Jeremiah Brent, renowned for his role on the television series Queer Eye, is set to release his first children’s book titled The Love That Carried You. Scheduled for publication on May 11, 2023, by Viking Children’s Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, the book is intended as a heartfelt tribute to the journey of family creation and the various forms it can take.
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The cover of the book, adorned with illustrations by the talented Skylar White, depicts the story of two fathers who aspire to grow their family. The narrative is deeply personal, inspired by Brent and his husband, Nate Berkus, as they navigated the process of surrogacy to welcome their two children, daughter Poppy and son Oskar.
In a recent statement, Brent remarked, “The Love That Carried You is one of the most important things I’ve ever created. It’s the book I wanted my children to be able to reach for and couldn’t find — one that tells their story and celebrates the beauty of surrogacy.” Through this book, Brent aims to provide representation for families that share similar experiences and to create a resource for children who may not see their own stories reflected in traditional media.
Tamar Brazis, the Vice President and Publisher at Viking Children’s Books and Philomel, praised Brent’s writing, noting that it embodies “openness, warmth and love.” Brazis highlighted that the book honours a narrative that is rarely depicted in children’s literature, reinforcing the message that the journey to family life can manifest in many beautiful forms.
Prior to launching this project, Brent expressed doubts about whether he would ever become a parent. Reflecting on his earlier feelings of isolation, he shared, “I didn’t think I would ever have kids because I’d not seen a lot of people like us and families like ours with children.” It was only after meeting Berkus that his perspective changed. Brent recalled, “Within 10 minutes, I wanted to create a life and a family with him. He was the first person that made me feel safe enough to go, ‘Okay, we can do this together.’”
This new venture signifies a significant milestone in Brent’s life, encapsulating not only his family’s experiences but also his aspirations for inclusivity in children’s literature. He hopes that readers from all backgrounds can find a reflection of their own family journeys within the pages of The Love That Carried You.
Brent described the project as a “love letter” to those who have supported his family’s journey. He expressed gratitude towards everyone who played a part in making their family whole, indicating that the book celebrates both the individual stories and the collective experiences of many families.
Publishing on May 11, 2023, The Love That Carried You is currently available for preorder at various book retailers. This heartfelt story aims to inspire and bring comfort to children and parents alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse paths to parenthood.
As Brent embarks on this new chapter in his career, he invites readers to join him in honouring the love and commitment that shapes families. The book serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging acceptance, understanding, and celebration of all familial structures.