7 Relevant Picture Book Distractions from the Election

Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
Well, one way or another, we are getting a new President. I’m voting for Duck. Here’s the absolutely true story of (and reasons behind) Duck’s rise through politics, including his humble beginnings rabble-rousing on the farm. Consider this a cautionary tale, perhaps.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee, by Philip C. Stead and Erin Stead
Whether you are for or against a certain healthcare act that I shall not name, there’s almost no one who would argue that any day that you’re truly too sick to work is a good one. Thankfully for Amos, he has some very loyal work friends who come over to improve his outlook. I should mention that these friends all live at the zoo where Amos works. Let’s hope they all have good insurance coverage.

Doctor De Soto, by William Steig
My new HMO offers dental coverage. How about yours? How about that? In this book, Dr. DeSoto, renowned mouse dentist, and his able wife/assistant treat all the toothaches and pains of the local fauna until one day when they are faced with an ethical dilemma. Are the DeSotos obligated to care for a very hungry, suffering predator who has come seeking their help? Will doing his job result in Dr. DeSoto losing his life? Truly, no one should ever be forced to make that decision. Or to have to choose between insurance plans.

Those Shoes, by Maribeth Boelts and Noah Z. Jones
Regardless of whether the Federal Reserve decides to raise interest rates in the next year, chances are you will still need money to purchase things. Those Shoes is the deeply heartfelt story about a boy named Jeremy who can’t stop thinking about the sneakers that the other kids are wearing, despite his grandmother having told him they’re not a possibility. If you’ve ever wanted something you couldn’t afford, or if you’ve ever experienced a human emotion, you will be moved by this book.

The Pirates Next Door, by Jonny Duddle
Absolutely no one is talking about building a wall to keep the pirates out. But in this book, the residents of Dull-on-Sea quickly begin to wish they did. Formerly a quiet town, things get much more exciting when the Jolley-Rogers arrive and set up ship. Soon everyone has an opinion about the pirates, and most of them are anything but kind. In this wry tale of assumptions and suburban gossip-mongering, only little Matilda extends an olive branch to the seafaring family and only Matilda gets to sail with them in the end.

Quit Calling Me a Monster, by Jory John and Bob Shea
There’s been an awful lot of nasty name calling lately. For a firsthand account of how it feels to be labelled hurtfully (though truthfully), turn to this book, starring Floyd Peterson, who is technically a monster. Feel free to substitute “bleeding heart liberal” or “right-wing extremist” for “monster” when you read it in your home.

We All Sing with the Same Voice, by J. Philip Miller, Paul Meisel, and Sheppard M. Greene
Finally, I think everyone can agree that this election season has caused a lot of bad feelings among a lot of people. I think this enchantingly illustrated book featuring the words of the classic Seasame Street song is just what we all need to remind us that we can all be different, but we’re all ultimately the same. Here’s a sample:

“Sometimes I get mad and mean.
Sometimes I feel happy.
And when I want to cry, I do.
When I’m by myself at night
I hold my teddy tight
Until the morning light.
My name is you.
I have sisters one, two, three.
In my family there’s just me.
I’ve got one daddy.
I’ve got two.”

Chances are, you’ll find yourself in there, somewhere, and more likely than not, you’ll recognize people you know. What will it take for us to all sing in harmony?
Good night. Sleep tight. Please vote.