NewsOK.com | Children's book outlines life of US president

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He is carved in stone in the Black Hills of South Dakota, memorialized in history and remembered as a curious boy and a man of integrity.
"Theodore," a new children's book about President Theodore Roosevelt, written by former Gov. Frank Keating and illustrated by Norman artist Mike Wimmer, is meant to inspire children.

Keating wants children to know "that they can live exciting lives and be like the people they read about."

"The love of children is the portal to writing a children's book," Keating said in a recent phone interview, adding that the book is dedicated to three of his grandchildren. A fourth grandchild was born after the book was written.

In the book, a young Teddy (1858-1919) tells the story of his life as a frail child who gained strength, courage, and leadership, and at 42, became the nation's youngest president.

The paintings of Wimmer, illustrator of many popular and award-winning books, give depth and personality to "Theodore" and keep the twenty-sixth president from being just another character in a dusty, old history book.

Keating met Wimmer a few years ago when the artist created a Christmas card for the state of Oklahoma. The two became friends and worked together on the children's book "Will Rogers: An American Legend."

Their successful working relationship led to this second book.