Parks and Recreation: Leslie for Class President!

June 28, 2021
Proclaiming “We all have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And waffles!” young Leslie Knope launches her campaign for Pawnee Elementary’s highest office. But her eagerness leads her to make promises that she may have trouble keeping—like providing those waffles, or canceling school on any Treat Yo Self Day—resulting in a crisis of confidence (“What if I let my classmates down?” Pearlman writes). Sage advice from shop teacher Ron helps Leslie realize that if she proves herself “eager, honest, and responsible” for her constituents, she will succeed. It may be mystifying to those who aren’t in the know, but the book checks all the Parks and Recreation fan boxes: Demmer’s vector-style illustrations, reminiscent of familiar cartoon styles, replicate the show’s format of group scenes alternating with audience asides, and the catchphrases and character ticks are dutifully represented. Ages 4–8.