By Elle Wood

MILFORD – Literature can plant the seeds of knowledge.

Andrew Scott, of Milford, became an author about two years ago after he resigned from Milford High School as a life skills teacher.

He recently published “Could You Exercise With Me Please?” It is a children’s book that teaches children about health and fitness.

The idea for this book came to him many years ago, but he never had the time to get idea on paper until recently.

“I got the idea of this book about seven years ago,” said Mr. Scott. “When I resigned two years ago from the school is when I started writing.”

The book’s main purpose is to inform children about the importance of exercise to their health. The book is interactive to get them moving while reading.

“The number one thing is about health and fitness,” said Mr. Scott. “It has ten basic exercises that you can do with your parents, grandparents and older siblings or cousins.

“Because when you work out with someone you get that extra motivation.”

He has noticed that children do not exercise the same as before.

“I coach, mentor and personal train,” said Mr. Scott. “I see a lot of problems with the youth with athletics, so that was the encouragement for the book.”

The book also includes other lessons for the children to learn while reading.

“Some secondary lessons in the book are primary colors, counting to 10 and an overall synopsis of health tips,” added Mr. Scott.

He hopes that the interactive elements in the book get readers more excited to read.

“A lot of this generation does not like to read because they like to be on their handheld games,” said Mr. Scott. “That is why we made this book interactive.

“The reason in sixth grade that I stayed up all night reading Judy Blume books or ‘The Outsiders’ is because there was action and excitement, and that’s what I want to get across to the students when they read the book.”

Mr. Scott was born and raised in Harrington. He was a Lake Forest graduate in 2002 where he played football, basketball and ran track.

He was inducted into the Lake Forest Athletic Hall of Fame in the fall for his achievements during his time as a Spartan.

After high school, he went on to West Virginia University to study criminology and sociology. He also continued his athletic career and played football as a Mountaineer.

However, his football career was put on hold after an accident helping his father at his shop that changed his course of action.

“When I was a sophomore in college, I lost feeling in my left hand due to a tragic accident,” said Mr. Scott. “My mindset before that was that I wanted to become an NFL football player.”

Although he quickly changed his goals in life, he continued on and is now doing something he has always loved.

“When I write it down or think of the creative ideas to put in a book, that is when my excitement comes,” said Mr. Scott.

He hopes that his work inspires others who may not speak up to use writing as an outlet.

“As a teacher, I noticed that some people don’t like to speak out, but they like to write,” said Mr. Scott. “I want to give them to platform to write what they feel and think.”

In the near future, Mr. Scott wants to publish more books. He currently has his exercise children’s book and another book called “Build Your Confidence, Be a Better You.”

It is a self-help book targeted toward teenagers to help them as they navigate through life.

“We are looking within the next year and a half to bring out three new books,” said Mr. Scott. “Hopefully, we can expand the company.”

His main goal as a writer is to provide his readers with knowledge no matter how small.

“I hope that through the books they get something,” said Mr. Scott. “Whether it is a small mustard seed or it be a big mango seed.

“I just want them to get something out of it and that is why I am doing this.”

“Could You Exercise With Me Please?” can be purchased on Barnes and Noble.