Book Nook - Fault Line Boy

When her youngest son, Lew, begins experiencing relentless seizures followed by the diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy, author Jen Murphy Parker is thrust into a world of emergency rooms, medical specialists, and fragile hope. Overnight, the ordinary chaos of raising four children becomes an uncharted journey through caregiving and the daily negotiations between fear and perseverance

With lyrical precision and flashes of humor, she captures the emotional and existential toll of parenting a child whose future is uncertain. She writes with unflinching honesty about grief without death—the mourning of the imagined child who might have been—as well as the isolation that comes with living with what few outsiders can understand.

Jen’s forthcoming memoir, Fault Line Boy (She Writes Press, November 17, 2026), is an uplifting story full of hard-won joy. Though it starts from a place of complete panic, this story—of a strong boy and his mother—is ultimately triumphant. And we're confident that you will simply fall in love with young Lew.

In partnership with Lew’s neurologist, Dr. Joseph Sullivan, Jen has raised more than $2 million to establish a pediatric center for comprehensive epilepsy care at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Jen earned her master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and is the author of Painting the Golden Gate, a monthly Substack newsletter. Her essays have appeared in Hobart, Heimat Review, Cleaver Magazine, and other literary outlets. The mother of four children, she lives in Hillsborough, California, with her husband and youngest son. 

Book Nook - Swedish Christmas

I recently had a chance to see a copy of Swedish Christmas. As someone with Scandinavian heritage, it was a fun book to read.

The book looks at Christmas traditions from Sweden. It incorporates recipes, stories, and rituals that originate in Sweden, including Advent and St. Lucia traditions. If you have Swedish heritage, it's a fun way to explore ways that many Swedish families celebrate. Even if you're not Swedish, it provides a fun look into another culture's traditions and gives you things you can incorporate into your own celebrations (especially the delicious Christmas sweets and treats).

Consumer Critique - Ello

Ello recently launched their Keep it Fresh campaign, designed to showcase how their products fit into a busy family's constantly-changing routine. I had a chance to see a few of their products as well.

First up, Duraglass™ Meal Prep Containers. These came at the perfect time - my kids have both really gotten into the idea of meal prep for themselves so they aren't just quickly grabbing sandwiches on the way to school or practice. These containers are safe for dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven. The silicone sleeve that they sit in helps protect the glass when they're in the freezer, but is removable for easy washing. They're the perfect size for a reasonable meal portion.

I also got to check out their Benni™ Kids Bento Lunch Box. It has an innovative design that easily allows hot and cold foods to be packed together - an insulated bowl and an ice pack that fits into the lid (along with some cute little charms kids can use to put on their lunchbox if they want). It worked for the few hours between packing and eating that we tested it from morning to lunch - the pasta stayed warm and the grapes were still pleasantly cool.

Both of these are great ways for families to help save money in the long run - prepping meals and packing meals from home is often cheaper than grabbing things on the go or paying for school lunches (if you're in schools that charge students). It's also a lot healthier (and cheaper) than some of the pre-packaged lunch options out there.

Right now is a great time to check them out, since many products are 30% off. They have tumblers, food storage, kids' dishes, lunchboxes, and more!

Book Nook - Snackable Power Bites

I recently had a chance to see a copy of Snackable Power Bites, which focuses on nutrient-dense snack recipes. Many of them also contain higher levels of protein and fiber than average snacks, which help balance blood sugar and support gut health, as well as provide a satisfying snack that keeps people full between meals.

I really loved the cookbook - and so did my kids. Both of my kids are interested in healthy eating; one of them is a multi-sport athlete who's constantly on the go, the other one loves eco-friendly and whole food options. This cookbook fit things they both want in their snacks.

The book has beautiful photographs and a visually pleasing layout. The recipes are easy to follow, and include healthier versions of common snacks (like brownies), fun variations on foods that might get boring (like oats), and completely new recipes with combinations I wouldn't have even thought of. There are a variety of sweet and savory options to fit everyone's taste.

All of the recipes of free of sugar and gluten and are plant-based. Many of them are free of dairy and grees also, which means that the recipes are suitable for (or easily adapted to) a wide variety of dietary and allergy needs.

Mitra Shir, MSc, RHN, is a scientist, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and healthy recipe creator known for her quick, nourishing, real-food recipes. Through her platform, @nutriholist, she’s built a thriving community of over 300,000 followers and reached more than 45 million people with her beautiful, macro-balanced snacks and meals. Mitra’s mission is to help busy people eat well without stress by making science-backed nutrition simple, delicious, and sustainable.

Music Minute - Raffi: Singable Songs for the Very Young

Craft Recordings celebrates 50 years of legendary children’s music from beloved global troubadour Raffi, with an anniversary pressing of the album that launched his inimitable career—Singable Songs for the Very Young. Originally released in 1976, the album features a trove of memorable songs, including “Down By The Bay,” “Mr. Sun,” and “Brush Your Teeth”—all of which have been sung and shared between generations over the decades.

