The Fab Five of Netflix’s Queer Eye could easily start the most fabulous imprint in publishing with just their own projects. With four of the five out with solo bestsellers, resident culture expert Karamo Brown is the first to double up, and in just one year: In February came his raw, revealing memoir, Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope, and now his second book, I Am Perfectly Designed (Henry Holt, Nov. 5), co-written with his 22-year-old son Jason “Rachel” Brown, channels his signature brand of self-affirmation in picture-book form, complete with exuberant illustrations by Anoosha Syed.

I Am Perfectly Designed is a moving ode to the Browns’ parent-child relationship. Written in call and response, all dialogue form, it reminisces on fond memories of coordinated Halloween costumes (as a waffle and bottle of maple syrup—organic, of course) and adventures in the park, as well as times father and son supported each other through difficult times. While Karamo and Jason’s relationship didn’t get off to a so-called “conventional” start—the pair met for the first time when Jason was 10, and shortly after Karamo took custody of him and his half-brother Chris—but the book’s message of empowerment and unconditional love is universal. Here, Karamo talks about writing with his son, the deeper message behind I Am Perfectly Designed, and the ingredients for the perfect Fab Five-themed book club.

Where did the title I Am Perfectly Designed come from?

I thought of it when my kids were younger. As I got custody of Jason and adopted his little brother, they were getting picked on and bullied—for the way they looked, and also for their father being gay. It was something that said to them, “There’s nothing wrong with you.” The minute I said it, I made “You are perfectly designed” into a mantra I’d have them repeat to themselves. It was a reminder that they are who they are, and people will always have something negative to say about every single one of us. You have to remember you can’t take on what other people say.

I can’t imagine writing a book with my dad. What was your parent-child work relationship like?

Oh, I’m strict. You don’t get to slack with me, and Jason rose to the occasion. I was Boss Dad, not just Sweet Loving Dad, pretty much the whole time. The other day he remembered that when he was a kid, I used to make him free-write after school and on weekends; he would have to write a paper—five pages, 10 pages—on something he was interested in. He used to hate it, but when he brought that up, I was like, “Oh, look at that, now you’re a published author.” Being Strict Dad actually works!

What was it like seeing yourself illustrated?

I was blown away by our illustrator. It was so cool. I look good as a cartoon, so I’m like, “Yes, work!” And there’s an Easter Egg in the book for people to go find—me and the Fab Five.

The Fab Five is really taking over the book game. Do you guys read each other’s books and help each other out?

We all worked together when we were each writing books. When Jonathan [Van Ness] was writing his, we were there, and when I was finishing up [Karamo], we were in Japan, so we’d be out at dinner, and I’d read out chapters. With I Am Perfectly Designed, I told them what we were doing, and they were all super supportive and kind. Antoni [Porowski], Tan France], and I did a little post on social media, and we’re constantly supporting each other, because at the end of the day, we all believe in the law of abundance, so there’s enough for all of us to succeed.

No joke, I want to organize a book club of just your books. What do you need for the perfect Fab Five book club?

Definitely good food. Definitely come with a cute outfit on. I think if Bobby [Berk] was up to it, he’d want to set up a cute outdoor rug and some pillows, different colors up against the wall. And then for me, big time, come with a couple boxes of tissues so you can laugh and cry—let’s really get it going. Those are the essentials.

Stephan Lee is a writer in New York.