What Character Would You Want in the White House? - ShelfTalker: A Children's Bookseller's Blog

ShelfTalker: A Children's Bookseller's Blog

Blog

ShelfTalker: A Children's Bookseller's Blog

« Walk Two Moons in These Twilig... | Main | Campaign Items for Other Candi... »

Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (14)

Alison Morris

What Character Would You Want in the White House?
August 6, 2008

Let's escape reality for a moment, shall we, and envision a fictional future country with fictional prosperity for all, at the helm of which would be... a fictional book character. In my fictional dream that character would probably be Atticus Finch, as it would perhaps for the person who created this t-shirt at right on Café Press.

As election fervor is heating up, some stores are asking kids to cast votes in the "Send a Character to Washington" vein, among them Hicklebee's in San Jose, Calif., whose ballot features quite an interesting mix of Character Candidates! Each of the candidates or a representative for them recently spoke at Hicklebee's about their qualifications for the post of President and I've linked to their (brief) now-on-YouTube speeches here:

Miss Rumphius of Miss Rumphius
Sweetness of Saving Sweetness
Dex of Dex: The Heart of a Hero
Seth Sorenson of Fablehaven
Kate Wetherall of The Mysterious Benedict Society
Will Knight of Storm: The Infinity Code
Ella of Ella Enchanted
Violet of A Series of Unfortunate Events
Mercy Watson of Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride
Commander Toad of Commander Toad
Stanley of Flat Stanley
Clementine of Clementine
Annie of The Magic Tree House series
Liza Lou of Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp
Martha of George and Martha
Minnie of the Minnie & Moo series
The Pigeon of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Chester of Chester
Horton of Horton Hears a Who

You can also watch the candidates engage in a group debate and head to Hicklebee's on August 14th to cast your final vote.

Not close enough to San Jose to make such a trip, or not interested in these particular candidates? No matter. Make a pitch HERE for the fictional book character you'd most like to see leading our nation!

Posted by Alison Morris on August 6, 2008 | Comments (14)

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Christine commented:

The "Atticus Finch" is genius, of course. But my vote goes to Aslan.

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
KAYLEE DAVIS commented:

Elizabeth, the PaperBag Princess for President. Eloise for Vice President, Horton for Secretary of State, the Lorax for Secretary of the Interior,The Pigeon for Secretary of Transportation, Arnie the Donut, for Surgeon General

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Elizabeth Devereaux commented:

You're being much more imaginative than I am, Alison, and I'd vote for Atticus Finch in a heartbeat. BUT ever since reading the Ellen Emerson White series that begins with THE PRESIDENT'S DAUGHTER I've been wishing I could vote for Katharine Vaughn Powers.

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Curious City commented:

Iroek Brynison of the Golden Compass gets my vote. Strong on security, but willing to be influenced by bold girls.

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Pete commented:

I have no picks for President, but -- for VP I would suggest Lord Droon (from Dr. Seuss' THE KING'S STILTS) as absolutely ideal.

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Lauren Baratz-Logsted commented:

Charlotte, from Charlotte's Web, of course!

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Celeste commented:

Why Babar of Course!

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
sue corbett commented:

Tiffany Aching for President and the Wee Free Men can comprise the entire cabinet.

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Becky commented:

Atticus would make a wonderful president. I'll cast my vote for Hans Hubermann from The Book Thief if Atticus is unavailable. Or maybe Harry Potter or Hermione Granger? Willy Wonka could be a contender, too if he gave out candy while he was campaigning. The Oompa-Loompas could comprise his cabinet.

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
ShelfTalker commented:

Ooh, you're all SOO clever! Kaylee, I love the idea of Arnie the Doughnut as Surgeon General. And Kirsten (a.k.a. Curious City) I think Iorek is an inspired choice. Even if he might not be the best with issues of diplomacy. Maybe he'd make a better Secretary of Defense?Becky, bless you for thinking of Hans Hubermann.

August 6, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Phyllis commented:

How about Frog and Toad? They could be co-presidents and we could do away with vice-president.

August 7, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
John commented:

I like Babar! And the Lorax for Secretary of the Interior. Alex P. Keaton for Secretary of the Treasury. Atticus Finch would be wonderful too, but I see him (or Perry Mason) as Attorney General. Snoopy as Secretary of Defense (World War I Flying Ace). Linus as Secretary of State. (This is too fun!)

August 7, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Four Story Mistake commented:

Phyllis, I love Frog and Toad for Presidents! Also along the picture book line... I'd love the bear from Jamberry as president.

August 11, 2008
In response to: What Character Would You Want in the White House?
Suitable Boy commented:

I nominate Ender Wiggin!