Book Nook - Bryan Cranston Reads Professor Nincompoop for Storyline Online®

 The Emmy-winning children’s literacy program Storyline Online® releases a new video today featuring Emmy®, Golden Globe®, and Tony® Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston reading Professor Nincompoop, a wildly imaginative and delightfully zany story that revels in play, exaggeration and the joy of storytelling itself. The read-aloud premieres on storylineonline.net and on the Storyline Online YouTube Channel.

Written by Jimmy Vee, illustrated by Ben Askew and published by Belly Laughs Books, Professor Nincompoop introduces young readers to a self-proclaimed world-renowned scholar who is utterly convinced of his own brilliance, and eager to prove it. With a flair for the dramatic and a love of the absurd, Professor Nincompoop regales his students with tales of globe-trotting adventures, conversations conducted in more than 740 animal languages, and the discovery of the most mysterious of mysterious creatures in the wild…of his closet. According to the Professor, the massive critter was captured using tai kwon do and transported home in a bicycle basket. Naturally.

Leaning fully into the story’s tall-tale spirit, Cranston delivers a bravura performance that is exuberant, wildly expressive and unmistakably committed. With dynamic character voices, precise comic control, and an infectious sense of fun, including an over-the-top German accent, he transforms the read-aloud into a full-bodied theatrical experience. Cranston inhabits Professor Nincompoop completely, delighting in every outrageous claim and impossible feat, and turning the story into a joyous spectacle that invites children to laugh, listen closely and revel in the sheer pleasure of storytelling. The result is a read-aloud that feels far less like a reading and much more like a performance, one that celebrates imagination, silliness and the magic of being carried away by a great tale.

“The story is full of absurdity and fun, but it’s also a reminder that it’s important to understand the difference between what’s real and what’s make-believe. Stories like this show kids that it’s okay to be silly, to dream big and to let your imagination run wild, all while learning to think critically,” says Bryan Cranston.

The video is accompanied by a free activity guide for parents and teachers, aligned with Common Core Standards, to support reading comprehension and creative engagement.

“Professor Nincompoop is a perfect example of how storytelling can spark laughter, imagination and a genuine love of reading,” says Courtney B. Vance, SAG-AFTRA Foundation President and Chairman of the Board. “We are profoundly grateful to Bryan Cranston, who brings the same generosity, integrity and love to his service that he brings to his artistry. As a committed champion for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and its programs, he once again showed up in spectacular fashion with this reading for Storyline Online, which will reach millions of children around the world and deepen their connection to storytelling, books and reading.”

With millions of views each month, Storyline Online features celebrated actors reading beloved children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Produced by the nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the series is available for free, 24/7, to children, families, educators and nincompoops around the world.

Professor Nincompoop is the 99th read-aloud in Storyline Online’s acclaimed library, which includes read-alouds by Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Viola Davis, John Lithgow, Rami Malek, Gary Oldman, Chris Pine, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh and many more.

To watch Bryan Cranston’s reading of Professor Nincompoop and explore the full library of free videos, visit StorylineOnline.net. Keep up with new videos by subscribing to Storyline Online on YouTube and following Storyline Online on Instagram,  and Facebook.

Bryan Cranston reads for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s children’s literacy program Storyline Online / Photo courtesy of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation

Storyline Online is made possible through gifts, grants, and sponsorships. For more information about becoming a Storyline Online sponsor, please email sponsorship@sagaftra.foundation.

ABOUT STORYLINE ONLINE®
An Emmy-winning program of the nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Storyline Online® streams 99 videos at no cost to children, parents and educators worldwide. The program is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers and the American Library Association, and has been named one of the best websites by the American Association of School Librarians. In addition to the website, Storyline Online offers a free app for iPhone devices. Like all SAG-AFTRA Foundation programs, Storyline Online relies on support from gifts, grants and sponsorships to produce new content. For more information, visit storylineonline.net.

CONNECT WITH STORYLINE ONLINE
Instagram: @storylineonline
X: @storylineonline
Facebook: facebook.com/storylineonline
YouTube: youtube.com/storylineonline
Hashtag: #StorylineOnline

ABOUT THE SAG-AFTRA FOUNDATION
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides vital assistance and free educational programming to the professionals of SAG-AFTRA while serving the public at large through its award-winning children’s literacy program Storyline Online. The Foundation relies on support from gifts, grants and sponsorships to maintain its free programs. For more information, visit sagaftra.foundation.

