Dear Readers, around these parts we're used to events in our small Southern town of Shady Pines holding up a mirror to what's going on in the 'real world.' It's election season everywhere in the country and now we can say that's exactly what's happening here.

In our community honesty and responsibility are up for debate and civility will be the big winner - if everything goes to plan.

This is what you need to know. Once Harold and Edna Sanders adopted those two strays, Boomerang, an Australian Shepherd dog, and Halley's Comet, a silver streak of a cat, they headed to Pets Galore for supplies.

That's when they really noticed the trash piling up all over the place and potholes popping up in the street.

Once inside, it became clear to them that store owner, Pete, is dealing with something new.

"What's going on here, Pete?" asks Harold.

Pete looks u[p. "Hy ya, Harold. And Boomer. The dog park is closed so the obedience classes are being held here now."

"For how long?" asks Harold.

Pete shrugs his shoulders. "'Til there's money to make repairs to the park, I guess."

Harold nods. "I heard there's a meeting at Town Hall tonight to discuss the budget and to ask the mayor about why the town is in disrepair."

Town Hall Meeting

Even before 7pm the place is packed. Zulah Talmadge, editor of The Shady Pines Gazette and Scoop the Cub Reporter are down front to cover the news.

Edna is just off to the right. She wants to hear what the mayor has to say for himself. After all, for months people have been complaining that his office upstairs has brand new furniture and he's given himself a raise while the rest of the town is falling apart.

Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs gavels the meeting to order. "Okay everyone we're here tonight to discuss the town's budget," says Fibbs. "Now as you know, times are a little tough and -

Zulah jumps to her feet. "Then why are you doing so well?"

One by one neighbors have questions: "How come the buses aren't running and the paint is peeling off buildings?" an elderly gentleman asks.

A woman from the back of the room shouts, "The Shady Pines band can't afford new uniforms."

The town's librarian points out, "The library hasn't had a new book in months."

Zulah asks the ultimate question. "Mr. Mayor wouldn't you agree your Gimme Party has taken advantage of our town?"

Edna raises her had to ask a question. "Isn't anyone from the Common Sense Party running against you?"

That did it. One by one Edna's neighbors chose her as a candidate.

And that's how Boomer and Halley's mom found herself running for mayor on the Common Sense ticket.

Election Headquarters

As you can imagine, Harold was a bit surprised when Edna came home from the meeting and broke the news to him.

"You're running for mayor? I thought you were just going to listen to the discussion!"

Harold may be surprised by this unexpected turn of events, but Boomer and Halley are excited.

"We're off!" says Halley as she starts zooming around the kitchen.

"We're running for mayor," shouts Boomer and he chases after her. Then he stops. "Wait. What does that mean?"

From that moment on, the Sanders' house is campaign headquarters - constantly filled with people and phones ringing off the hook.

We won't tell you how this election works out, you have to read the book to get the full story. But rest assured there is plenty of wacky humor along the way with a heartwarming ending that brings a community together.

This Boomer and Halley Election Day - A Town Votes for Civic Responsibility book for ages 6-9 won the Mom's Choice Gold Award. It is part of a series that also won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award and is now newly republished as an eBook available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and on the BOOKS PAGE of our website.

There are four character building traits embedded in the Election Day storyline marked by a PAW print including: Pet Care, Forgiveness, Responsibility and Honesty. Prompting questions are included for 'Stop and Talk' opportunities for discussion.

Why It's Important

Here's what people are saying about the Election Day book:

"Teaching kids civility through stories? Really? That's great! We have a 5 yr old and 7 year old . We REALLY need this." - Robert and Mary, parents

"Civility in politics. Thank goodness for the town of Shady Pines. These Boomer and Halley books empower parents to talk about tough subjects in a very kid friendly way. It's so refreshing to see a product that is "on topic" without anger or violence." - Robert, single father

"The PAWS approach and the timely theme of this book are right on the mark. Where's the next one?" - Alice, elementary school teacher