Kelley Paul: America's Founders were the 'first civil rights heroes'
Kelley Paul Launches “Good Night, Young American” for 250th‑Anniversary Celebration
A former political surrogate and long‑time figure in the Republican Party has turned her eye to a younger audience. In an interview at Las Vegas’s Freedom Fest, Kelley Paul—wife of U.S. Senator Rand Paul and daughter‑in‑law of former Congressman Ron Paul—revealed her new children’s book, Good Night, Young American, a picture‑book journey through the early days of the United States.
The book, aimed at children aged four to eight, was conceived as part of the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary of independence. Paul explained that the idea began over a summer dinner when her daughter‑in‑law Kate and a six‑month‑old grandson sat in the kitchen. “Kate said we need more patriotic books for babies,” she recalled. “We played around with ideas, and the book took shape.”
Paul has spent years on the campaign trail. During her husband’s 2016 presidential campaign she served as a key surrogate, speaking at rallies and appearing on television. After her 36‑year marriage to the senator, she has expanded her professional portfolio to include writing and public relations. “This is a new chapter,” she said. “I wanted to give children an engaging way to learn about their heritage.”
An Illustrated Adventure Through Founding Moments
Good Night, Young American takes readers from the Fourth of July celebration to the Mayflower’s crow’s nest, then on to encounters with historic figures such as Sam Adams, Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, and George Washington. The narrative follows a young boy who, in each chapter, meets a different founding hero and experiences key moments of American history—crossing the Delaware, the midnight ride, the signing of the Declaration, and more.
The book’s visuals were crafted by illustrator Marika Monesi, whom Paul praised for capturing the boy’s excitement and the dynamism of the events. “We wanted a lot of movement, a lot of dynamic images,” Paul explained. “For example, with the Liberty Bell, we imagined him running up the bell tower and swinging on the bell.” Paul noted that her husband helped refine early drafts, including a humorous suggestion that King George appear “fat” to match the historical portrait.
Aiming to Revitalize Historical Education
Beyond the charming storyline, Paul stressed the book’s educational intent. “We’ve gotten away from celebrating our founders,” she said. “They were the first civil rights heroes, the first civil libertarians. I want kids to understand that our founding documents were radical at the time, that they drew from Enlightenment ideas, and that they set the framework for self‑government.”
The author outlined how the book simplifies complex ideas—such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution—into language “kids could understand.” She emphasized the core message that rights come from God, not a monarch, and highlighted foundational principles like freedom of speech.
Paul’s son and grandson have been integral to the project. “I wanted these books to be there for our little grandson, my favorite little American,” she said. The book also reflects the Paul family’s broader legacy of constitutional advocacy; Rand Paul has long championed constitutional principles in the Senate.
Reaching Families and Educators
Good Night, Young American will be available in major bookstores and online retailers starting in the summer, coinciding with the nation’s 250th‑anniversary celebrations. Parents and educators interested in supplementing history lessons with a child‑friendly narrative may find the book a useful tool for sparking curiosity about the nation’s founding.
Kelley Paul’s pivot from politics to children’s literature underscores a broader trend of civic educators seeking innovative ways to engage younger audiences. As the country marks two‑centuries of independence, Good Night, Young American offers a fresh, visual entry point for the next generation to explore the stories that shaped the United States.