In Arizona where I live, it seems like there is always an election for something going on. My children consistently ask about the signs decorating the street corners - as do our out of town visitors. That is why I was so excited to review the book Vote For Me, written by Ben Clanton.

According to his bio on the back of the book, Mr. Clanton is “nine feet tall, can speak over 3 zillion languages, and is President of the Universe”. His book Vote For Me is written with the same playful humor.

In the story, a donkey and an elephant compete for the reader’s vote. They are quick to point out the bad things about each other and to accentuate the good things about themselves. The book is a good chuckle for adults who are fed up with the current methods politicians use to get your vote.

I was curious what a youthful reader might think when reading this book. I wasn’t sure they would grasp the humor of this tale, and I did not feel it taught children about the election process. Then again, perhaps that is not the purpose of this book.

I asked each of my children – ages 11, 10, 7 and six at the time – to read the book and let me know what they thought. From my younger children, I learned that this book was “funny”. "An elephant and a donkey both want to be president".

My older children told me the book was “cool”. When I asked if they learned anything about voting, they said no. One of them learned that “you and your enemy are not always the only ones in the contest”. The other one told me that this was “a good lesson about what to pay attention to”. They both liked it and thought it was funny.

The pages are colorful. The illustrations are darling. The story is written in word bubbles as the conversation between the donkey and the elephant ensues. They try badgering each other. They attempt bribery. They list their strong qualities, call each other names, and make up in the end.

Despite forgiving each other and becoming friends, Donkey and Elephant still want to know whom you (the reader) will vote for. When the results are in, everyone is surprised by a third party victory.

This is a fun and humorous book for children (and parents). If you are looking for a book to educate your children on the election process, I don’t think it will fit your needs. If you are fed up with the negativity occurring in elections and do not wish to model this for your children, I might caution you on sharing this book with your children. If, however, you are looking for a book that is funny, cool, and entertaining – this book comes recommended (by my four children).

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can do so at Amazon: