Kelley Paul, wife of Senator Rand Paul, has authored a new children's book, "Good Night, Young American," designed to introduce young readers to early American history and its founding figures. The book, recommended for ages 4-8, takes children on a journey through colonial times and the Revolutionary War, depicting historical events and figures in an engaging, visual manner.
Paul stated that the inspiration for the book came from her daughter-in-law, who expressed a need for more patriotic books for babies. The narrative follows a young boy who encounters historical figures such as Sam Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington, and participates in iconic moments like the midnight ride of Paul Revere and crossing the Delaware River.
"Good Night, Young American" also visually interprets significant moments like the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with the boy character swinging on the Liberty Bell. Paul collaborated closely with illustrator Marika Monesi to create dynamic and visually appealing scenes, aiming to convey the bravery and hardship faced by the founders. She noted that her husband, Senator Rand Paul, offered input, suggesting that depictions of King George III should reflect his famously stout appearance.
Paul expressed a concern that contemporary education systems have moved away from celebrating American founders, often viewing them solely through the lens of historical injustices like slavery and colonization. She argued that the founders, by embracing Enlightenment ideas and establishing a framework for self-government and inalienable rights, were revolutionary thinkers of their time.
"I like to say our founders were the first civil rights heroes, the first civil libertarians," Paul said. "And I think our education system has gotten away from that. They don't view them in the time that they existed, and suddenly now everything is oppressor versus oppressed narrative. And they are labeled more like colonizers or enslavers, and that's the only view that they're looked at, and not as human beings who sacrificed their very lives to write the Declaration of Independence, to form this country."
Paul hopes her book will foster curiosity about American history and provide parents with a tool to discuss the nation's founding with their children. She emphasized the importance of instilling a sense of pride in the country's revolutionary heritage, suggesting that the story of America is a shared one for all its citizens.
To make complex concepts accessible for young children, Paul focused on simple language and core ideas, such as the origin of rights from a Creator and the importance of freedoms like speech. The book touches upon the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, highlighting key principles like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and the protection of speech from government interference.
Senator Rand Paul was supportive of the project, providing feedback on historical details to include. Kelley Paul also acknowledged the influence of her father-in-law, former Congressman Ron Paul, noting her desire for the book to educate her grandson about the legacy of the Paul family in the country. The book's release coincides with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.