Woodrow for President

Gr 1–3—The election process is explained through the story of Woodrow G. Washingtail, "all-American mouse of renown," who seems like a candidate on whom most people can agree. He is such a responsible community member that he is asked to run for town council. From then on he becomes mayor, state, senator, governor, and finally president. Along the way, campaign organization, political parties, primaries, debates, national conventions, and voting procedures are explained. The rhyming text is awkward at times, but children can learn a great deal about how elections work, and the story is secondary to the book's educational purpose. Adults will recognize references such as "ask not what your nation can do for you…" and "be your own point of light," but the book maintains a bipartisan, objective tone. While the watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations are not highly polished, they are appealing and cheerful. For election-year stories that are somewhat more entertaining, try Doreen Cronin's Duck for President (S & S, 2004), Jarrett Krosoczka's Max for President (Knopf, 2004), or Kelly DiPucchio's Grace for President (Hyperion, 2008).—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA