Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness Publishes Picture Book with a Joyful Nonbinary Star

Hairstylist, comedian, and television personality Jonathan Van Ness (of Netflix’s Queer Eye) has just added another title to his resumé—children’s book author. And the nonbinary star of his delightful new book shows young readers the power and joy of being themselves.

Peanut, an exuberant, anthropomorphic guinea pig, “has their own way of doing things,” in Peanut Goes for the Gold, written by Van Ness and illustrated by Gillian Reid (HarperCollins). “Peanut loves doing cartwheels while on the basketball court … and cutting their own hair as they Hula-Hoop.”

Even though “Sometimes people think Peanut’s weird,” the fact is that “More often friends wind up joining in the fun.” That’s a great way to emphasize the positive aspects of a creative, independent personality. Many other picture books focus on a “different” child having to deal with harassment or bullying—and while there’s a time and place for that important topic, it isn’t the only storyline we should give to those who march to their own drummer. While Van Ness acknowledges that some may not see eye to eye with Peanut, he centers Peanut’s friendships, not their detractors.

When Peanut announces their desire to become a rhythmic gymnast, they involve their mom, dad, and friend Sammy in preparing for a competition. (Van Ness gets bonus points for showing the dad sewing Peanut’s costume—a gender atypical activity.) After much practice, Peanut is ready for the big day. There’s just one thing they forgot—and it might trip up the entire performance. Luckily, Peanut puts their own spin on things to turn what could have been a disaster into a triumph.

I love that Peanut is unequivocally nonbinary, with no explanation needed or given. Van Ness himself is nonbinary (though he uses male pronouns) and clearly understands that sometimes acceptance is best taught through example, not explanation. Peanut simply is Peanut, and their self-confidence shines with gentle humor throughout. Reid’s illustrations show them dancing leaping, and whirling across every page. (For parents and teachers who do want some additional guidance about what it means to be nonbinary, though, there are a number of existing resources, like this recent article by Amber Leventry, or It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity, by Theresa Thorn.)

Van Ness isn’t the first Queer Eye star to publish a children’s book. Karamo Brown’s I Am Perfectly Designed (co-written with his grown son Jason “Rachel” Brown), came out last November. Add them both to your reading list!