Legislator, wife write Children's book

October 22, 2006
by Kelsey VanArsdall

The Columbus Republic
   
As a state representative, Rep. Luke Messer, R-Shelbyville, envisioned his first published literary work as something other than a children's book. However, home life with his two young daughters has altered his view of things.

That led to the birth of "Hoosier Heart," a 32-page full-color picture book written by Messer and illustrated by his wife, Jennifer. The book was released about two weeks ago and is available online at Viewpoint Books.
   
"I grew up in Indiana," said Messer. "When our daughters were born, I took a renewed look at children's books. Plus, as a legislator you read to young students, and it got to a point were I couldn't find (a) suitable book about Indiana."

Messer announced late last year that he would not seek re-election this years for his House District 57 seat.

In "Hoosier Heart," characters Emma, Ava and Ben learn the meaning of Hoosier by journeying through Indiana's popular culture and historic places.

"It all starts when Ava asks her father what it means to be a Hoosier, and her father spends the rest of the book explaining that," said Jennifer.

"We touch on everything from basketball to John Mellencamp; skiing in Paoli (Peaks) to being on the beach at Lake Michigan."

Jennifer said readers also learn about the state's history and famous people, ranging from entrepreneur and social activist Madam CJ Walker to talk show host David Letterman.

"It was a fun project," said Jennifer. "Fun for the entire family because our oldest daughter gave us her input and said what she liked and didn't like."

The couple published the book through Eva Publishing, which Jennifer founded in May. Messer said that he and his wife created the company to avoid bigger publishing firms changing the book's content and illustrations.

Although Jennifer had never illustrated before, she finished the project in about six weeks. "I played around a lot and finally we found a consistent style that we liked," she explained.

"Hoosier Heart," contains an excerpt from the Indiana Historical Bureau that explains the origin of the word Hoosier.

In the end, Messer leaves his readers with the message that Hoosiers come in "all shapes and sizes, but have in common a big Hoosier heart."