Book Review: “Sofia Valdez, Future Prez” by Andrea Beaty

Recommended reading age: 3 to 7 (though kids of all ages can enjoy reading this with their families)

What Makes This One of the Best Children’s Books

Few books give readers a thrill akin to uncovering buried treasure, and that’s how I consistently feel after closing each book in Andrea Beaty and David Roberts’ charming book series about precocious kids.

Boasting dazzling abilities far beyond their years, these young protagonists conquer the quirkiest of obstacles and the most diabolical of naysayers.

Like the other books in this delightful series, the style of “Sofia Prez, Future Prez” starkly stands apart from common children’s books.

The whimsical wordplay makes the story feel like a long-lost fairy tale, and Roberts’ elaborate illustrations give even the most minute objects an ornate flair. Together, they portray an inspiring and humorous story of a young activist, showing young readers how persistence and heart can make an important difference.

The story’s energizing young protagonist Sofia might look like just a little girl, but she possesses extraordinary talents in civic outreach and community activism.

A persistent do-gooder, Sofia and her abuelo grocery shop for every home-bound neighbor, and they run a gamut of errands to ensure no community members experience any need for long.

Sofia eventually sets her sights on her greatest challenge yet. When a zany squirrel incident leads to her abuelo injuring himself on the town’s towering mountain of trash, she launches a grassroots campaign to transform the stinky monolith into a park.

She proceeds with the insatiable drive and rallying power of a seasoned politician.

She holds a public forum to gather ideas for park infrastructure. She zooms through a maze of red tape at city hall. And – mustering courage with thoughts of her grandfather – she persuades the whole community to back her idea.

Some might not think such a bureaucracy-riddled story would fit in the world of children’s books. But Beaty and Roberts apply their wondrous skills to transform this tale into a magical experience.

The quick, rhythmic rhyme scheme rivals the genius of Dr. Seuss, and the illustrations (particularly the skyscraper of trash) offer endless details for kids to pore over.

By the end, any reader will agree with the townspeople that Sofia holds great potential as the country’s next leader.

And young readers might even feel empowered to tackle issues in their own community.

How My Child Reacted to This Book

My son laughed through much of this story, thanks to kooky details like the Office of Monkeys and Department of Cheese at City Hall. He also enjoyed searching all the illustrations for fun surprises, of which there are many in the giant mound of trash.

On top of that, he showed sheer delight at the book’s hilarious squirrel escapade, where the words are printed around every corner of the page – requiring the reader to chase the story, just as the characters chase a squirrel.

Potential Conversations to Pair with This Book

Families can use “Sofia Valdez, Future Prez” as a chance to chat with kids about how they can make a difference in their own communities.

They might have an idea of something at their school or their neighborhood they’d like to improve. Their project can even be simple, like gathering trash at the park.

Sofia also volunteers around the clock in this book, and families might enjoy brainstorming ideas of how they can volunteer together. This could involve lending a hand at a local charity, or simply helping elderly neighbors care for their lawns or pets.

More Children’s Books Like This

‘The Big Beach Cleanup’ – A Girl Rallies to Protect the Environment