Leo's First Vote!

Illustrated by Isabel Roxas
Hardcover
$21.99 US
| $29.99 CAN
On sale Sep 03, 2024 | 48 Pages | 9780593644270
Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3
Reading Level: Lexile AD590L | Fountas & Pinnell M
Get out the vote! In this kid-friendly picture book introduction to voting and elections, Leo's father teaches him about the importance of every single vote, and how to use their voices to uplift their community.

Leo's dad is voting in his first election as a naturalized US citizen, and he promises to take Leo to the polls with him. Leo can't wait! But, after his cousin Ray casts doubt on the importance of a single vote, it'll take Leo's class mock election results, as well as a talk with his dad to convince him that each and every vote matters. 

This lively picture book shows us how citizens decide who will be in charge, hitting key moments in an election, from voter registration to polling places, to staying in line, and features extensive backmatter for kids who want to dig deeper.
"Teeming with vocabulary terms, this book will turn readers into mini democracy experts. Roxas’s cut paper collage artwork uses white space and clever composi­ tions to add visual richness." —The New York Times

"[A] heartwarming, educational story about how every ballot counts." —People Magazine

★ "[A] lively picture book....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." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An invaluable addition to any young citizen-in-training’s bookshelf." —Kirkus Reviews

"A timely, if earnestly purposeful, overview of a basic civil right, aimed at younger audiences but with some savvy pointers for new Americans of any age." —School Library Journal

"[A] relevant and informative story." —Booklist
Christina Soontornvat is the award-winning author of over a dozen books for children of all ages. She is also a 3-time Newbery Honoree for her middle grade titles The Last MapmakerA Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen:The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys Soccer Team. Her picture books include The Ramble Shamble Children, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, and To Change a Planet, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Belle. She travels all over the world to speak to children, writers, and educators about her love of reading and writing. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two daughters. View titles by Christina Soontornvat
Isabel Roxas is an author/illustrator, micro-publisher, ceramicist, and avid reader. She was born in Manila, Philippines, and was raised on luscious mangoes, old wives' tales, and monsoon moons. She now works in the backroom of an art gallery in Manhattan where she writes and illustrates stories, designs books, and creates small objects in clay and resin. Her illustrator credits include picture books Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly (2018 Newbery medal winner), Let Me Finish! by Minh Lê (named an NPR Best Book of 2016) and Day at the Market by May Tobias-Papa (2010 winner of the Philippine National Book Award).

Isabel is the founder of Little Big Time Press, where she publishes artist books and zines for children. She is also a frequent contributor to Babybug and Ladybug Magazine. Her work has been recognized by American Illustration, HOW Magazine, and 3x3 Magazine of Contemporary Illustration. Her debut comic book for young readers, The Adventures of Team Pom: SQUID HAPPENS, will publish in June 2021.

Follow her on Twitter @studioroxas and Instagram @studioroxas. View titles by Isabel Roxas

Classroom Activities for Leo's First Vote!

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

Get out the vote! In this kid-friendly picture book introduction to voting and elections, Leo's father teaches him about the importance of every single vote, and how to use their voices to uplift their community.

Leo's dad is voting in his first election as a naturalized US citizen, and he promises to take Leo to the polls with him. Leo can't wait! But, after his cousin Ray casts doubt on the importance of a single vote, it'll take Leo's class mock election results, as well as a talk with his dad to convince him that each and every vote matters. 

This lively picture book shows us how citizens decide who will be in charge, hitting key moments in an election, from voter registration to polling places, to staying in line, and features extensive backmatter for kids who want to dig deeper.

Reviews

"Teeming with vocabulary terms, this book will turn readers into mini democracy experts. Roxas’s cut paper collage artwork uses white space and clever composi­ tions to add visual richness." —The New York Times

"[A] heartwarming, educational story about how every ballot counts." —People Magazine

★ "[A] lively picture book....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." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An invaluable addition to any young citizen-in-training’s bookshelf." —Kirkus Reviews

"A timely, if earnestly purposeful, overview of a basic civil right, aimed at younger audiences but with some savvy pointers for new Americans of any age." —School Library Journal

"[A] relevant and informative story." —Booklist

Author

Christina Soontornvat is the award-winning author of over a dozen books for children of all ages. She is also a 3-time Newbery Honoree for her middle grade titles The Last MapmakerA Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen:The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys Soccer Team. Her picture books include The Ramble Shamble Children, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, and To Change a Planet, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Belle. She travels all over the world to speak to children, writers, and educators about her love of reading and writing. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two daughters. View titles by Christina Soontornvat
Isabel Roxas is an author/illustrator, micro-publisher, ceramicist, and avid reader. She was born in Manila, Philippines, and was raised on luscious mangoes, old wives' tales, and monsoon moons. She now works in the backroom of an art gallery in Manhattan where she writes and illustrates stories, designs books, and creates small objects in clay and resin. Her illustrator credits include picture books Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly (2018 Newbery medal winner), Let Me Finish! by Minh Lê (named an NPR Best Book of 2016) and Day at the Market by May Tobias-Papa (2010 winner of the Philippine National Book Award).

Isabel is the founder of Little Big Time Press, where she publishes artist books and zines for children. She is also a frequent contributor to Babybug and Ladybug Magazine. Her work has been recognized by American Illustration, HOW Magazine, and 3x3 Magazine of Contemporary Illustration. Her debut comic book for young readers, The Adventures of Team Pom: SQUID HAPPENS, will publish in June 2021.

Follow her on Twitter @studioroxas and Instagram @studioroxas. View titles by Isabel Roxas

Guides

Classroom Activities for Leo's First Vote!

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)