August 9, 2007
Posted: 12:50 PM ET

Laura and Jenna Bush are writing a book, USA TODAY reports.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The first lady is set to become a first author.

Laura Bush, along with daughter Jenna, are in the process of writing a children's book about a child who does not like reading, USA TODAY reports.

The picture book, to be published next spring by HarperCollins, is inspired by the teaching experiences of both Laura and Jenna. The elder Mrs. Bush is a former public school teacher, while the younger Bush taught in Washington, DC after she graduated college.

The official announcement is expected to come later Thursday.

"It's a book that I've always wanted to write," Laura Bush told USA TODAY. "And it's fun to be able to do it with your daughter."

Laura Bush also told the paper she expects the task to be difficult.

"In a picture book, there are so few words, so each word has to be perfect," she said. Jenna and I know that, and we know that each page should have something to make you want to turn the page. That's the challenge."

Jenna Bush has previously tried her hand as a writer, completing a yet-to-be published book last winter about her experiences working for UNICEF.

Filed under: Jenna Bush • Laura Bush


Linda - Albany, NY   August 13th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

Carl - Dallas, Tx:

Please grow up and stop taking this site so personal. It's mouths like yours that give Texas a bad name.

Take a time out and come back when you can calm down.

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   August 11th, 2007 5:05 pm ET

Oh How Precious Mom and Jenna writing a book.

I would have thought they might have chose a topic like maybe, "An AirHead who does not like using proper English." Or maybe, "The Trials of Teaching a President Sentence Structure."

Oh well, maybe they'll tackle those two subjects next.

Must be nice to have so little to do, and so much time to do it in! But such a great gift to give a Nation by a First Lady! So much better than spearheading a program like maybe on, Teen Suicides, Gun Laws, Poverty in America, Millions of Iraqis Homeless ….

Carl, Dallas, Texas   August 10th, 2007 3:25 pm ET

"Please don't try anything, Laura, you couldn't educate your own daughters, what makes you think you can show the example to children. Please just kill the time and move out from the White House to Texas where you belong to.
George and Laura, You are very well matched couple.

Posted By Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky : August 10, 2007 2:05 am "

Where they belong? Texas is a fantastic state and we have our pride.

Don't insult one of the better states in this country.

Steve, Tempe, Arizona   August 10th, 2007 1:41 pm ET

Why don't Momma and brat daughter (remember the DUIs and drug use?) spend that time and money to help the people of Iraq re-build the infrastructure of a country that their husand/daddy helped destroy for NO REASON!!! Talk about living in a bubble. Tell Laura and Jenna to take a trip to Iraq and see for themselves. They won't. They don't have the courage.

Carl, Dallas, Texas   August 10th, 2007 10:26 am ET

"Why isn’t Jenna out crouching down on all fours in a hot desert like the rest of them out their that get recruited her age???

And for that matter why aren’t Mitt Romney’s children either???

Posted By Leslie : August 9, 2007 5:34 pm "

Well for argument's sake, Chelsea Clinton should be along side them then…

trash talking fools… you only do it because a computer is behind you

Rio Grande Groper Rio Grande City Texas   August 10th, 2007 9:41 am ET

I think the title should be After Impeachment Let's Crawl Back to Crawford

Vincent, Trenton New Jersey   August 10th, 2007 9:18 am ET

It's great to see that the Jenna is writing a book about her father.

Mike, Tacoma, Wa   August 10th, 2007 3:55 am ET

Maybe they can develop one for folks in New Orleans for the next Katrina. You know maybe pictures of how to LEAVE when a big bad storm is approaching. Also a follow up book on how to get a FREE FEMA trailer and then how to sue the government because something is wrong with the FREE trailer. Oh wait the NAACP already has the copy rights for that book.
Posted By Ronald Reagon Wichita KS : August 9, 2007 4:03 pm
______________________________________

Only problem is that it wasn’t President Bush’s fault they didn’t get out before the Hurricane hit it was the Mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of that great state who failed their people, But wait we can’t blame them because they are democrats and the mayor was black and the Governor a woman so they are exempt from blame. There is no way the city busses or Louisiana Nation Guard could have gotten people out before the Hurricane came. That isn’t with in their power to do at all.

