Rancho Santa Fe Children’s Library hosts author Jenny Craig

By Karen Billing

The Rancho Santa Fe Children’s Library hosted author Jenny Craig on July 15 for a reading and book signing of her children’s book, “I Believe in Genevieve,” the story of how a young girl named Genevieve and her horse learn about getting strong and eating nutritiously in order to reach their equestrian expectations.

“I have always loved horses and have been involved as an owner for over 40 years,” said Craig, the Rancho Santa Fe resident and founder of the successful Jenny Craig weight loss program. “Horses are very special to me and as children love animals and especially horses, I thought I could use them as a metaphor for healthy eating, a healthy lifestyle and moving your body. It’s important for children to be active.”

Craig explained that the horse in the book, Candy Ride, is named after one of her real-life horses. Candy Ride now lives in Kentucky and is a successful breeding stallion.

Many of the children in attendance were very interested in Craig’s horses — while she couldn’t name all of them for the kids, she did mention that her horses Holy Candy and Ethnic Dance would be running soon at the Del Mar Racetrack.

Craig donated signed books for attendees to purchase — all of the proceeds from the sale went back to the Rancho Santa Fe Library Guild.

July 15 was designated “I Love Horses Day” at the library and kids could snack on apple slices just like the horse and Genevieve do in the book. Children at the event also had the opportunity to make their own horse bookmark using colored popsicle sticks, horse cut-outs, googly eyes and manes made of strands of yarn.

Photos by Karen Billing.