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My Brave Friend is a special book for young children. It focuses on Noah, a first grader, who notices his best friend Emma did not come back to school after winter break. His teacher explains Emma is in the hospital and she has cancer. The book uses calm, simple language that is easy for children to understand. It explains what it is like to be a patient in a children’s hospital and also that cancer is not contagious like some other illnesses.

Read Victoria's book review.

Rancho Sienna Elementary is throwing its biggest event of the year — and you’re invited! The Rancho Rodeo Carnival is back this Saturday, and it’s free and open to the entire community. If you’re looking for a day packed with fun, food, and family‑friendly excitement, this is the place to be.

Amplify Austin Day (March 4-5) is a Central Texas tradition. Since 2013, I Live Here I Give Here has been organizing this annual giving event. Amplify Austin Day has raised over $120 million for hundreds of local nonprofits across our 7-county region thanks to the power of collective giving. 

Through the platform AmplifyATX.org, people can discover new local nonprofits to support. With over 700 participating nonpofits, we know it’s not always easy to decide where to give. Luckily, AmplifyATX.org makes finding organizations simple! Each nonprofit is organized by a “cause category.” You can search different causes from animal care and the environment to education and children. Once you select the causes that mean most to your family, you’ll be given a list of matching nonprofits. 

Kick off the year with one of Leander’s biggest community celebrations! Enjoy local culture, hands-on experiences, and family-friendly fun!

Welcome to the 2026 Garden, Backyard & Patio Product Guide—your fresh start for outdoor living this year. Whether you’re tending a thriving garden, upgrading your patio hangout, or simply dreaming of a backyard that feels a little more “you,” this guide brings together the most inspiring finds of the season.

We’ve curated a mix of innovative, practical, and just‑plain‑fun products designed to make your outdoor spaces more beautiful, functional, and enjoyable. From everyday essentials to clever upgrades you didn’t know you needed, consider this your shortcut to a backyard that works hard, plays hard, and feels like home.

Ever find your child or even yourself struggling to achieve perfection? While this can feel problematic, readers are introduced to Petunia, a young girl who takes pride in doing everything perfectly. Throughout her journey, we can start to feel normalized that not everyone or everything can be perfect.

Read Jessica's book review. 

Calling all book-loving families, storytime superstars, and parents of tiny page‑turners!

Does your kid devour books like snacks, or melt into your lap the moment you say, “Once upon a time…”?

We’re swimming in amazing children’s book submissions — a wonderful problem to have — but there are simply too many for us to review on our own. And saying “no” to authors who pour their hearts into these stories? It hurts our book‑loving souls.

So… we had an idea. A fun one. A community-powered, story-celebrating, book‑sharing idea - and a chance for you and your littles to receive free children’s books in exchange for writing honest reviews.

Book reviews are essential for authors—especially indie authors who rely on visibility, word of mouth, and authentic reader feedback. As a community of readers, parents, and book lovers, we love supporting fellow writers and helping great books find their audience.

We also believe deeply in fostering a love of reading in children and making books accessible to families in our community. This program supports authors while also putting more stories into the hands of young readers.

This Read & Share Book Review Program connects children’s book authors with real readers and provides honest reviews that are shared on the Live Grow Play Austin blog, newsletter, and Facebook page, with many reviewers also choosing to post their honest review on Amazon.

Austin doesn’t get many winter storms, but when we do, the whole city acts like someone unplugged the world. Roads close, schools shut down, and suddenly every kid in town is stuck inside staring out the window like, “Is this… snow? Ice? Magic?”

And with friends scattered across town,  kids still want to play — even if no one can leave the house.

Below are fun, silly ways they can stay connected from home while Austin waits for the thaw.

When your children outgrow their toys, books, and gear, these items still have plenty of life left in them. Rather than letting them gather dust in the garage or sending them to a landfill, Austin offers numerous nonprofits eager to give these items a second chance with families who need them. But here's what matters most: not all organizations accept used items, and their specific requirements vary widely. Here's a list of organizations that accept used items.

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