Rock That Vote

The runaway rhythm and bouncing energy of an elementary school classroom’s vote for class pet foregrounds communal involvement—and genuine excitement—around the voting process. Fleming’s rhymes focus on characteristics instead of specific candidates—“Who wants FINS? Who wants PAWS?.../ Who wants WINGS? Who wants CLAWS?”—adroitly covering a range of species. “Hedgehog, lizard, hamster, goat?/ Make a sign and rock that vote!” invites participation as students draw campaign posters for their favorite animals. Cummins’s mixed-media art evokes the scrawled excitement of youthful creativity. A lesson in conflict resolution includes a teacher-led solution: “Let’s work it through./ Let’s understand./ Listen./ Share.// And now shake hands.” Illustrations feature kids of various abilities, skin tones, and hair textures, creating an inclusive, enthusiastic picture book about the power of community and of choice. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)