Little Experts: Why Politics Matters
Alastair Campbell
PUBLICATION DATE: 4 JULY 2024 | RED SHED | HARDBACK | £9.99
‘This book will explain what politics is, why it matters, why it is interesting, why it is (or can be) fun, how it works and how you do it.’
When I was in primary school, in Yorkshire, where my dad was a vet, I didn’t have a clue what politics was. If you’d told me I would work in 10 Downing Street, where the British Prime Minister lives, and I would meet kings, queens and presidents, and be involved in big decisions that would change the country and the world, I’d have wondered what planet you were from.
But that happened. It could happen to you too. In fact, you could even become Prime Minister. Someone has to do it! Why not you?’
Politics is part of everything we do. How many schools and hospitals there are, how much money teachers, doctors and nurses are paid, what you’re taught in school, what exams you take … that’s all politics! Where the roads go, how trains and buses are run, where – or if – an airport gets built … that’s politics! Whether the air we breathe is clean or dirty, how much or how little we help poor people in our country and abroad … politics, politics, politics. It’s all politics!’ – Alastair Campbell
Become a little expert in how the country is run, understand why politics matters and how you can get involved. Alastair covers the government, what parliament is and how it works, the role of the King, voting, and how decisions are made, and money is spent. He also shares his top tips for how to be a pro-debater and ‘disagree agreeably’, with advice for children on how they can make a difference until they are old enough to vote.
Alastair Campbell is a writer, podcaster and strategist best known for his work as former PM Tony Blair’s spokesperson. This is his 21st book and is being published alongside Alastair Campbell Talks Politics for older children and young adults.
Maïté Franchi is a French illustrator working with pattern-filled digital compositions. She uses victor shapes combined with textures to create visually impactful illustrations.