In the wake of the 2016 election, many parents found themselves grappling with how to communicate the results to their children. A poignant moment for me was the early hours of November 9, when I stood in my daughter’s room, faced with the daunting task of leaving her a note that read, “Trump won.” The reality felt surreal, almost like a scene from a bizarre dream. Ultimately, I penned the note, leaving it on her dresser, only to find it torn to shreds when she woke up.
I wasn’t alone in my struggle. Political analyst Mark Thompson expressed a similar sentiment on social media, asking, “How do I explain this to my children?” This question inspired a new children’s book titled The Pumpkin and The Pantsuit, created by the San Francisco-based advertising agency, CreativEdge. Executive Director Jamie Foster explained to The Huffington Post that they aimed to provide a narrative response to this challenging question.
The story begins, “Not too long ago in a land not so far away, there lived a Pumpkin and a Pantsuit.” Both characters share a common dream of residing in a grand white house. From there, the tale unfolds as they embark on a journey filled with speeches, questions, and sharing their beliefs.
In a twist reminiscent of reality, the Pumpkin secures the election victory while many feel disheartened. Yet the Pantsuit remains undeterred, encouraging young “pantsuits” everywhere to aspire for the big white house in the future.
This book transcends mere political recounting; it delivers a message of hope and resilience for both children and parents. As co-author and creative director at CreativEdge, Tom Walker, noted, “For kids, the takeaway is simple: you may not always win, but you never truly lose if you persist. Keep trying and believing.” He added, “For parents, while the Pumpkin might not be the president you envisioned, focus on the positives. Even if she did not ‘win,’ Hillary Clinton inspired many. The future is still ours to shape.”
The book concludes with a dedication that resonates universally: “Dedicated to everyone who refuses to give up.”
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In summary, The Pumpkin and The Pantsuit serves as a valuable tool for parents navigating difficult conversations with their children about the 2016 election, emphasizing hope, resilience, and the importance of continuing to strive for one’s dreams.