A houseful of Georges: Foreman tries his hand at a children's book.

George Foreman's playful spirit is alive and well in his latest book, Let George Do It! (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May 2005), a charming little romp highlighting a day in the life of the Foreman clan. It's Big George's birthday and his five sons--all named George--set out to make it a truly special occasion. With this ode to teamwork and brotherly love, Foreman has paid a nice tribute to his family with fun illustrations by Whitney Martin.

Black Issues Book Review had a chance to ask Foreman a few questions:

BIBR: Heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained minister and grill king. What inspired you to add children's book author to your long list of accomplishments?

Foreman: Well, in my opinion, a children's book should have been the first thing I did. When I came back to boxing in the eighties, my main motivation for fighting was to raise money for the George Foreman Youth and Community Center [in Houston, Texas], which I started in 1983. So, for me, a children's book was a natural.

BIBR: Were you a big reader as a child? Do you recall a favorite book?

Foreman: I have always been attracted to books. My earliest memories are of simply peering into picture books and wondering what the meaning was. Then, when I was a teen, I remember reading my first book from front to back, and I must say that it truly changed my life. For the first time, I understood that by simply opening a book and turning the pages, I could travel to endless cities and exotic places whenever I wanted to. My favorite book of all time would have to be War and Peace.

BIBR: What about your kids? Do they love reading? If so, what are they reading these days?

Foreman: Just like me, my kids also have always been attracted to books. My younger boys are always reading anything that has to do with sports. So I let them pick and choose all the magazines and publications they want.

BIBR: Your George Foreman Youth and Community Center sounds like a wonderful safe haven for families and a place to help keep kids active and engaged. What words of encouragement would you give to young people who feel hopeless?

Foreman: I encourage kids to always know that no matter where they come from or what their circumstances may be, there is always a door to success that can be opened for them. It doesn't matter how far away it may seem or how many doors seem to have been closed, as long as they never stop looking for it and never give up on reaching it, anyone can walk through the door of success.

BIBR: Any more books children's books in the works?

Foreman: Yes. My hopes are to do a series of children's books.

Let George Do It! by George Foreman Illustrated by Whitney Martin Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May 2005 $15.95, ISBN 0-689-87807-9 Ages 4-8