VIDEO: Callista Gingrich jokes with indignant elephant

Callista Gingrich, very conservative and Newt Gingrich-like wife of Newt Gingrich, writes children's books about how America is super-awesome. She signed copies of Sweet Land of Liberty at the convention's women's pavilion on Thursday - while sitting in between a tough-looking security person and a person in an elephant costume. ("Ellis the Elephant" is the book's protagonist, which is described on Amazon.com as a "a must read for children and parents alike who want to explore our nation’s great history — and discover why America is a free and exceptional nation."

Here, Ellis gets indignant:

 

Callista and Ellis happily posed for photos with both children and adults. Tampa's Fred and Marie Carlson brought their two toddlers, Lyndsey and Kyle; Lyndsey is a big fan of the book - especially, she said, the drawings of American flags.

"I'm gonna show which one I like," Lyndsey told a reporter in the most adorable tone possible, then flipped to the page about Iwo Jima.

Fred, a businessman who has considered Newt Gingrich a "big role model" since his rise to prominence with the 1994 Contract With America, said the book "teaches good values."

"It talks a lot about freedom. And that's what I love. Hey Lyndsey, can you tell him: America is the land of the..." Lyndsey, enthusiastically: "SEA!" She buried her head in shame, then got it right: "FREE!"