Mads, Denver, CO   August 10th, 2007 2:54 am ET

I am always amazed that anyone famous can suddenly become a children's author without any credentials as a writer. Oprah Winfrey ruined James Frey who wrote a fantastic book…even if it was lies. Madonna wrote a "children's" book that no one below a 4th grade level could read by themselves. Jay Leno, Jamie Lee Curtis…the list goes on and on. Yeah, it will sell but that doesn't mean it will be any good.

An Avid Reader -- CT   August 10th, 2007 2:24 am ET

This is so typical of neophyte author wannabe's. You don't get children to read by giving them books about other children who don't like to read. you get them to read books by giving them good books to read.

It would take some real talent to write a good children's novel, but this is to be a picture book. How could it possibly be more difficult to write fewer words? And while we're at it, most children who are "reading" picture books hardly know to dislike reading. It's just fun time spent with mom, dad or whomever.

And yes, neither woman was a teacher for even a year. It is tiresome to hear about their service to public education.

And I am also tired of hearing about how literary is Laura Bush. She claims to be an avid fan of Edith Wharton but on a C-Span interview, she was hardly able to name a book other than Ethan Frome, the same old high school requisite. That's not what I expect to hear from someone who claims to have read all of Edith Wharton's works.

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky   August 10th, 2007 2:05 am ET

Please don't try anything, Laura, you couldn't educate your own daughters, what makes you think you can show the example to children. Please just kill the time and move out from the White House to Texas where you belong to.
George and Laura, You are very well matched couple.

otis, jersey   August 10th, 2007 12:48 am ET

Let me guess, dad gets to do the coloring?

Destardi, Chicago, IL   August 9th, 2007 11:55 pm ET

"Mary" in response to Leslie…

So, you're saying that even though a vast, vast majority of the chickenhawks cheering warmongering, have never,ever..EVER tried on a military uniform, and stepped foot into, I don't know, say VIETNAM or IRAQ, you're going to throw out the ol'sorry excuse for these chickenhawks not having ANY of their children in the military is that it's a free country?

Don't you understand the point she's making, or are you feeling guilty and show it via testily throwing out weak excuses? The bush twins are certainly not role models for MY daughters.

Bubba Bush   August 9th, 2007 9:25 pm ET

To Jackie, Defiance, OH
How stupid are you? This book is perfect for you since you have the writing skills of a five year old. "Absolutely pathetic you give us real americans a bad name!l". What's wrong with your sentence? Americans should be capitialized for one. Second, the letter 'l" should not come after "!". I swear, only people with a 2nd grade education should be allowed to post here. You still have about 5 more years to go. Now, do your HOMEWORK!!!!!

fedupwithourgov't   August 9th, 2007 7:54 pm ET

If everything is going so well in Iraq, why don't they go over there as photojournalists!

marie, bakersfield, ca   August 9th, 2007 6:07 pm ET

You people are disgusting. You reflect a much larger problem that is infecting our society.

Mary, Tulsa, OK   August 9th, 2007 6:00 pm ET

"Why isn’t Jenna out crouching down on all fours in a hot desert like the rest of them out their that get recruited her age???"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Leslie,

Welcome to America - you're obviously new here. A quick lesson for you - in America adults (18+) get to CHOOSE their career path and are not FORCED into the all-volunteer military. Granted that is probably much different than your Taliban ways of cloaking women in berkas, keeping them illiterate, and demanding complete obedience.

And when you’re ready, we’ll teach you about Darwin and how your genetic strain will likely not go too far.

Welcome again!

Pontchartrain, Nawlins, Louisiana   August 9th, 2007 5:50 pm ET

Hahaha. In which language to laugh in? The book will be very pictoresque for limited Dubbya. The children's names: Enron, Exxon, Saddam, Osama, Libby, Katrina, and Rita. Editorials by Karl Rove. Condi Rice will be grateful. Now she doesn't have to ready the paper to Prez anymore. This means Laura must have hired a 'colored gal' to clorox her Xanax-loaded medicine cabinets so she can devote herself entirely to such a time-consuming endeavor. After her third breakfast margarita with ciggies, that is!

John from America   August 9th, 2007 5:37 pm ET

Why is this a news story? If Jenna joined the army then that would be quite a story! But no, the Bushes are from the "ruling class" they don't fight, they join the National Guard to avoid the fighting, or I guess they sit on their butts and write books!

Leslie   August 9th, 2007 5:34 pm ET

Why isn't Jenna out crouching down on all fours in a hot desert like the rest of them out their that get recruited her age???

And for that matter why aren't Mitt Romney's children either???

Teacher Petersen, Las Vegas, Nevada   August 9th, 2007 5:18 pm ET

How ridiculous and scary at the same time to hear about a 'Bush' book! Laura didn't last in the classroom for even one school year (183 days), but spends more than twenty years talking about it. And when did the paramedics finish Jenna's stomach pumping? I must have missed it when Pickles and Bushie posted her bail, too. Now dumb and dumber mutated into 'authors?'
Well, at least Bushie doesn't have to pretend that he is reading the newspaper, Pickles drew him a book. Probably not with pictures of dying soldiers in his war.

Linda - Albany, NY   August 9th, 2007 5:16 pm ET

Jackie - OH:

This was not an insult to our soldiers. this was a suggestion to the First Lady to do something more productive, like support them with more than empty words. How is supporting the troops in that manner wrong?

Homeofthedaft   August 9th, 2007 5:08 pm ET

it’s an insult to those who make the profession a career. Sam, Dallas,

I don't think professionals in the education system have any room to talk about insults considering the failure of our public school system today.

Matt Houston, Texas   August 9th, 2007 4:39 pm ET

"The two should write in the book about how NOT to raise your kids. Raising them the way they did has led an incompetent president take this country into unnecessary turmoil.

They should have a chapter on how their son GWB became a liar.Lied to the whole nation."

This is funny because of how ignorant this poster was.

Connie, Tn.   August 9th, 2007 4:38 pm ET

I am amazed the "Stepford Wife" has an opinion of her own. Maybe Chaney told her what to write.

katwac Oakland Calif   August 9th, 2007 4:37 pm ET

WHO CARES about Laura and her daughter.

BUT I bet something will be done about immigration now since in about 10 counties whites are the minority…welcome to America

Jackie, Defiance, OH   August 9th, 2007 4:25 pm ET

Shame on you people!!! Shame shame!! Its not as if everyone of you who say oh instead of writing childrens books they should be sending care packages to our soldiers and the bush girls should be in Iraq fighting and dying like our kids are! Those soldiers are there because they volunteered to be there it was their choice!! They way you narrow minded idiots sound is a disgrace! Absolutely pathetic you give us real americans a bad name!I would be embarassed to post my name if i were you, if only you realized how ignorant you made yourselves look. My old boss used to have a saying something about how crazy people can rationalize anything and everything to their own mind!

Dirk Diggler   August 9th, 2007 4:07 pm ET

This chick is married to an idiot How can she write a book. She is a woman with no mind.If you had atalking doll of Laura Bush her voice would be George's

Ronald Reagon Wichita KS   August 9th, 2007 4:03 pm ET

Maybe they can develop one for folks in New Orleans for the next Katrina. You know maybe pictures of how to LEAVE when a big bad storm is approaching. Also a follow up book on how to get a FREE FEMA trailer and then how to sue the government because something is wrong with the FREE trailer. Oh wait the NAACP already has the copy rights for that book.

riley, Omaha, NE   August 9th, 2007 3:59 pm ET

I think this is a nice idea!!
I wish them the best of luck finishing this project!

dan, gulfport, florida   August 9th, 2007 3:40 pm ET

now you understand why serious authors get a little discouraged. Is there anyone out there who really believes that these two women are uniquely qualified to write such a book. And connections or "status" had nothing to do with it?

Stan, Seattle, WA   August 9th, 2007 3:35 pm ET

I can't wait to get my copy: I'm almost out of TOILET PAPER!! hah-hah!

Nikki, Honolulu, HI   August 9th, 2007 3:32 pm ET

It is great that the Bush women are writing a book for children who don't like to read. Literacy is a huge problem in this country and this sounds like a book that is trying to encourage children to read who for some reason have reservations or problems with reading. Well done ladies.

Jeff   August 9th, 2007 3:28 pm ET

Laura can use the book to teach little girls how to be like her: non-offending and with no opinions of thier own.
Jenna can use the book to explain how she is considered too wild for Argentina (former refuge of Nazi war criminals).

