A crash course in democracy for children, Sniffing for Democracy was written by Nora P. Meek, age 11, based on background research by her mother, psychologist Pamela Meek. Concerned about the war in Iraq, freedom of speech and voter rights the Meeks want to ignite young children to become more involved in politics. If they are more involved, perhaps they can impact the world they will inherit.
(PRWEB) January 17, 2005 -- To make the complex topic of democracy child-friendly in Sniffing for Democracy most of the characters are dogs, many city and character names emulate dog breeds and the sense of smell is used to teach how to know when the democracy they live in is working well.
Intended, also, to be a metaphor on current events the President of the United States of Dogs is a monkey named Weed who makes bad decisions and can only hoot and holler. The vice president is called Chow-Chow and Saddam Hussein is dubbed Bully Rott.
In order to teach children about the complex topic of war, the territorial nature of dogs is used to outline what a dog would do if he was president.
Whyd Weed and Chow-Chow do that?" asked Belle. Bully Rott wasnt doing anything to us!"
Yeah, I heard of Bully Rott. He was a bad guy, but he hadnt threatened the U. S. of dogs…I thought we were supposed to wait for someone to attack us. Arent peaceful dogs supposed to keep their heads down unless…" Koopa said.
I added, …unless another dog comes into their territory…"
"…een a ferocious vay," finished Liberté. [French accent]
Black and chocolate Labrador retrievers instruct the reader about voting rights. A dog named Tom Paine educates about true democracy and what it smells like, so theyll know it when they smell it. A true democracy smells exhilarating.
The book includes a study guide for parents and teachers which can also be downloaded from the internet from the Sniffing for Democracy website. Topics covered include democratic principles, voting rights, freedom of speech, war, pollution, outsourcing and capitalism.
Sniffing for Democracy
Nora P. Meek
Published by PM, INK
ISBN 0-9753852-0-8/Trade Paperback/$11.99
Available at www.SniffingforDemocracy.com, www.amazon.com
For media copy or interview, contact:
Pamela Meek, Ph.D.
301-424-0683
http://SniffingforDemocracy.com
Press kits: http://SniffingforDemocracy.com/news.htm
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