Interview with Children's Book Author Kelley Ann Lovelace

I had the opportunity to sit down and listen and talk to children's book author Kelley Ann Lovelace, previously of the corporate world, and talk about her experiences self publishing the recent children's book, Ready, Set, Go Organic! This clearly passionate woman spoke openly and honestly about the experience self publishing her children's book, her husband and daughter, her experiences living overseas, and her strong belief in the benefit of going organic and promoting an organic lifestyle to even the youngest of children.

Ready, Set, Go Organic is a children's book written by Kelley Ann Lovelace and beautifully illustrated by Kristin Doney. The story tells the tale of Ophelia, a cow from an organic farm, who is trying to share the importance and the benefits of going organic. By spelling out the word organic, Ophelia is able to highlight some of the key benefits of organic food, both for the individual and for the environment. In addition, Ophelia fields some letters from moms and dads at the end of the book, and even provides families with some easy organic recipes. The story is well written, the book is beautifully illustrated, and the message is clear--organic foods are best, and if we stress it to children at a young age, they can internalize it and learn from it. "Kids are like little sponges and they have a huge desire to learn about the world around them. If presented with a topic like healthy organic eating they may opt to make good nutritional choices in the future. It is so important to teach kids good habits when they are young and less resistant to influence," said author Kelley Ann Lovelace.

Kelley, a former international trade specialist in Washington, DC, decided to write and self publish Ready, Set, Go Organic while she and her family were stationed overseas. The process, which took almost a year from it's inception until it's completion in the spring of 2007, was the result of her family's commitment to go organic within their own home. When asked about why her family decided to go organic, Kelley said that, "It's much healthier way to live, my family and I feel much better knowing what is in our food, and I truly believe organic produce tastes better than the conventional options in grocery stores." Now presented with the time to commit to a self publishing project of this magnitude while living abroad, Kelley knew she wanted to write for children about something important and meaningful. Organic foods and going green, something Kelley was passionate about, seemed like the obvious choice.

Kelley made the decision to self publish her book with the help of illustrator Kristin Doney. Together the two collaborated to create the final copy of Ready, Set, Go Organic, which Kelley is currently marketing and selling to organic farm shops and health food stores throughout the UK and US. The book is printed on post consumer recycled paper, and with soy ink. Ready, Set, Go Organic really is the whole package when it comes to helping children see the importance of going green and going organic.

Ready, Set, Go Organic is available for purchase from Kelley's website. The book is reasonably priced at $7.99, covers an interesting and important topic for children in an age appropriate way, and is wonderfully illustrated by Kristin Doney. What should we expect to see next from international trade specialist, going green advocate, and children's book author Kelley Ann Lovelace? I know that I, and my children, are waiting anxiously to see!