New York political figures teaching democracy and ABCs through children’s books

A variety of New York politicians have dipped their toes into the children’s book industry, but why? Are they using their books to promote their campaigns? Is it a side hustle once you lose your seat in public office, or when you realize you might need some money for your legal fees? Here are a few of the children’s books that have been published by New York political figures.

If Pets Could Vote… (2023)

By Eric Ulrich

This book that former New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich wrote for his daughter imagines cats in Congress, turtles as judges and a parakeet as president.

Notable quote: “If only pets were allowed to vote … that would really be something, wouldn’t it?”

Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters to the First Pets (1998)

By Hillary Rodham Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first picture book “Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters to the First Pets” archives curated letters of children’s messages to the first cat (Socks) and first dog (Buddy) along with pictures of the pets scattered throughout the book.

Notable quote, from a child’s letter: “Do you have Secret Service men because you never know when dogs might attack.”

It Takes a Village (2017) 

By Hillary Rodham Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton talks about the roles that children play in creating a positive impact in the world as a “village.” The book, meant to start dialogue about how kids can contribute to create a better world, according to the author’s note, is supposed to inspire its young readers to shape the world around them.

Notable quote: “Kids don’t come with instructions. But neither do grown-ups!”

Bold & Brave (2018)

By Kirsten Gillibrand

From Susan B. Anthony to Jovita Idár to Ida B. Wells, U.S. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand penned short biographies of 10 women who advocated for women’s voting rights. She begins with an anecdote about the matriarchs of her maternal lineage and how their struggles inspired her to go into politics.

Notable quote: “You are the suffragists of our time.”

The ABCs of Democracy (2024)

By Hakeem Jeffries

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries converted his 2023 speech about American values into a picture book for kids. The A-Z book begins with “American Values Over Autocracy” and ends with “Zealous Representation Over Zero-Sum Confrontation.”

Notable quote: “Quality of Life Issues over Q-Anon.”

The Blue Spruce (1999)

By Mario Cuomo

Inspired by a core memory from childhood, former Gov. Mario Cuomo writes about how he moved from a city apartment to a home in the countryside with a giant blue spruce tree. He befriends the tree through the four seasons, highlighting the book’s underlying themes of home ownership and the American dream.

Notable quote: “I wanted to tell him that he never should have gotten a house with a yard and a tree.”

Eddie: Harold's Little Brother (2004), Eddie Shapes Up (2011)

By Ed Koch

“Eddie: Harold’s Little Brother” talks about clumsy and annoying Eddie who looks up to his older brother Harold only to be ridiculed by his brother and his friends. Harold suggests Eddie enters a public speaking contest, which he wins and it becomes a catalyst for his career in law and politics. In “Eddie Shapes Up,” Eddie overcomes his struggle with childhood obesity.

Notable quote, from “Eddie Shapes Up:” “We like you and don’t want to say anything that will be hurtful. But you are a little heavy and out of shape.”

The Plot Against the King (2022)

By Kash Patel

Kash Patel, who grew up on Long Island, wrote about the “Land of the Free” where the villain “Hillary Queenton” and the heralds commit election fraud while the noble “King Donald” is cheated out of “Making the Kingdom Great Again.”

Notable quote: “Donald didn’t care what the heralds said about him, he was determined to Make the Kingdom Great Again.”