Children’s Book Review: Marlon Bundo’s A Day in the Life of the Vice President By Charlotte Pence

MARLON BUNDO’S 
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

By: Charlotte Pence

Illustrated by: Karen Pence

Published: March 19, 2018

Publisher: Regnery Kids

Marlon Bundo or BOTUS (Bunny of the United States) has become a national celebrity after being the famous pet of Vice President Pence and his family. He is actually Charlotte Pence’s pet and considers the VP his Grampa. In a ceremony honoring military families in May 2017, Marlon Bundo stole the stage during his first public event. He is the first bunny to ride Air Force Two. Due to his popularity, Marlon Bundo now has his own Instagram account, followed by over 30,000 fans. 

Marlon Bundo shares his experiences following the Vice President around for a day. He wants kids to know about the important things his Grampa does every day from a bunny’s point of view. BOTUS starts the day at the home of the Vice President and his family, grabbing a coffee and heading off to work waving to people as they leave. The day begins with meetings at the White House and in the Oval Office. Marlon Bundo loves the fluffy carpet. The next stop is the Capitol building where Marlon explains the Vice President’s role with the Senate. Then off to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building where Marlon gets to meet many people during the workday. Marlon and the Vice President end the day with a peek at the stars and a prayer before bed.

The story is told in rhyming verse and teaches children just enough to make them curious about the Vice President’s job. The end of the book offers a bit more detailed information for parents to offer children about each part of the day. I found the telescope at the Vice President’s residence the most interesting. I had no idea there was one there. The Pence family even invited children to watch the solar eclipse from their Observatory.

Second Lady Karen Pence is a very talented artist. Her watercolor illustrations on every page are lovely.  I think my favorite page was Marlon Bundo sitting on Vice President Pence’s lap while they are reading the Bible. I noted she used the page from Jeremiah Chapter 29, which includes the well-known verse 11 “For I know the plans I have for you….” Very appropriate.

For many years, the public has fallen in love with pets at the White House. From Millie, President H.W. Bush’s dog to President Clinton’s cat, Socks to Barney and Miss Beazley, the Bush’s dogs to Bo, President Obama’s dog, I have always believed that having a pet at the White House made the President seem more like the rest of us. Although I am not sure the President or Vice President is the one taking them out for the middle of the night “business”. Pets are important in our lives and I love that the Pence family is sharing their sweet bunny, Marlon Bundo, with us. This book is perfect for preschool to lower-elementary-aged children and is the perfect bunny to tuck in your Easter basket this weekend!

Karen Pence, Marlon Bundo, and Charlotte Pence – source

Charlotte Pence graduated from DePaul University in 2016 with a degree in English and Digital Cinema. Her written work has appeared in Glamour Magazine and publications affiliated with the University of Oxford, where she studied as an undergraduate. She has made documentaries on non-profits, mental health, and social justice, and she received a REgional Emmy for her work on the award-winning documentary Fleeced. She is “Mom” to Marlon Bundo, whom she adopted for a student film project. This is Charlotte’s first children’s book.

Karen Pence, the wife of Vice President Mike Pence, is a mother, educator, and award-winning watercolor artist. As Second Lady of the United States, Mrs. Pence works to bring attention to art therapy and the sacrifices made by military service members and their families. She earned a BS and MS in Elementary Education from Butler University in Indianapolis. Mrs. Pence and Vice President Mike Pence have been married since 1985 and are proud parents of their adult children, Charlotte, Audrey, and Michael and his wife Sarah.

To purchase a copy of MARLON BUNDO’S A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT click the photo below:

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama’s regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children’s and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.


Other books you may enjoy:

1,000 FACTS ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE


SOMEBUNNY LOVES ME

HEY, BABY


REMEMBER THE LADIES

Thanks to the publisher for providing copies of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.