CONNECT WITH THE SAG-AFTRA FOUNDATION
Instagram: @sagaftrafound
TikTok: @sagaftrafound
X: @sagaftrafound
Facebook: facebook.com/sagaftrafoundation
YouTube: youtube.com/sagaftrafoundation

Music Minute - Sunday Mornin' Country (6/7, Grand Ole Opry)

 Sunday Mornin’ Country returns this year with inspiring performances from beloved Country and Gospel artists in a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, June 7th, at 4:00 PM on the Grand Ole Opry House stage. Order tickets on www.opry.com or call 1-800-733-6779.

“I have been playing the Sunday Morning Country show since the Hee Haw days when Joe Babcock recruited me. I must say that I love the show and look forward to it every year!” exclaimed Charlie McCoy

“Sunday Morning Country is a very special event. A chance to come together on the Opry stage and share songs and the message of God's Love.” Shared John Berry. “I am thrilled to be invited to be a part of this special day!!

Artists and performances for this special celebration event include Mandy Barnett, John Berry, Cassidy Daniels, Cutter & Cash, and The Kentucky Grass, Joy Holden, Charlie McCoy, John McEwen, Aubrey Nicole, and McKenzie Phipps, with more names to be announced soon.

Past years' performers have included the talents of Jeannie Seely, The Isaacs, William Lee Golden and The Goldens, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky GrassJohn Berry, Skeeter Davis, Roy Acuff, Lynn Anderson, Jason Crabb, Chris Young, Jimmie Wayne, The Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Clark, Freddy Hart, Grandpa Jones, Charlie McCoy, Vestal Goodman, Paul Richey, Marty Raybon, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Rhonda Vincent, The Whites, Tammy Wynette, Brenda Lee, Linda Davis, Jean Shepard and many others.

Sponsored by the Nashville-based nonprofit Music City Christian Fellowship, the concert wraps up the week at the end of CMA Music Fest each year, leaving fans and guests with an uplifting memory of Nashville. Sunday Mornin' Country is the longest-running Country/Gospel event during the music festival.

Stay current with Sunday Mornin’ Country on the Music City Christian Fellowship website and stay in touch on the social media platform Facebook.

About Music City Christian Fellowship:
The Music City Christian Fellowship is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of born-again Christian believers involved in the Music and Entertainment Industry, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our musical gifts. A Scripture-based, Spirit-filled, God-led, and trust in Jesus for all things, believing in the Bible as God's inspired Word for man, that everyone might live a life that is pleasing to Him. It is the desire to be able, with the crumbling of old barriers and birth of new freedoms, to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world through the International Language of Music! For more information on the Music City Christian Fellowship, visit musiccitychristianfellowship.org.

Book Nook - Amina of the Zazzau Nation

  In his inspiring children’s book series, Delroy Mitchell brings to life the stories of legendary African warrior queens and princesses, beginning with Amina of the Zazzau Nation and Princess Amanirenas. Each book focuses on a different historical heroine from a distinct African empire, united by a shared legacy of leadership, wisdom, and bravery.

 

What distinguishes the series is its emphasis on preparation and purpose. Rather than centring solely on battle, the stories explore how education, diplomacy, strategy, and compassion shaped these women into extraordinary leaders, showing young readers that strength is built through knowledge as much as courage.

 

Synopsis:

Amina of the Zazzau Nation follows the early life of Queen Amina, a gifted young leader raised in the powerful Zazzau nation, now in northern Nigeria. With a natural talent for architecture and mathematics, and guidance from her mother in governance and diplomacy, Amina prepares for leadership while also training as a warrior under her uncle. Her story reveals how wisdom, learning, and discipline prepare her to rule.

 

Princess Amanirenas introduces readers to a young princess of the ancient Kush Empire preparing to become a Kandake. Trained in combat and strategy, yet guided by compassion and diplomacy, Amanirenas must balance strength and wisdom as threats from Rome loom. Together, the stories celebrate African heroines whose leadership was forged through courage, intellect, and unity.

 

“As a mature student studying engineering, I came across the stories of the Kandake warrior queens of Nubia, Sudan, and Egypt, and I was deeply moved,” says Mitchell. “I began sharing what I was learning with my daughter while researching how ancient African societies lived, and I realised just how powerful these stories were, and how invisible they had become.”

 

Continuing, he adds, “I felt a real sense of urgency when I saw that this history was not available to my daughter in a simple, easy-to-read way. I wanted her to grow up knowing that her heritage included brave, intelligent women who led nations and defended their people. That feeling is what drove me to create this series, so children can finally meet the Kandake and Africa’s warrior queens in a way that speaks to them.”

 

The series offers children an engaging introduction to African history often overlooked in traditional education, while reinforcing themes of leadership, cultural pride, and resilience.

Explore Amina of the Zazzau Nation and Princess Amanirenas — Available on Amazon and other bookstores soon.