For the album’s first pressing in 40 years, Raffi—a devoted environmentalist—chose to partner with Good Neighbor, an eco-friendly record manufacturer whose non-toxic, 100% recyclable alternative to vinyl is produced without PVC. This special orange pressing of Singable Songs for the Very Young arrives November 13 and is available for pre-order today.

Before he was the world’s best-selling children’s entertainer, Raffi was a young singer-songwriter, playing in coffeehouses across Canada to build a name for himself. Little did he know that a 1974 invitation to perform at a nursery school would change the course of his life. Before long, an inspired Raffi was working on an album of children’s music in the basement studio of Daniel Lanois, who would go on to produce the likes of U2, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young.

Alongside Lanois, Raffi also drew on insight from educators and contributions from musical friends, notably his longtime collaborator, multi-instrumentalist Ken Whiteley. Together, they blended clever adaptations of traditional material and folk songs with thoughtful originals, resulting in some of the most beloved and memorable children’s songs of the modern era, including playful favorites like “Down By The Bay,” “Brush Your Teeth,” and “Peanut Butter Sandwich.” Other highlights include “I Wonder If I’m Growing” and the inspired “Old McDonald Had A Band,” as well as seasonal delights like “My Dreydel” and “Must Be Santa.”

Released in 1976, Singable Songs for the Very Young resonated with children and parents alike, becoming an instant classic. Enjoyed by generations, his bestselling album has achieved Platinum status in the US and 3X Platinum in Canada. In the ensuing years, Raffi released a companion album, More Singable Songs (1977), followed by such popular titles as Baby Beluga (1980), One Light One Sun (1985), and Bananaphone (1994).

Discussing the album Raffi says “Celebrating the 50th anniversary of my Singable Songs, I’m grateful to Ken Whiteley and Daniel Lanois for the musical magic that keeps on giving! So fun to know that 'beluga grads' are enjoying these songs with their own kids.”

With nearly 20 million album sales and close to one billion streams, Raffi has long been the world’s best-selling and most influential children’s entertainer. To date, he has released over 30 albums—with his latest, Love Is Everywhere, arriving in October—and has published more than a dozen books, all the while remaining a respected advocate on behalf of children and the Earth, lending his voice, insight and experience to a number of crucial issues through the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring. Throughout his career, Raffi has been recognized with a myriad of awards, including numerous Parents’ Choice Awards, the Fred Rogers Integrity Award, multiple GRAMMY® nominations, and Juno Awards—including, most recently, for 2024’s Penny Penguin. A self-proclaimed “lifelong learner,” Raffi holds five honorary degrees and is a recipient of the Order of Canada—the country’s highest civilian honor.

 
Click here to pre-order Singable Songs for the Very Young (Eco-Friendly LP). 

About Raffi:

Arguably the most influential and successful children’s entertainer of the last 50 years, Raffi has delighted successive generations of kids (and their parents) with his playful, exuberant personality and his irresistibly infectious songs. The Canadian artist has released albums including such beloved titles as Singable Songs for the Very Young (1976), Baby Beluga (1980), Bananaphone (1994), and, most recently, Penny Penguin (2024). Collectively, he has sold almost 20 million albums, while his music has seen nearly one billion streams across all platforms.

Beyond the studio, Raffi is an award-winning author, who has written more than a dozen books for children and three for adults. He has also emerged as a respected advocate on behalf of children, lending his voice, insight, and experience to a number of crucial issues through the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring, a unifying vision with the child at its heart by which societies can re-order their priorities to restore our planet and build community.

Praised by The Washington Post as “the most popular children’s singer in the English-speaking world,” Raffi is a recipient of the Order of Canada—the country’s highest civilian honor. A multiple GRAMMY nominee and JUNO winner, Raffi has also been recognized with a United Nations Environmental Achievement Award and the Fred Rogers Integrity Award, among countless honors over the decades.

About Craft Recordings:

Craft Recordings is home to one of the largest and most essential collections of master recordings and compositions in the world. Its storied repertoire includes landmark releases from icons such as Joan Baez, John Coltrane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Celia Cruz, Miles Davis, Isaac Hayes, John Lee Hooker, Little Richard, R.E.M., and Joan Sebastian. Plus, the catalog recordings of celebrated contemporary acts including A Day to Remember, Daddy Yankee, Evanescence, Alison Krauss, Nine Inch Nails, Taking Back Sunday and Violent Femmes, to name just a few. Renowned imprints with catalogs issued under the Craft banner include Fania, Fantasy, Fearless, Musart, Nitro, Panart, Prestige, Riverside, Rounder, Specialty, Stax, Vanguard, Varèse Sarabande, Vee-Jay and Victory, among many others. Craft creates thoughtfully curated packages, with a meticulous devotion to quality and a commitment to preservation—ensuring that these recordings endure for new generations to discover. Craft is also home to the Billie Holiday and Tammy Wynette estates which preserve and protect their respective names, likeness and music through day-to-day legacy management of these cultural trailblazers. Craft Recordings is part of BMG.

