Jonathan Van Ness has written a children’s book about a non-binary guinea pig and it’s incredible
Jonathan Van Ness has written Peanut Goes for the Gold. (Harper Collins and Dave Benett/Getty)
Jonathan Van Ness, otherwise known as JVN, of Queer Eye fame has written a book for children that features a non-binary guinea pig as the main character, and it’s incredible.
Van Ness, 32, came out as non-binary in June 2019, and revealed to Out magazine that he prefers he/him pronouns but does not identify as a man, saying “somedays I feel like a boy and somedays I feel like a girl”.
Peanut Goes for the Gold, which will be released in March, is published by Harper Collins and illustrated by Gillian Reid.
According to the publisher, the picture book “encourages children to not just be themselves—but to boldly and unapologetically love being themselves”.
It follows the adventures of Peanut, a non-binary guinea pig, who uses they/them pronouns and does everything “with their own personal flare”.
Harper Collins added: ” Whether it’s cartwheeling during basketball practice or cutting their own hair, this little guinea pig puts their own special twist on life.
“So when Peanut decides to be a rhythmic gymnast, they come up with a routine that they know is absolutely perfect, because it is absolutely, one hundred percent Peanut.”
.@QueerEye star @jvn's first picture book is about a gender nonbinary guinea pig who dreams big. Check out the #PeanutGoesfortheGold cover reveal via @people now: https://t.co/xvQRW6lr23 pic.twitter.com/7thATw7u0v
— HarperCollinsCa (@HarperCollinsCa) January 7, 2020
The book was apparently inspired by Jonathan Van Ness’ childhood guinea pig, and the Queer Eye star has also been practicing gymnastics in recent months.
In a statement for People, JVN said: “Growing up, the things that made me unique were not always celebrated, and I wanted to do something that would inspire kids to celebrate the things that make them special.
“With that being said, I’m so excited to announce my debut children’s book, Peanut Goes for the Gold, an inspiring story of a guinea pig rhythmic gymnastics prodigy.”
The release of Peanut Goes for the Gold comes just months after Van Ness released his memoir Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love in September 2019.
