Have your kids learned about the differences between a democracy and a monarchy? Kings and queens can be fun in stories, movies, and pretend play…but there’s a reason we have presidents and elections. We deserve a say in how our country is being run!
These five engaging books can help you start conversations about why we have presidents and elections with kids of almost any age, on Presidents Day or any day. When we teach kids about democracy and why it matters, they’re more likely to become active citizens in the future.
The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder
Age: 3-5
A bossy king penguin tries to find subjects who will obey, and learns that it’s better to live in community with others.
Buy: Bookshop | Better World Books | Barnes & Noble
The President of the Jungle by André Rodrigues, Larissa Ribeiro, Paula Desgualdo, & Pedro Markun
Age: 5-8
When the King of the Jungle only cares about himself, the other animals decide to vote for a president!
Buy: Bookshop | Better World Books | Barnes & Noble
For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters by Jeff Foster, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin
Age: 8-11
A guide for how our government works, and why citizens sometimes protest to improve the lives of all Americans.
Buy: Bookshop | Better World Books | Barnes & Noble
King George: What Was His Problem? by Steve Sheinkin, illustrated by Tim Robinson
Age: 9+
An engaging look at the story behind America’s fight to get out from under the rule of King George III.
Buy: Bookshop | Better World Books | Barnes & Noble
