Ross Mathews

For their debut picture book, TV host Mathews—best known for appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show—and his husband, educator García-Mathews, draw inspiration from their 2022 wedding.

The flight from New York to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is a long one, but Evan and little brother Andy need time to brace themselves for their roles as the ring bearers in the upcoming wedding of their Tío Welly and their new tío, Ross. After they land in Mexico, where the air feels “thick and humid and show more smell[s] like sweet flowers,” Mami and Papi explain their wedding-day duties: The brothers will walk down the aisle to present the rings to their uncles…in front of everyone! After the boys find a safe place to store the rings, they dance the night away at the pre-wedding party. They meet their tíos’ guests, including confident, pint-size flower girl Drew (a child version of Barrymore, who was the flower girl at the authors’ actual ceremony and who penned the book’s foreword). That night, bad dreams about the big day plague the brothers. Will Evan and Andy step up for their beloved tíos? The authors serve up pure comfort, combining coziness with low-stakes antics. Though the wordy narrative is a tad overwrought in spots, the focus on familia stands out in the end. Doyle’s pencil-etched digital illustrations flash bright colors and smiling faces amid a tropical paradise. Mami and Tío Welly are Dominican, while Tío Ross reads white.

Pure dulce. (photos from the authors’ wedding) (Picture book. 4-8)

-Kirkus Review show less

Much better book than I thought it might be. I remember seeing him on Chelsea Lately. Anecdotal stories from his life such as meeting his BFF Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna. To his obsession with Michelle Kwan or dating girls back in high school. Was fun quick read.

Ross the Intern, on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno that is how I first became aware of this funny amazing human being. He was this laughing, shining man who almost floated across the stage with enthusiasm. I fell for him and watched for him everynight. He is a talented, a remarkable voice and an excellent interviewer. he is able to get 'stars' to say and do the most 'human' things.
As I read the book I was struck by how difficult his road has been. He was bullied as a child, and tried to fit show more in, even tried dating women. Of course that was not the way his interests headed. He always stood his ground, when confronted. I was in tears for him several times after reading about the cruelty he endured. He can sex spinach plants ! Now there is a talent few have ! LOL He grew up rural, worked farms and dreamed of more. He left home very young headed for Hollywood where his whole life started to come together.
If you love uplifting stories about underdogs making it you can't beat this book. He is an inspiration and an enjoyable humorist even among the painful bits. show less

I love Ross Mathews! This book about some of his adventures in life is great fun, but also inspirational, with lots of life lessons about accepting yourself as you are.