LeAnn Rimes: For The Children
Grammy award-winning artist LeAnn Rimes is famous for her country music, but she has expanded her resume to include children's author, as well.
The 22-year-old has just published her second children's book, "Jag's New Friend." But don't read too much into it - she says she and her husband Dean Sheremet are too busy right now to think about starting a family.
"We have seven dogs and four cats," she tells The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm. "So we have plenty of kids right now, absolutely."
She is releasing a Christmas CD that includes some original songs, including one she co-wrote after Sept. 11, 2001, called "A Different Kind of Christmas," inspired by the troops spending the holidays away from home.
She's also releasing her ninth CD in January, called "This Woman," inspired by '60s and '70s rock and blues. "It's just a fun record. So much of my soul is in this album. It's the best thing I've ever done. I'm really proud of it," she says.
In March, Rimes was named as "the voice" of the Children's Miracle Network, serving as international spokesperson for the children's charity devoted to raising funds for children's hospitals.
Some facts about LeAnn Rimes
An excerpt from "Jag's New Friend":
"Well," said Jag, "nobody has time for me anymore."
"My goodness!" said the snake. "No time for you? Why, they probably aren't cool enough for you anyway. But who is cooler than a sssnake? Here, feel!" he exclaimed, dropping his tail down for Jag to touch. It was indeed cool.
"I'm Bo," he said. Jag introduced herself and shook Bo's tail. "Now what shall we do first?"
Jag's fur tingled, and she declared, "Angels in the grass!" So Jag made angels, and Bo made bow ties in the meadow. Then they tracked the progress of Jag's snail races. Bo even challenged her to a tree-climbing race, which she won easily.
"Now that we're friendsss, I have another game," Bo hissed. "Come thisss way."
Jag followed Bo to an unfamiliar tree, and they climbed high into its branches before stopping.
"All you have to do is ssstay here on thisss branch while I go over to that one." Bo pointed vaguely with his tail. "And, just to prove that we're loyal friends to the end, if you sssee or hear anyone coming, give a sssignal, like thisss." Bo put his tongue between his teeth and whistled. "Can you do that?"
Jag threw her shoulders back and gave her new best friend a mock salute. "Aye, aye, Captain," she said, grinning.
"Sssuper!" said Bo, and away he slinked.
Jag sat on the branch feeling smug. She had found a new friend. And to think, Simon had told her snakes weren't cool!