Duck is running for president, and he needs your vote. Tired of doing chores for Farmer Brown that leave him “covered in tiny bits of grass and espresso beans,” he decides to hold an election to oust Farmer Brown from being in charge of the farm.
The creators of Click, Clack, Moo have brought the farm animals together again in Duck for President, and kids of all ages are delighted to discover what happens when Duck advances from running the farm to running the entire country. The vibrant watercolor illustrations depicting Duck’s campaign and tenure in office are the perfect companion to the fun narrative.
Duck posts signs in the barn, and a scandal ensues when the animals hold a voter registration and have unfair requirements. Duck manages to solve the issue, and is later elected by a wide margin. Ballots are cast, votes counted, and Farmer Brown demands a recount. When the final tally is made, Duck is placed into office. But he soon finds out that running a farm is harder than he thought it would be, so he decides to run for governor, then, ultimately, president. Duck experiences life on the campaign trail, from attending town meetings to riding in parades (pp.30-31):
He kissed babies in local diners.
He rode in parades.
He gave speeches that only other ducks could understand.
He even played the saxophone on late-night television.
When he finds out that being in charge requires even more hard work than his original responsibilities on the farm, Duck makes a decision that brings the book full circle, and my kids were satisfied with the way everything turns out.
Teaching Kids About Elections
After reading Duck for President, my kids all have a much better understanding of the election process. When they see campaign signs beside the road or hear things about election results, they know a little bit more about the process from books like this. In addition, the publisher’s website has free printable resources to accompany the book, such as campaign posters, ballots, buttons, and activity sheets.
Duck for President is one of those books my children want me to read to them again and again simply because it is entertaining. But when they are learning some civics in the process, it is a bonus for me. Duck gets my vote.
More great resources for teaching kids about elections:
We read this one recently too. Very helpful with all the election stuff going on!
I love this book! It’s hilarious and educational. Last year we created a voting vocab list from this book. We would love for you to link up this post with us at the Literacy Musing Mondays Linkup #LMMLinkup http://www.foreverjoyful.net/?p=830
This is absolutely fantastic! What a great way to teach kids about the election process in a clear and concise way – without the drama! Thanks so much for sharing!
This is a great way to teach kids about the election process and the responsibilities of being in office. I think my kids would enjoy following Duck and help them make sense of what is happening with the elections this year.
This is so cool. It’s very important that kids understand they one day will be the future of our elections and presidencies so they should be aware of the process.
this sounds like a fun introduction to elections, which can be hard to explain to young children. And the printables will make more memorable, too.
Such a fun way to learn about presidential elections. We vote for Duck!