Leo’s First Vote!

A child learns the importance of each individual voter in this lively picture book from Soontornvat and Roxas. Young Leo is eager to accompany his dad, a new U.S. citizen, to vote for president, and his teacher soon outlines his classroom’s mock presidential election. Familial discourse around voting (from a cousin, “What’s the point?”), logistical matters including registration, and details around day-of queueing at the polls all represent real-life concerns and tensions, while Leo’s classroom mock election shows just how important a single vote can be. Marvelously textured, dimensional cut-paper, oil pastel, and acrylic artwork clearly delineates the step-by-step of voting in this spot-on depiction of a child’s anxiety and excitement around a crucial process. Leo and his father cue as Southeast Asian; other characters are portrayed with various abilities and skin tones. Additional voting information concludes. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)