 

About the Author:

Delroy Mitchell is an author dedicated to sharing empowering stories inspired by African history. Motivated by his studies and his desire to teach his daughter about Africa’s legacy of strong female leadership, Mitchell writes children’s books that celebrate warrior queens and Kandake rulers while inspiring curiosity, confidence, and pride in young readers.

Parenting Pointers - Faking Child Sick Days as a Parent

 From school pickups to weekend plans, parents are getting creative with excuses...and sometimes it’s their kids who “call in sick.” A new study takes a look at where and why Americans pretend a child is unwell to skip responsibilities or events.

 

Sudoku Bliss surveyed residents in 40 large U.S. cities to analyze how often people fake being sick and what the reasons are behind doing so. 

 

Key Findings:

• More than 2 in 5 parents admit to pretending their child was sick
• 23% say their child wasn’t sick at all, and 1 in 5 exaggerate symptoms
• Casual gatherings with friends, work, and social events like weddings are the top activities Americans fake being sick to avoid
• Sleeping or resting is the #1 activity people do when they call in sick or cancel plans
• Miami parents are most likely to report faking child illness

Music Minute - Dax: Temptation

 

Breakout multi-genre powerhouse Dax releases his powerful, faith-inspired new track “Temptation,” available everywhere today. Written solely by Dax, the song confronts the internal battles that temptation can spark and the doubts that often follow. Backed by a heavy drum and country-inspired beat, Dax makes a statement: every moment of resistance to temptation — fueled by prayer and God's grace — is a victory. Watch the accompanying music video here.   LISTEN: “TEMPTATION” “I wrote 'Temptation' as a weapon to use in the ongoing war I'm in,” shares Dax. “It's everywhere in our world and I've been fighting it as long as I can remember. Every day is a battle and I refuse to fall. It may beat me down. BUT IT WON'T WIN!”

WATCH: “TEMPTATION” MUSIC VIDEO

Dax wrapped 2025 on his Lonely Dirt Road Tour, selling out all 16 dates across the U.S. and Canada, including major markets like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and more. The dynamic singer-songwriter continues riding the momentum into 2026 with more new music and headline tour dates to come.    With over 48 million followers across social media and 3.7 billion career streams to date, he's proving unstoppable. His latest album, From A Man's Perspective, showcases his signature genre-blending style, racking up 690 million streams. The album's impact was immediate, with the title track debuting on Billboard's Top 200 Country chart at No. 92. Keep up with Dax and his exciting announcements on Instagram, TikTok and daxofficial.com.

ABOUT DAX: Daniel Nwosu Jr., better known as the artist Dax, shows no signs of stopping after riding a wave of success that has led to 3.7 billion global career streams. Dax released a slew of fan-favorite singles in 2025, following his country-infused breakout song “Dear Alcohol,” which amassed to 350M streams and his genre-blending viral hit “Lonely Dirt Road,” leading to his Lonely Dirt Road headline tour last fall. The tour sold out, hitting major cities worldwide including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and more. In 2026, Dax continues to build on that success with more new music, starting with the release of “Temptation,” a faith-inspired track driven by a drum-heavy, country-influenced rhythm. More headline tour dates are also on the horizon.   Sparked by his millions of devoted followers on TikTok, Dax has amassed over 48 million followers across his social platforms. He has collaborated with Darius Rucker, Elle King and Maverick City Music. His music has found space blending genres and has appeared on numerous Billboard charts, Spotify's Viral 50 (US + Global) chart. He has received multiple Platinum certifications for "Dear Alcohol," "Lonely Dirt Road" and "To Be A Man" ft. Darius Rucker. He has performed live on NBC News, ABC News and TODAY.

Music Minute - The Dunlop Brothers: Lost in the Feeling

 “Lost In The Feeling” YouTube and Spotify

Website I Bandcamp I Facebook I Instagram

 

Hamilton-based roots-rock band The Dunlop Brothers release their new single "Lost in the Feeling," a warm, reflective track drawn from their latest album ‘The Dunlop Brothers, Vol. 2.’ The song captures the brothers’ gift for melodic songwriting and emotional nuance, further defining a sound shaped by rock, folk, Americana, and Canadiana traditions.

 

Comprised of siblings Justin and Matt Dunlop, The Dunlop Brothers have built a reputation for music grounded in authenticity and craft. Raised in a deeply musical family and influenced by the songwriting lineage of Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn, and Rush, the brothers blend Steeltown grit with lyrical sensitivity. Their work reflects a lifelong immersion in music and a shared instinct for storytelling that feels personal and universal at once.

