October 11, 2006
by Matt Tulley

Indianapolis Star

Outgoing state Rep. Luke Messer, R-Shelbyville, has written a children's book called "Hoosier Heart." Messer, an Ice Miller attorney, said the book is based on this question: "What does it mean to be a Hoosier."

Messer wrote the 32-page book, in rhyme, while his wife, Jennifer, illustrated it. The book tells the story of a father answering the Hoosier question for his two daughters, and a friend of theirs. Along with answering the question, the book looks at famous Hoosiers and spins legends about the word "Hoosier."

"The final line of the book is, 'The key to being a Hoosier is having a good Hoosier heart,'" Messer said.

The Messers have formed a publishing company -- Eva Publishing -- which will sell the book for $16.95. The first batch of 2,500 books arrived recently. They will sell the book online but are also getting it placed in local stores.

"Border's and more than a dozen children's specialty stores already have the books in stock," Messer said.

Eva, by the way, is a mixture of the couple's daughter's names -- Emma and Ava.

The book includes "endorsements" from a host of political names from both parties, including Mayor Bart Peterson, Sens. Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar, Gov. Mitch Daniels and former First Lady Judy O'Bannon.