Review

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.

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.

If you’ve got a young bookworm in the house—or just want to spark a love of reading—The Kids Bookshop in Leander is a must-visit. This locally owned treasure is all about making books fun, affordable, and accessible for kids of all ages.

After four years of running everything straight out of her garage, owner Ann Kimura has transformed The Kids Bookshop into a beautiful, cozy storefront where families can browse shelves of gently used children’s books instead of digging through boxes. What makes The Kids Bookshop special? Read on for details.

 

Nestled in the heart of Austin's Brentwood neighborhood, Birdhouse Books and Gifts is a vibrant independent bookstore that opened its doors in September of this year. The store boasts a playful kids' corner brimming with books for readers of all ages and offers author readings, book discussions, and children's story times.

Ever wish a bookstore could just roll into your neighborhood? That’s exactly what Lioness Books does! This awesome mobile bookshop cruises around Texas, bringing a handpicked selection of books right to your doorstep. Think of it as a book truck that offers more than just great reads—it creates community connections by hosting fun pop-up events, book signings, and author meet-ups. Perfect for those who want to dive into new stories and chat with fellow book lovers without ever leaving the neighborhood!

Explore this charming new gift boutique and event venue in the small Hill Country town of Jonestown, nestled on the shores of Lake Travis between Lago Vista and Cedar Park: dax + jade.

Launched by mom and local resident Amy Stewart, dax + jade quickly won the hearts of the community, particularly among Moms and kids who have an affinity for creativity and handcrafted body and beauty products. 

Today’s featured book, Stronger Than She Thinks by Nancy Kerrigan, reviewed by our reader and local mom Sabrina, is based on a true story about the Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. 

Today’s featured book The Sun and The Planets by Patricia Geis, reviewed by our reader and local mom Yvette, is a very detailed and informative adventure about earth and outer space, with pop-ups, pull-outs, sliders, and foldouts.

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