Eric Stepp, Portland, Oregon   August 9th, 2007 3:19 pm ET

Although I am opposed to George or Laura Bush's politics, I do appreciate what the First Lady is trying to do. Anything to help get children to read, and to enjoy reading, gets a thumbs-up from me. As long as it's not political in nature.

Mark KC MO   August 9th, 2007 3:07 pm ET

What is irony again?

Mike, Monument, Colorado   August 9th, 2007 3:02 pm ET

I think it is commendable that Laura and daughter Jenna are jointly writing a children's book. Maybe it will encourage some children to read more. But, there seem to be critics who just can't leave politics out of it. Press on Laura and Jenna.

M, Washington, D.C.   August 9th, 2007 2:59 pm ET

Heaven forbid the First Lady and her wife do anything good for the children of this country without liberals coming out of the wood-work to attack her husband. Also, I didn't realize writing books for children was a waste of time.

Benny B.   August 9th, 2007 2:54 pm ET

Gee… I wonder if this book will teach "children" the pronunciation of the word "nuclear".

Josie Schaefer Marietta GA   August 9th, 2007 2:54 pm ET

Yes go ahead and fiddle while Rome burns. It seems a fitting pleasure for the first family, ranks right up there with clearing brush in Crawford while being briefed that the enemy is determined to strike the Homeland.

Dan Fishman   August 9th, 2007 2:52 pm ET

Wow - 4 comments trying to make fun of Gee Dubs & his reading skills…. Original.

Lance, Monrovia, CA.   August 9th, 2007 2:49 pm ET

I'm so glad to see they're finally talking to their own grade level.

Phil, NY, NY   August 9th, 2007 2:43 pm ET

"Laura Bush, along with daughter Jenna, are in the process of writing a children’s book about a child who does not like reading, USA TODAY reports."

Is the childs name George?

John Jones, Butler, Pennsylvania   August 9th, 2007 2:22 pm ET

A book with pictures and few words - sounds like they are writing it for the President!

Linda - Albany, New York   August 9th, 2007 2:22 pm ET

I think the First Lady and her daughter could be making better use of their time…such as putting together care packages for the soldiers her husband sent to war.

John Jones   August 9th, 2007 2:21 pm ET

A picture book with few words - sounds like they are writing it for the President to read!

Jeff, Houston, Texas   August 9th, 2007 2:16 pm ET

Hope they don't use any big words so dad can read it.

Anonymous   August 9th, 2007 2:11 pm ET

HAHAHA wow, what a plot.

Josh Maloney, Oakland, CA   August 9th, 2007 1:52 pm ET

Hats off to Laura Bush and her daughter, Jenna. I think they are doing a fine part to increase awareness for children's literacy.

Mark, Sacramento, CA   August 9th, 2007 1:45 pm ET

I can't wait to get my copy–I'm almost OUT OF TOILET PAPER!! hah-hah!

Dan, Atlanta, GA   August 9th, 2007 1:36 pm ET

What does Laura Bush know about learning to read? I always assumed she was programmed.

Larry Denver, CO   August 9th, 2007 1:09 pm ET

Bush's daughter should be in Iraq not writting a book!!!! Her lying cowardly father should be forced to send both of his brats to Iraq until America pulls out or Attacks and destroys Israel so this wont happen again!!!!

Dan, Austin, TX   August 9th, 2007 1:05 pm ET

Was this idea inspired by a close family member?

Joan, Cincinnati, OH   August 9th, 2007 1:04 pm ET

With George W. Bush as your father, I guess the book WOULD contain lots of pictures and few words!

Martha, Boulder, CO   August 9th, 2007 12:39 pm ET

The two should write in the book about how NOT to raise your kids. Raising them the way they did has led an incompetent president take this country into unnecessary turmoil.

They should have a chapter on how their son GWB became a liar.Lied to the whole nation.

Steven, CO   August 9th, 2007 12:38 pm ET

Perhaps they are 'writing' a picture book so that hubby/daddy have something to look at.

Sam, Dallas, Texas   August 9th, 2007 12:38 pm ET

Correct me if I am wrong; Laura Bush was not a public school teacher, she was only a librarian for a very short time. Jenna taught for barely a year, right? Niether should "teahcer" on their resume, it's an insult to those who make the profession a career.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com