A must have book for parents, children and especially for teachers in the classroom setting! This book allows children to think independently about what they want and determine what is most important to them. What parents and teachers alike will love about this book is that it is interactive, allows children to think critically at a level they can understand, as well as participate in the story to determine the outcome.
The most amazing part of this book is that it teaches children at a basic level about cooperation, sharing, and solving problems that benefit all while they are still young enough to care. Our future leaders deserve a fun and interactive way to dive into the world of politics with topics that are appropriate for their age. I think you will be surprised with how your child responds and more importantly it sparks the conversations within each school and household on how to integrate problem solving and debate in a fun and safe manner for future generations.
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
Understanding how our government operates can be confusing for young kids. Heck, even some adults are confused about the extent of their “powers.” Space Elves Enjoy Politics takes readers to the far reaches of outer space to teach us how the Senate works on alien planets. While some aspects of their government differ from our planet, we share a common goal: to help their planet and its inhabitants.
The Space Federation of Elves consists of 2,000 planets and 200 senators, each responsible for ten planets. That vastly differs from the United States, where each state has only two senators. I wish our planet followed the elvish planets’ lead: each senator can ONLY serve six years. This rule ensures we have new people and ideas – not the same people holding positions for decades like those on our planet.
Like ours (U.S.A.), the alien government is divided into political parties. America has several parties, whereas the alien nation has only 3: Repubies (Republicans), Demis (Democrats), and Indies (Independents.) Leaders of these parties each take to the Senate floor asking their co-leaders to vote for their side. They are offering a delicious treat to those who do. D- Senator Rumples vows to throw a BIG ice cream party if you vote for the Demis. R-Senator Dumples proclaims they’ll have a cake party if they win the vote. And I-Senator Mumples is sweetening the pot by offering a cake, ice cream, and cookies party! Decisions…decisions…
Depending on their chosen party, readers will be instructed to move to a specific page. Choose Demis – advance to page 9. Vote Repubies – flip to page 10. If you want all three dessert options, side with the Indies and turn to page 11. Each page asks readers another question, centering on the sweet treat party they chose to attend.
As Senators settle in on Capitol Hill, the Vice President (head of Congress) calls business to order. Fiction resembles reality as the writer notes that the session takes a long time because the parties cannot unite on an issue. Every day, in the real world, we watch as our representative spar verbally, getting little to nothing done on important issues. Without unification, our nation will be forever divided. The writer states that Demis and Repubies argue like babies and can’t play nice together. Spend five minutes with the bickering sides, and you’ll see the truth of the author’s claim.
I applaud the writers’ final message: kids are the future leaders of the planet, so speak up because your opinions do matter!
I liked the premise behind Space Elves Enjoy Politics: teaching kids about the Senate, its role, and the importance of teamwork. I disagree with Amazon’s recommended reading age: baby-16 years. I would suggest this book to 5–10-year-olds. Also, if the buyer’s/reader’s intent was to educate themselves or others about the United States Senate, you won’t learn 100% accurate info with this kid’s book. I would’ve preferred the author used the same rules you’d see here in America but with an alien twist. Also, I would have moved the “count the number of treats” game to the after credits and not placed them directly in the story.
This book is a work of fiction, so take the Senate’s info with a grain of salt. I recommend researching America’s Congress with your class and family. List the ways the space elves Congress resembles or differs from the U.S.A. For older kids, you can also get their feelings on current events. Again, reinforce the author’s message to let your voice be heard!
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
Meet the Authors
Lamar: I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.
I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.
Liana: Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad. I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw
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