Why Politics Matters (Little Experts)

By Author / Illustrator

Alastair Campbell, Maite Franchi

Genre

Non Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

Red Shed

ISBN

9780008560089

Format

Hardback

Published

04-07-2024

Synopsis

Become a little expert in how the country is run! Understand why politics matters and how you can get involved with Alastair Campbell - writer, podcaster and strategist best known for his work as former PM Tony Blair's spokesman.

What links schools, transport and hospitals? POLITICS! Discover how and why politics is part of everything we do with writer, podcaster and strategist Alastair Campbell. Who is in charge? How are decisions made? What can children do to get involved? Find out all this and more - alongside accessible introductions to parliament, government, voting and debating.

Packed with fun, facts and challenges - perfect for readers aged 6 to 9.

Welcome to LITTLE EXPERTS - inspiring the next generation of experts! These books are written by expert authors, famous for their passion and expertise. Must-read introductions to key non-fiction topics with colour illustrations throughout. Created to empower and inspire!

Also available in the series:

Why Money Matters by DEBORAH MEADEN, entrepreneur, Dragons' Den investor and host of the BBC Radio 5 Live's The Big Green Money Show podcast.

Marvellous Vehicles by JAMES MAY, a writer and broadcaster who is best known for co-presenting Top Gear and The Grand Tour.

Amazing Bodies and How to Save a Life by DR RONX, award-winning trans non-binary emergency doctor and TV presenter.

How Families Are Made by DR AMIR KHAN, an award-winning full-time GP and resident doctor on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain.

How to Build a Home by GEORGE CLARKE, an architect, writer, lecturer and TV presenter.

Superhero Animals by CHRIS PACKHAM CBE, one of the UK's leading naturalists and an award-winning conservationist, who began his TV career presenting children's series The Really Wild Show.

Reviews

Sue

According to author Alastair Campbell, politics is part of everything we do and in Why Politics Matters, he sets out to explain how.

Perfect for sharing, the book provides a good introduction to the political system of the UK. Starting with the role played by the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the book also explains the place of the monarch, in this case Charles II, in the Constitution.

Terms like this are clearly explained in the text and there is also a glossary at the end of the book. Although 'parties' are referred to, the book shows no political bias, focusing on the structure of the organisation rather than the ideologies. It also seeks to give an idea of the difficult financial decisions which have to be made.

Why Politics Matters encourages readers to engage with politics, offering ideas for how to be involved including listening to the news, speaking up about issues and getting in touch with MPs. Presented in clear sections, the text is easy to follow and the colourful illustrations are engaging, but this is a book which will work best when children have the opportunity to discuss and reflect on the information with an adult who can answer questions and guide them towards further discovery.

32 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher