TV personality Ross Mathews and his husband, Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews, have officially entered the world of children’s literature and more is to come. The couple released their debut children’s book this week, titled Tío & Tío, a heartwarming and colorful story inspired by their 2022 wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Published in both English and Spanish, Tío & Tío tells the story of two young brothers who travel to Mexico to serve as ring bearers at their gay uncles’ wedding. The book, illustrated by Tommy Doyel, celebrates love, family, cultural heritage, and the joy of embracing responsibility at a young age. It is aimed at children aged 4 to 8 and includes a foreword by actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore.
A Story of Love, Culture, and Representation
The story behind Tío & Tío is deeply personal for the authors. Inspired by their real-life wedding and their two young nephews, Mathews and García-Mathews created a narrative that reflects their values and their multicultural, bilingual family dynamic.
“Weddings are scary for grownups, let alone little kids with a big responsibility!” Mathews said in a statement about the book’s release. “This book hopes to remind us all of the importance of love, family and embracing one’s cultural identity. Plus, it’s just plain funny!”
García-Mathews, who works in education, added that the story was written with a teacher’s mindset, combining personal experience with educational value.
“I constantly seek out books that serve as both mirrors and windows for children,” García-Mathews said. “Mirrors that help them see themselves and windows that offer glimpses into others’ experiences. I’m proud to have created this book with my husband that showcases our rich bilingual and bicultural heritage, helping children learn about responsibility while appreciating the significance of family, traditions, and cultural heritage.”
A Surprise Announcement on CBS Mornings
The couple appeared on CBS Mornings this week to promote the book and discuss its personal significance. In a cheerful interview with Gayle King, the two shared anecdotes from their wedding and talked about how their nephews served as the inspiration for the central characters.
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However, due to time constraints, King wasn’t able to deliver some breaking news during the live segment. Instead, she caught up with the couple backstage to reveal that their publisher had officially greenlit a second children’s book.
The surprise announcement was met with joy and disbelief, as the couple expressed how honored they were to continue creating stories that celebrate LGBTQ+ families and multicultural representation.
From a Poolside Meeting to a Literary Partnership
Mathews and García-Mathews first met in 2020 while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. In an interview with The Knot in 2022, Mathews recalled spotting García by the hotel pool and introducing himself: “Hi, I’m Ross Mathews.” García, unaware of Mathews’ fame, replied simply, “Hi, I’m Dr. Wellinthon García.”
That chance encounter blossomed into a whirlwind romance, and the couple married at the same resort two years later in a joyous, star-studded celebration that included nods to both of their cultural backgrounds.
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Now, their love story is reaching a new audience through their work as co-authors of a children’s book that mirrors their experience and gives young readers a positive and affirming look at diverse families.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Children’s Literature
The release of Tío & Tío is part of a growing movement to increase LGBTQ+ representation in children’s literature. While stories featuring same-sex parents or queer characters are becoming more common, books that reflect bilingual and multicultural queer families remain relatively rare.
By publishing the book in both English and Spanish, the couple hopes to reach a broader audience and offer visibility to children who may not often see their families represented in media.
The story’s vibrant setting in Mexico and its emphasis on cultural traditions provide a backdrop that is both educational and celebratory.
“Whether kids have two moms, two dads, one parent, or are raised by grandparents, we want them to see that all families are valid and full of love,” said García-Mathews.
What’s Next for Tío & Tío?
With a second book already in the works, Ross Mathews and Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews show no signs of slowing down. Their goal, they say, is to continue telling stories that resonate with children from all backgrounds — and to keep things fun, inclusive, and heartfelt.
The first Tío & Tío book is now available online and in bookstores nationwide. Parents, educators, and librarians alike are already praising the book for its humor, heart, and ability to start important conversations about diversity, responsibility, and love.
As Mathews put it, “We’re telling the kinds of stories we wish we had growing up.”