For more, visit CraftRecordings.com? and follow?on?Facebook, X,? Instagram, TikTok, and?YouTube.

Shopping Savings - Bombi

Bombi is putting all of its strollers and wagons on sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, making this a great opportunity for parents and gift-givers to save on some of the brand’s most popular baby gear.

Bombi’s BFCM Deal:

• 10% off ALL strollers and wagons - a first for the brand!
• 40% off accessories

Known for thoughtfully designed, eco-conscious baby gear that makes getting out the door easier, Bombi offers everything from lightweight everyday strollers to its Bēbee Twin and family-friendly Waggle Wagon.

The rare 10% discount makes this an especially good time for parents who have had a Bombi stroller or wagon on their wish list, while the 40% accessory savings make it easy to stock up on extras or round out a holiday gift.

Movie Minute - The Angry Birds Movie 3

 This holiday season, one angry bird will face his greatest challenge yet, surviving fatherhood… while saving the world!

Book Nook - Camp Money (Rich Dad Poor Dad)

 “Camp Money: Unlocking the Secrets to a Rich Life,” the first children's book in the new “Rich Dad Poor Dad” children's series, is introducing a new generation of readers to the principles of financial literacy.

“Camp Money,” the first book in the children’s series, will release November 10, 2026 and is targeted to Middle Grade ages eight-to-12. 

Inspired by the global Rich Dad Poor Dad brand, “Camp Money” transforms timeless money lessons into an engaging story designed for young readers. Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” published in 1997, and the Rich Dad Series has sold more than 46 million copies worldwide and will celebrate its 30^th anniversary in April 2027.

Through relatable characters, adventure and age-appropriate storytelling, “Camp Money” introduces foundational concepts such as earning, saving, investing, entrepreneurship and making thoughtful financial decisions.

At a time when financial education is increasingly recognized as an essential life skill, “Camp Money” helps families and educators begin meaningful conversations about money long before children enter adulthood. The book encourages curiosity, confidence and critical thinking while reinforcing that financial literacy is a lifelong journey.

"’Camp Money’ is about more than teaching kids how to count money," said Mona Gambetta, Director of Global Publishing for Plata Kids." “It's about helping them understand how money works, how to think like an entrepreneur and how to develop habits that can serve them throughout their lives."

As the first title in the new children's series, “Camp Money” expands the “Rich Dad Poor Dad” mission of making financial education accessible to people of all ages. Future books in the series, include the “Camp Money Activity Book” this Fall and another picture book, “A is for Asset: The ABCs of Money” in the Spring 2027. These children’s books will continue to explore money, entrepreneurship and financial confidence through entertaining stories that parents, educators and children can enjoy together.

The release comes amid growing national conversations about improving financial literacy for young people and equipping the next generation with practical skills that are often missing from traditional education.

“Camp Money” will be available through major booksellers and online retailers.

About the “Rich Dad Poor” Dad Children's Series
The “Rich Dad Poor Dad” children's series brings the trusted financial education philosophy of the Rich Dad brand to young readers through imaginative storytelling and memorable characters. The series is designed to help children develop healthy money habits, entrepreneurial thinking and financial confidence while encouraging family conversations about wealth, responsibility and opportunity.  For more information, visit https://richdad.com/kids/

Movie Minute - Madden

Inspired by the life of a beloved American icon, MADDEN chronicles John Madden's incredible journey alongside best friend and true original Al Davis – from a Super Bowl-winning partnership with the Raiders, to becoming football’s most recognizable voice, to building the worldwide Madden NFL video game. MADDEN is the celebration of a brilliant mind whose once in a century spirit and personality, partnership with his daring wife Virginia, lifelong friendships, and infectious love of people and football transcended the world of sports.

Going Green - Fall Scents from Lucent Globe

Lucent Globe’s fragrance-forward Laundry Sheets offer an easy finishing touch for holiday guest rooms, turning freshly washed bedding, towels and linens into part of the welcome. The brand is expanding its scent collection this fall with fragrances inspired by fine fragrance, nature and travel, giving hosts a simple way to choose a scent that fits the mood they want to create.

For a warm, cozy guest room, Sandalwood & Vanilla blends creamy woods with soft sweetness, while Vanilla Dream brings a rich, comforting feel to freshly washed linens. For something brighter, Lemoncello combines sparkling lemon and sweet orange with orange blossom, while Australian Wattle offers a softer floral scent with gentle sweetness and creamy warmth.

Beyond fragrance, Lucent Globe Laundry Sheets are pre-measured, dissolve in water and eliminate the need for bulky detergent bottles. helping reduce plastic packaging, storage clutter and product waste. They’re compatible with both standard and high-efficiency washing machines.