The children's publishing world is awash in new picture books about presidential candidates, real and imaginary. These thoughtful and even humorous books should help young children enjoy making sense of all the talk they hear from parents and the news.

"Madam President" by Lane Smith; Hyperion; 32 pages; $16.99.

Lane Smith's quirky, super-fun illustrations have always had a fabulously retro feel — "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs," "The Stinky Cheese Man" — and they add zest to his presidential introduction for youngsters. The little girl in his newest book imagines what it would be like if she were Madam President, from vetoing tuna casseroles to choosing a secretary of pets who should stay in their cages to answering tough press conference questions with: "I know you are, but what am I?"

Full of deadpan wit and hilarious artwork, "Madam President" should appeal to the 4- to 8-year-old crowd this fall. Best of all? When our heroine decides she's "too pooped," she sends the Ambassador of Freedonia to see the vice president.

"President Pennybaker" by Kate Feiffer; illustrated by Diane Goode; Simon & Schuster; 32 pages; $16.99.

Being a kid isn't easy; Luke Pennybaker decides to take matters into his own hands after a particularly "unfair" decision by Dad. Luke runs for president to try to change the rules and make childhood more powerful. Luke and his dog Lily, vice-presidential candidate, have plenty of support in all the kids at school, and they hit the campaign trail across the U.S.

Funny and full of kid-power, "President Pennybaker" is spirited, enthusiastic and maybe even plausible, except for the part where Luke paints the White House orange. But is being president of the United States too much work for a kid who just wants to be a kid? You betcha — but it's a fun, inspirational read that is perfect for this campaign season.

"Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope" by Nikki Grimes and Bryan Collier; Simon & Schuster; 48 pages; $16.99.

From a pair of Coretta Scott King award-winners comes this lovely new picture book about Barack Obama, beginning with his life as a youngster in Hawaii, Chicago and Indonesia. Grimes focuses on the word "hope," and how Obama used it throughout his life as a bridge to bring people together.

Beautifully illustrated by Collier, the pair's book is certainly an inspiring look at one man in the spotlight.

For older kids around ages 9 to 12, "Yes We Can: A Biography of Barack Obama" by Garen Thomas (published by Feiwel & Friends; 224 pages; $6.99) is a clearly-penned look at Barack's struggles to fit in as a child to his role as Illinois senator. Kids will find it telling that Obama wrote an essay in third grade entitled, "I want to be president."

"My Dad, John McCain" by Meghan McCain; illustrated by Dan Andreasen; Aladdin/Simon & Schuster; 32 pages; $16.99.

Penned by McCain's daughter Meghan, this intriguing picture book, created in a thoughtful kid-friendly tone, tells of her father's capture as prisoner of war to his role as a loving husband and father and eventually to the Republican nominee for president. The story presents her father's passion for flying naval aircrafts and his family's military background; it makes sure readers know of his bravery, patriotism and dedication to the United States.

Written lovingly and carefully, "My Dad, John McCain" is certainly a fascinating adventure tale even if he weren't running for president.

"See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House" by Susan E. Goodman; illustrated by Elwood E. Smith; Bloomsbury USA Children's Books; 96 pages; $9.95.

Summed up pretty well in this fun book's subtitle, "See How They Run" helps kids understand voting in a "Schoolhouse Rock" sort of way. It does clarify the basics about voting, but also delivers bellyaches about third party crashers, debate debacles, dangling chads and the occasional hilarious aspects of the Electoral College.

Anecdotes, sidebars and other extras make "See How They Run" almost interactive — it's certainly a must for students in the middle grades during this already dramatic election year.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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