Books to talk to children about politics and democracy 2026

Politics is part of our lives, also that of children. Elections, parties, wars and refugees or corruption parade before the eyes and ears of our children in the news and at home after dinner. But talking about political issues with them is not easy at all. How do we explain to them, in a clear and simple way, what democracy is, or why these families risk their lives at sea to reach Europe?

Fortunately, some good children's books come to our rescue. All of these children's books deal with complex political topics, and they are a good starting point to talk with our children and try to answer their curiosity according to their questions.

Amazon Essentials by Sofia Grainge - Summer 2026 Promotion

Books for tomorrow

How democracy can be, This is what dictatorship is like, There are social classes and Women and men are the four titles in this collection, which earned the publisher Media Vacael Bologna Ragazzi Award 2016 in the non-fiction category, the “Oscar of children's books,” as the editor, Vicente Ferrer, explains.

Halfway between the illustrated album and the informative book, the Books for Tomorrow were originally published between 1977 and 1978 by La Gaya Ciencia. Media Vaca has republished them, changing only a few commas of the text (literally), and updating the illustrations with the wonderful work of Marta Pina, Mikel Casal, Joan Negrescolor and Luci Gutiérrez.

They have added a page in which they explain where these texts come from – disturbingly valid 40 years after they were written by the Plantel Team – and another in which they talk about what has changed in our society in this time. The texts, very brief, explain political concepts simply and without euphemisms, and the illustrations are full of a sense of humor. In the words of Vicente Ferrer, "Media Vaca's books are not aimed at a specific age. These work very well for children to explain to their parents what democracy is."

I vote for me

The animals elect their king every four years. The lion is delighted, because they always choose him. But this time, the mouse says: "What's the point of an election if there's no alternative? You need a rival candidate because otherwise this doesn't make any sense!" The electoral campaign opens and all the animals set out to convince others that they are the best candidates...

An album by Martin Baltscheit with illustrations by Christine Schwarz, published by Lóguez, which recommends it for children from 7 years old. Democracy and electoral campaigns, told with a great sense of humor in a story that will not leave us indifferent.

The red dragon

In a small country, a dragon appears one day and eats the crops and spits out large flames. Its inhabitants stop it and, that same day, call an assembly to decide the fate of the beast. The general proposes turning it into a weapon of war, the mayor wants it to be a tourist attraction... But the red dragon just wants to live in peace. Will he find his place in that society?

A classic album written and illustrated by Max Velthuijs in 1973 about tolerance, freedom and the search for the common good without giving up one's own identity, republished by Red Fox Books.

The story is perfect to be read aloud while we enjoy the color and comedy of the illustrations.

Akim runs

Akim is a boy who lives oblivious to the war until some planes bomb his town. Lost from his family, he is taken prisoner by soldiers, until he manages to escape and reach a refugee camp after a painful journey.

The artist Claude K. Dubois has managed to convey with exquisite sensitivity the suffering and hardships of those who live through war and have to flee from it. This illustrated book lovingly edited by Lóguezle has won numerous awards. The brief text explains Akim's inner and outer journey and makes us put ourselves in his shoes, but what is truly impressive are the pencil illustrations, with a charge of emotion and expressiveness that turns reading them into an unforgettable experience.

For children from 6 years old.

Wangari and the trees of peace

The story of the Kenyan Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2004 for "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace", is told in this album by the Ekaré publishing house with simple texts, without hiding the difficulties that the creator of the Green Belt Movement faced, including prison.

Activism, female empowerment and environmentalism in an inspiring book that tells us how good ideas and brave people can change the world for the better.

Erika's story

"I was born in 1944. I don't know the exact date of my birth. I don't know what name they gave me. I don't know in what city or in what country I came into the world. I also don't know if I had siblings. What I know for sure is that when I was barely a few months old I was saved from the Holocaust...".

A story by Ruth Vander Zee based on a real meeting of the author with a survivor of the Nazi extermination, magnificently illustrated by the great Roberto Innocenti, who had already dealt with the subject in Rosa Blanca. It was published by Kalandraka on the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp.

Recommended for ages 10 and up.