and an editor who lives in New York City. V Is for Voting is her first picture book.

Caitlin Kuhwald has a BFA in illustration from the California College of the Arts in San Francisco and an MFA in painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She is the illustrator of Who Did It First? 50 Scientists, Artists, and Mathematicians Who Revolutionized the World. She lives in Los Angeles, California. V Is for Voting is her first picture book.

Editorial Reviews

07/06/2020

This rhyming abecedarian seeks to imbue a basic awareness of voting and American history, motivating children to get involved from an early age (“K is for knowing that you can take part./ L is for local, and that’s where you start”). A diverse range of historical leaders accompany many of the letters (Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm holds up a peace sign alongside “U is for unbought,/ unbossed,/ undeterred”). Simplified art makes immediate identification difficult, but the digital illustrations are inclusive and colorfully geometric. Though some lines confusingly refer to the country’s problematic history without context (“H is for homelands that we’ve occupied”), the book is, overall, an accessible contender for parents seeking to raise civically and communally engaged children. Back matter includes a few more tips for young readers to take action, a timeline of voting rights milestones, and a guide to included historical figures. Ages 3–6. (July)

Publishers Weekly

2020-05-03
An alphabet picture book that presents the ideal of a democratic society.

Seeing its standard ABC formula—“A is for…” etc.—and a rhyming text, readers may be inclined to think that nothing substantial is in the offing. They would be wrong. If ever an alphabet book packed a punch, this one is it. Leaving no effort to empower unturned, the text goes from, well, A to Z with an energetic propulsion that will educate readers to become informed, engaged citizens. Exhortations (“Z is for zeal. Please bring yours!”), nods to bastions of a democratic society (“F for a free press to find facts and share”), and celebrations of diversity (“D is for difference—our strength and our beauty”) share space with history (“S is for suffrage”) and critical thinking (“R is for represent. They work for me!”). They all combine to deliver a timely message of citizen empowerment. This lively activist theme is visually echoed by bold, full-color illustrations depicting a diversity of humans whose skin colors range from white to all shades of brown and include, prominently and frequently, a woman in a hijab. The people in the illustrations often face directly forward, engaging—almost confronting—readers. Many historical figures are illustrated, and the backmatter both names them and encourages readers to learn more on their own. Backmatter also gives suggestions to young readers for contributing to voter empowerment and includes a voting rights timeline.

Forceful and exhilarating. (Informational picture book. 5-10)

Kirkus Reviews

A 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Books Selection

"If ever an alphabet book packed a punch, this one is it...Forceful and exhilarating." —Kirkus Reviews

"A great lever for voters, present and future." —Booklist

From the Publisher