Monster Needs Your Vote by Paul Czajak & illustrated by Wendy Grieb

Hardcover ~ ISBN 9781938063633
Mighty Media Press

About the book: Election season is here and Monster is ready to vote! But why cast your ballot when you can run for president instead? With speeches, debates, and a soapbox or two, Monster’s newest tale is a campaign encouraging kids to take a stand and fight for what they believe in.

My thoughts: The opportunity presented during presidential election year affords elementary, middle and high school teachers a golden opportunity to teach the election process. Granted, the manner it is presented to each level and the manner of involvement of students will be necessarily varied. However, I have seen the creativity of teachers inspire students to get so much into the mood and spirit that halls, doors, and classrooms are literally covered with election promotional materials.  Are they actually voting on the leading real-life candidates that their moms and dads will vote on? Sometimes. However, the idea is to get them so involved in learning about the process that they are campaigning and voting. Perhaps on better libraries, shorter school days, or longer summer vacations, the idea is to teach them the electoral process, qualifications for being a candidate, and that every vote counts.

In Monster Needs Your Vote, we again have a delightful elementary picture book about “boy” and his side-kick friend, “Monster.” Monster isn’t scary. He is just Monster, boy’s friend.

It is election time and Monster decides to run. His platform is for longer summer vacation. Frankly, it doesn't carry much weight with the voters.

He and boy discuss matters an Monster learns about how he has to qualify to run for president, and Monster simply doesn’t qualify. He learns that even though he isn’t qualified to run, he is qualified to push for a platform and to vote.

“I’m confused with politics and what it’s all about.

No seems to like me, so I guess I’ll just drop out.”

Monster looked discouraged. He was ready to resign.

But he became inspired when he saw a CLOSING sign.

“The library is closing. That’s a crime that can’t take place!

To fail on education is a national disgrace!”

He gears up to get out the vote for better libraries and books. Monster learns that every vote counts and that being involved by helping to get the vote out is important.

Paul Czajak again has given the world a delightful book  in easy-to-read rhyming story form that is a real treat to read. Monster Needs Your Vote is again illustrated by Wendy Grieb in her delightful “monster” style with strong colors and vibrant characters.

A super book (a super series) to have in all types of libraries - home, school, and public.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the publisher, Mighty Media Press, to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review. Pictures were provided to me by the publisher and used with their permission.