 

"Lost in the Feeling" showcases the duo’s collaborative songwriting approach, unfolding with patience and emotional clarity. Lines such as "I get lost in the feeling, love, what’s the meaning of?" and "Does your heartbeat faster now?" drift over a spacious arrangement that highlights the song’s introspective core. The refrain "I get lost in the dreaming; love was the one way out" anchors the track in a sense of longing and connection that resonates through subtle shifts in tone and texture.

 

The song was written by Justin and Matt Dunlop and recorded at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, a creative hub known for its deep roots in Canadian music. Produced by The Dunlop Brothers alongside Will Crann and Mike Monson, the recording emphasizes live-off-the-floor performances that capture the chemistry of longtime collaborators. The result is a sound that feels immediate and lived-in, balancing polish with organic energy.

 

As part of ‘The Dunlop Brothers, Vol. 2,’ the single reflects the duo’s interest in revealing new dimensions of their musical identity while staying true to their core sensibilities. The album expands on the foundation established on their earlier work, drawing listeners closer to the way the band sounds onstage, with rich instrumentation, dynamic interplay, and melodic depth.

 

"Lost in the Feeling" also highlights The Dunlop Brothers’ strength as storytellers. Lyrics like "Is it you I’m running from?" and "Now we’ll move on" unfold with restraint, allowing space for interpretation and emotional connection. The song’s gentle momentum and thoughtful phrasing underscore the brothers’ ability to create songs that linger beyond the final note.

 

‘The Dunlop Brothers, Vol. 2’ is available now on all major streaming platforms, with "Lost in the Feeling" serving as a standout moment from the album. The release continues to build momentum for the band as they share new music and connect with audiences drawn to honest songwriting and timeless sound.

 

Movie Minute - Viva Verdi Streaming on Jolt

 The Academy Award–nominated documentary VIVA VERDI! is now streaming on Jolt.

The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards, bringing renewed attention to this acclaimed portrait of artists continuing to create, mentor and inspire well into their later years.

Directed by Yvonne Russo and produced by Christine La Monte, p.g.a., Yvonne Russo, p.g.a., and the late Ron Simons—marking his final film—VIVA VERDI! takes place at Casa Verdi, the legacy retirement home founded by composer Giuseppe Verdi in Milan in 1896. The feature documentary follows residents aged 77 to 107 as they continue to perform, teach, and mentor 16 international young music students who live among them.

The film’s original song, “Sweet Dreams of Joy,” an aria composed by Emmy Award–winner Nicholas Pike, and performed by soprano Ana María Martínez, earned the Academy Award nomination, placing VIVA VERDI! among a select group of documentaries recognized for original song.

VIVA VERDI! premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival in October 2024, and later screened at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The film has been praised by critics as "Fantastic film about …an extraordinarily beautiful place in Italy. Young people with residencies, tell you there is nothing like it. Touching…. wonderful film - it’s beautiful, everyone should see it, I love that movie!” LAist - Tim Cogshell

“We are thrilled about our partnership with Jolt, a trusted home for filmmakers,” say director/producer/writer Yvonne Russo, p.g.a. and producer/writer Christine La Monte, p.g.a. “Jolt provides a great opportunity for audiences everywhere to enjoy our heartfelt film that bridges generations through music - our love letter to Verdi that has inspired, delighted, and entertained at every festival to date. ”

The addition of VIVA VERDI! to Jolt’s growing roster underscores the platform’s commitment to amplifying films that are looking to grow, and expand their audience beyond the festival circuit. Through its first-of-its-kind Interest Delivery Network, Jolt leverages advanced data and machine learning to connect extraordinary films with the audiences who will treasure them most.

“Jolt exists for films exactly like VIVA VERDI!—beautiful, life-affirming stories that deserve to find their audience, ” said Tara Hein-Phillips, CEO and Co-founder of Jolt. “This is a film about legacy, about passing wisdom between generations, and about the enduring power of art. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share it.”

About Jolt

Jolt partners with independent filmmakers to help their films find and grow lasting audiences.Through strategic curation, audience discovery, and ongoing distribution support, Jolt enables film teams and partners to retain full rights to their work while building meaningful, long-term engagement with viewers.

VIVA VERDI! Oscar nominated for Best Song, 'Sweet Dreams Joy’ by Nicholas Pike, is an intimate glimpse into the lives of the celebrated opera singers and musicians currently living out their 'third act' while mentoring international music students who live among them at Milan's unique retirement home, Casa Verdi, built by Giuseppe Verdi in 1896.

Credits: Director Yvonne Russo; Producers Christine La Monte, p.g.a., Yvonne Russo, p.g.a., Ron Simons; Writers Yvonne Russo and Christine La Monte; Music Composer Nicholas Pike; Cinematographer Jacek Laskus; Editors Federico Conforti, Darianna Cardilli

www.vivaverdithefilm.com