Q&A A conversation with FRANK KEATING (Governor of OK, 1995-2003) Author of Theodore Q: What inspired you most about the life of Theodore Roosevelt? A: As a child, Theodore Roosevelt suffered from poor eyesight and frail health. He used his fierce determination to succeed and to overcome these obstacles in order to become an extraordinary and physically strong leader. Q: You've also written a children's book about Will Rogers. What inspired you to write for children? A: My wife, Cathy, and I have three children, and as I was writing the Will Rogers book, we were expecting our first grandchild (we now have four). It got me to thinking that children need to learn more about the great heroes and role models from American history. Q: You were the governor of Oklahoma from 1995 to 2003. What type of work are you currently doing? A: I am staying very busy. I am President and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers in Washington, D.C. ACLI is the trade association for nearly four hundred life insurance companies. I also serve on the boards of Mt. Vernon and the National Archives, and I am President of the Federal City Council, an organization dedicated to the improvement of the nation's capital. Q: What was the defining moment of your term as governor? A: The 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City. It was an act of unspeakable horror but showed the world how a community responds to such a tragedy. I was proud to represent the state during that difficult time. Q: In your book, Theodore, you provide a glimpse of important periods in the great man's life and also include quotes from Theodore Roosevelt on each page. Why did you choose to include these quotes in the story? A: I selected quotes that would be most relevant and interesting to children, as well as those that show Roosevelt's interest in education, friendship, and the outdoors, along with quotes showing how he overcame health problems as a child. Q: What is the most important message you hope that children reading this book will learn from the life of Theodore Roosevelt? A: It doesn't matter who your parents are or how much money you have in the bank or what condition your health is in, it matters what you do with your life. Roosevelt's determination to succeed is a wonderful lesson. Q: Why did you decide to write the book from the first person perspective? A: Who better to tell his story than Roosevelt himself? It allows for intimacy and personalization. Q: Mike Wimmer's paintings bring your story to life. How did you come to collaborate on Theodore? A: Mike is one of America's great art talents, a modern-day Norman Rockwell. I met him when he did a Christmas card for the State of Oklahoma. We became friends and often discussed working together on biographies for children. We collaborated on the Will Rogers book and continue that partnership on Theodore. Q: Among other things, when he grew up, Theodore Roosevelt was a loving father of six children. Tell us about your family. A: Cathy and I have three children and four grandchildren. Our oldest daughter, Carrie, lives in Oklahoma City with her husband Ryan Leonard, daughter Katie, and son Will. Our other daughter, Kelly, lives near us in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband Dan Hargett and daughters Hadley and Emma. Our son Chip and his wife Brittney live in Oklahoma City. Chip is taking the leap into politics, running for the Oklahoma House in 2006. Q: Theodore Roosevelt was a lover of books and reading. Do you share a similar passion? A: Absolutely! I travel often and never go anywhere without a book or two. Q: What books did you enjoy as a child? A: As a young boy, I was a voracious reader of the Hardy Boys mysteries. I also liked the Kenneth Roberts historical novels such as Northwest Passage, Arundel, and Oliver Wiswell. Contributor: Simon & Schuster To return to the feature on Roosevelt, click here. To stay up to date on new books by this author, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.