Matthew Cohen, a designer and dad of two through surrogacy and IVF, has spent his career bringing beauty and creativity into the world. Now, he’s turned his talent and inspiration toward children’s literature with his debut book, The Magic We Make. The book, inspired by his experiences as a father, celebrates the power of imagination, love, and connection within families.
Cohen and his husband Felix, an OB-GYN, became first-time parents in 2021 when their daughter, Lilibeth, was born via surrogacy. In 2023, they welcomed a son, expanding their family after a second surrogacy journey. Cohen is also a valued GWK Academy mentor, helping guide future parents on their path to fatherhood.
Reflecting on his life as a dad, Cohen says, “The inspiration for The Magic We Make came from the special moments I share with my daughter, Lilibeth, and the realization that we don’t need to ‘buy’ or ‘have’ anything special to create meaningful memories with our kids.”
The book encourages families to see creativity as a tool for building relationships. “The heart of the story is about the power of creativity to strengthen bonds and express love,” Cohen explains. “It’s not about how perfect or polished something is—it’s about the joy and connection that come from creating together.”
For Cohen, these themes are deeply personal. Many of the scenes in the book draw from the time he spends with Lilibeth. “It’s inspired by the way she lights up when we create something together and the unique bond we share during those moments,” he says. “Every scene echoes something meaningful from our lives as a family.”
Cohen also wanted to challenge traditional gender roles in family storytelling. “Often, activities like cooking, playing dress-up, or trying a fun hairstyle are associated with mothers and daughters. I wanted to show that these experiences are about connection, not the title or role you have in a family,” he shares.
As a gay dad, Cohen’s journey to parenthood profoundly influenced his approach to storytelling. “My husband and I went through IVF to bring our children into the world, which makes every milestone and moment with them feel even more precious,” he says. “Families come in all shapes and sizes, and the more a child sees that—whether in a book, on a billboard, or at the playground—the more seen and valued they’ll feel.”
The Magic We Make is designed for children ages 3 to 8 and features vibrant illustrations to capture young imaginations. Cohen says the book is an invitation for parents and children to explore creativity together. “Whether it’s cooking dinner, drawing a birthday card instead of buying one, or making up your own bedtime story, there’s magic in every moment we spend together,” he says.
Through this heartfelt debut, Cohen offers a loving reminder: “Our kids just want us to show up for them, listen to them, and validate the way they see the world.”
With The Magic We Make, Matthew Cohen has created more than a story—he’s crafted a celebration of love, imagination, and family in all its beautiful forms.
You can purchase The Magic We Make here.
