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Meghan McCain, the daughter of Republican presidential nominee John McCain, talks with Benjamin Stream, 9, of Cedarville. McCain made a visit to the Barnes & Noble store in Beavercreek on Saturday, Oct. 4, to sign copies of her children's book, 'My Dad, John McCain.'Click to enlarge

Meghan McCain, John McCain's 24-year-old daughter, was in the Dayton area Saturday, Oct. 4, signing copies of her best-selling children's book about her father and speaking to a GOP fundraising dinner in downtown Dayton that drew 350 attendees.

"She gave a very endearing talk about how we all see (John McCain) as the senator and presidential candidate but she knows him very differently as her father," said Greg Gantt, chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party. "I think everybody really enjoyed it. It wasn't the typical political stump speech."

McCain's visit to the fundraiser was recorded for her blog — mccainblogette.com.

Earlier in the afternoon, McCain signed copies of her new book at a local bookstore.

Rachael Robertson, 23, was one of 30 people who waited in line at Barnes & Noble store in Beavercreek to have their copies of "My Dad, John McCain," signed by the author, a former intern at Newsweek and Saturday Night Live.

"When I heard she was going to be here, I got excited and decided to come," said Robertson, a Wright State University senior. "I'm interested in the whole family and the John McCain story."

Avid McCain supporters such as Robertson help explain why McCain's book is number two on Publisher Weekly's bestseller list of hardcover illustrated children's books, followed in third place by "Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope," written by poet Nikki Grimes.

Both books have gotten middling reviews from critics who concede that fans of each candidate will find them worthwhile reading for their children. Well-known children's book illustrator Dan Andreasen did the artwork for the McCain book.

Bonnie Edens, 56, of Kettering said she was buying a McCain book and having it signed for her three-year-old granddaughter, Francis, whose father is serving in the Persian Gulf with the U.S. Marines.

Gary Smith, 57, of Kettering said he was there because of "the election — any connection with John McCain."