Children's book defines 'Hoosier'

Associated Press

GREENSBURG, Ind. -- It's an age-old question in Indiana: What is a Hoosier?

State Rep. Luke Messer, R-Shelbyville, tries to answer that riddle with his book, "Hoosier Heart." He uses thirty-two pages with big, colorful pictures illustrated by his wife, Jennifer, to get to the bottom of it.
"I thought I would be the most unlikely person ever to write a children's book," Messer said. "However, being a father has inspired me, and I would like to write more."
In the book, Messer's two young daughters, Emma and Ava, and their friend Ben find out what it means to be a Hoosier as they journey through the state learning about Indiana's people, places, popular culture and history. The children's journey ends with a conclusion about what a Hoosier is.
A large map of Indiana drawn by Jennifer Messer shows historical landmarks throughout the state, including the Tree Tower in Greensburg, where Messer grew up.
He has sold nearly 2,000 copies in six weeks, he said.
"We've had such a great response from the public," Messer said. "My wife did all the hard work, however, drawing all the pictures."
For four years, Messer was also the executive director of the Indiana Republican Party, traveling the state and unknowingly gathering information for the book.