“You can move like a dancer or sing like a star. You can be who God made you, whatever you are!”
Pre-Order Today, Releasing May 14
Meet Henry and His Guncle
Henry Higgleston struggles with being deemed an oddball by other kids at school. But when his fabulous gay uncle arrives for a weekend with his pup Jimmy Chew in tow, Guncle is on a mission to teach Henry that what makes him different makes him special. This joyful story of self-acceptance and self-love will resonate with anyone who has ever felt different.
Praise for My Guncle and Me
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“Every parent needs this: a story of love that teaches children that they are never, ever alone. WE ALL NEED A GUNCLE!”
―Kate Bowler, New York Times bestselling author of NO CURE FOR BEING HUMAN and host of the “Everything Happens” podcast
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“Parents learn very quickly that two adults are not nearly enough to give a child everything he or she needs—kids need support & listening & care from a whole chorus of healthy, loving adults. I wish every family had the gift of a Guncle like ours.”
―Shauna Niequist, New York Times bestselling author of I GUESS I HAVEN'T LEARNED THAT YET
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“Jonathan Merritt has tapped into that same dimension of powerful inspiration which touches not only the hearts of children but also adults. This book is amazing!”
―Marianne Williamson, #1 New York Times bestselling author and spiritual teacher
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“In a moment when the world seems filled with hate, Jonathan’s book gives me reason to hope. This tender tale of self-acceptance could not be more urgent...I can’t wait to give this book to all my friends’ children.”
―Kirsten Powers, New York Times bestselling author of SAVING GRACE
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“Jonathan is giving the world a gift with his first children’s book. It’s a wonderfully thoughtful celebration of individuality and a heartwarming portrait of self-love that so many need in this moment...As an out gay man raised in a conservative Christian household, this is a book I wish I had growing up.”
―Tony Morrison, Senior Director of Communications for GLAAD
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Are there any children who don’t need to hear that God loves them and that they are beautiful just as they are? If there are, this book is not for them. But for all other children (and their parents) Jonathan Merritt’s charming new tale is a Godsend.”
―James Martin, SJ, New York Times bestselling author and Editor-at-Large for America Magazine
About Jonathan
Jonathan Merritt is an award-winning writer on faith, culture, and politics whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, and Buzzfeed. He is the author of four critically-acclaimed books and has served as a ghostwriter for dozens of other books, including several New York Times and WSJ bestsellers. Jonathan is a proud biological Guncle to five little ones in Georgia and an adoptive Guncle to ten nephews and nieces in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, where he resides.
About Joanna
Joanna is a celebrated illustrator whose children’s books include My Love, God is Everywhere (Tommy Nelson, 2023) and My Guncle and Me (Running Press Kids, 2024). She has illustrated commercially for a number of publications and organizations, and works on projects for the page and screen.
Her work embraces a range of styles, leaning heavily on expressive characters and whimsical use of color. With a BA in Studio Art and a passion for conceptual storytelling, she loves creating beautiful, imaginative worlds.
In addition to being available for new projects, she is currently writing and illustrating stories alongside her husband in Los Angeles.
Visit Joanna’s website
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We’d love to hear your stories about you and your guncles. Share them with us on Instagram using the hashtag #MyGuncleAndMe and be featured here!
