V Is for Voting

This rhyming abecedarian seeks to imbue a basic awareness of voting and American history, motivating children to get involved from an early age (“K is for knowing that you can take part./ L is for local, and that’s where you start”). A diverse range of historical leaders accompany many of the letters (Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm holds up a peace sign alongside “U is for unbought,/ unbossed,/ undeterred”). Simplified art makes immediate identification difficult, but the digital illustrations are inclusive and colorfully geometric. Though some lines confusingly refer to the country’s problematic history without context (“H is for homelands that we’ve occupied”), the book is, overall, an accessible contender for parents seeking to raise civically and communally engaged children. Back matter includes a few more tips for young readers to take action, a timeline of voting rights milestones, and a guide to included historical figures. Ages 3–6. (July)