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Democracy!: A positive primer on people power. Discover what defines a democracy and why your voice matters.

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What you say (and how you say it) has the power to change the world. Democracy gives you that power. Democracy is people power.

But does democracy really matter? How does it work? And what exactly is democracy, anyway?! Get set to speak up and learn how you can create positive change in your corner of the world.

The brilliant new picture book from bestselling Australian author–illustrator Philip Bunting, created in consultation with The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra.

Democracy! is full of fascinating and engaging information about democracy, and provides young readers with easily digestible information about the importance of their voice. It is filled with handy tips on how to engage in community discussions, from petitions to peaceful protests, and explains the history of democracy in a funny and positive way.

‘An age-appropriate look into an important part of our society. Posing simple questions about the nature of democracy … then giving detailed yet easy-to-comprehend answers’ Books+Publishing

A 2024 CBCA Eve Pownall Award Book of the Notable Book A Bookstagram Best Non-FictionBook of 2023

31 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2023

2 people are currently reading
28 people want to read

About the author

Philip Bunting

102 books58 followers
Philip Bunting's work deliberately encourages playful interaction between the reader and child, allowing his books to create a platform for genuine intergenerational engagement, and fun.
Philip's books have been translated into multiple languages, and published in over 25 countries around the world. Since his first title was published in 2017, Philip has received multiple accolades, including Honours from the Children's Book Council of Australia, and making the list for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2018. His titles include Mopoke and How Did I Get Here?

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5 stars
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4 stars
9 (25%)
3 stars
15 (41%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Mireille.
574 reviews93 followers
July 20, 2025
Een boek voor jonge lezers over de werking van de democratie is aan te bevelen, zeker als de boodschap is dat iedereen er een aandeel in heeft. We voegen zo’n boek graag toe aan de database op Lezersgoud. Maar bij Democratie! blijken helaas meerdere deelonderwerpen nuances en kennis te missen, in ieder geval voor het Nederlandse kind dat de gegeven informatie tot zich gaat nemen. We kiezen ervoor om hierover te schrijven in plaats van het eenvoudigweg geen aandacht te geven, omdat we het belangrijk vinden dat er goede kennis over democratie verspreid wordt. Oftewel: een voorbeeld van en oefening in kritisch lezen en de woorden toetsen aan de kennis die je eerder hebt opgedaan.

Lees onze nuanceringen hier:
https://lezersgoud.nl/democratie-phil...
Profile Image for Maaike.
253 reviews2 followers
Read
November 17, 2025
Soms lees ik van die kinderboeken waarvan ik denk ‘kleine Maaike would’ve loved this’. Grote Maaike ook.
Profile Image for Teaching Little Fishies.
87 reviews
May 14, 2023
🏛️ I think we can all agree that Philip Bunting is one of the best at producing creative, informative and fun books that just make you want to learn more!

🏛️ In this book we take a look at ‘Democracy’. What is it? Where did it begin? What does it mean? How does it impact us? How do we live in a democratic society? All these questions and hundreds more can be answered through the exploration of this book.

🏛️ If you have any children or students wanting to learn more about the world around them, then grab this book! Philip does a wonderful job at providing an abundance of information without making the reader feel overwhelmed or confused.

🏛️ I think it is important to note the representation in this book. Anyone can read this book and feel valued and a part of it.

🏛️ Recommended for anyone aged 10 and older.

🧠Teaching Point:
CIVICS & CITIZENSHIP: This book is a great opportunity to teach your students about this topic. Even just having this book in your classroom will encourage students to learn more about democracy and gain a greater understanding of how it all works.
Profile Image for Karen.
459 reviews10 followers
May 29, 2023
Another great example of how Philip Bunting marries cute colourful art, humour and information in an effective and entertaining way.

This will be very useful for civics education at the primary school level. In addition to explaining what democracy is and how it has developed with time, it also discusses how people can participate in democracy, including peaceful protests and petitions. The language is positive and respectful, and overall it encourages young readers to appreciate and defend the value of democracy in society (cynical adult readers may think it paints too rosy a picture...)
9 reviews
February 26, 2025
Philip Bunting has done it again!

A visually appealing book which explains other forms of government in the world. He goes on to share the definition, history, and application of democracy in our world.

This book has distilled the sometimes very difficult concepts around government, into student-friendly language. In addition, Bunting has encouragements for students to look outside themselves to see inequities in their communities, and how they might use their voice to make change for the common good.

100% recommend from Year 3 and all the way up to adults!
Profile Image for Teacher Librarian Janet.
128 reviews11 followers
May 12, 2023
Suitable for upper primary as a complement in discussing democracy and associated issues in a fun, engaging way. Bunting’s format is popular with students and his illustrations capture their imaginations and mine too!
Profile Image for Mardi.
38 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2024
What a fabulous little book about democracy and how to nurture it.
37 reviews
September 19, 2024
A well put together book on a great topic that children can learn from and read with ease and joy.
Profile Image for Y.Poston.
2,673 reviews7 followers
Read
January 21, 2025
definitely a child friendly exploration of the idea of democracy
Profile Image for Josh Campeau.
330 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2025
An informational picture book for kids about what a democracy is. It was okay.
Profile Image for Agathe.
3 reviews
June 8, 2024
Orginial version in English. Entitled: Democracy!: A positive primer on people power. Discover what defines a democracy and why your voice matters.

A good primer for children. Includes steps to take, which are very practical and down to earth.

Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews