Parenting controversy: Raising vegan kids

>>> we're back now at 8:19. as parents you have all kind of options when it comes to what to feed your chin. and one woman's approach is leading to both controversy and concern. "today" national correspondent amy robach is back with details on that. amy, good morning.

>> matt, good morning to you. a soon-to-be released children's book on raising your child a vegan is making waves . the book entitled " vegan is love" has some pretty graphic images and some say its content is not for kids. with its cute pictures and lovable characters, " vegan is love" certainly looks like your typical children's book. but its core message of raising children on a strictly vegan diet is sparking controversy.

>> my goal is not to scare any child. in my experience, i never have.

>> reporter: 29-year-old ruby ross is an author. an activist. and step mommy to 7-year-old akira who she's raising a vegan . simply put, no animal products , no milk, no cheese, no eggs, no meat, no fish, no kidding.

>> my favorite food is kale.

>> reporter: so while akira's classmates snack on sweet sweets at school events, she always has to ask first.

>> she's brought a lollipop before and asked if it was vegan . i said i don't know, but it's up to you if you want to eat it. and she gave it away.

>> reporter: the book covers what some consider to be adult topics. like animal testing and mistreatment. but it's the strongly written take on veganism that has some screaming foul. she writes all animals raised for meat and dairy are captured and killed in the end. their deaths are violent and sad. as vegans we do not bring the pain and suffering of any animal into our happy, health bodies.

>> if it's too scary to talk about, the reality of where those pieces of meat comefrom then it's certainly too scary to eat.

>> reporter: according to the academy of nutrition and dietetics, well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle . but some experts urge caution, saying it's easier for vegan kids to miss out on essential nutrients.

>> it's critical to be responsible there and make sure that the child is getting a variety of vegetables, sources of protein, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

>> reporter: this trend comes on the heels of strange feeding techniques practiced by some hollywood moms. actress and well-known vegan alicia silverstone recently posted this video of her son, bear blue, sucking prechewed food out of her mouth. and former blossom star and big bang theory actress mayim raised some eyebrows when she revealed she still breast-feeds her 3 1/2-year-old son. the book hits shelves on april 24th . the meat industry and parents might take issue with some of her views.