Book Nook - The Secret of the Soulless Kraken

In “The Secret of the Soulless Kraken; Goldbeard’s Lost Treasure”, first time author Imran Abbas has created a complex, high-stakes adventure that readers of nine years and upwards won’t be able to put down! Imran’s twenty years of classroom teaching ensure that he knows exactly how to focus young minds, and lead them into a piratical world of mystery and imagination:

“The Secret of the Soulless Kraken” is a gripping maritime mystery centred on Beau, a fiercely curious and determined young protagonist who finds herself drawn into the legend of the infamous pirate Goldbeard.

Known for his obsessive lust for gold, Goldbeard captained the ominous ship. The Soulless Kraken, a vessel whispered about in dockside taverns and feared across the open sea. Yet Goldbeard’s greatest treasure was not merely his stolen riches — it was the intricate web of riddles and clues he left behind, ensuring that only the cleverest and most persistent seeker could ever hope to uncover his hidden hoard. When fragments of this centuries-old mystery resurface, Beau is thrust into an adventure far greater than she ever imagined.

By her side is her brother Tom, whose steady courage and practical thinking balance Beau’s instinct for chasing the unknown. Together, they are joined by Daniel, Tom’s colleague from the museum — a knowledgeable and meticulous historian whose expertise proves invaluable.

What begins as academic curiosity soon transforms into a perilous quest as the trio decode cryptic messages, uncover the forgotten map, and follow a trail deliberately designed to mislead the greedy and test the worthy. Each revelation brings them closer to Goldbeard’s long-lost fortune, but also closer to danger.

Rich in atmosphere, layered with clever riddles, and driven by strong relationships, the novel blends historical intrigue with high-stakes adventure — proving that some mysteries are meant to test more than just intellect; they test the bonds between those brave enough to chase them.

Debut author Imran Abbas explains, “This is more than a pirate adventure — it’s a story about ambition, perseverance, friendship and family. The mystery and riddle-driven treasure hunt at the heart of the plot, invites readers to think, solve, and immerse themselves in the journey.”

 

 

“The Secret of the Soulless Kraken” is available now - click here to purchase: https://tinyurl.com/mr3d667e

 

About the Author:
Imran Abbas is a new author with a storyteller’s heart and a teacher’s patience. “For nearly twenty years, I’ve worked in the classroom, inspiring young minds and earning just as much from them in return,” he says. “Teaching has shaped the way I write —helping me turn complex ideas into meaningful, engaging stories rooted in curiosity, resilience, and those small but powerful moments that shape who we become.”

Imran is married and a proud father of two, balancing family life and teaching with late-night writing sessions fuelled by strong tea and an active imagination. He explains: “Some of my best ideas arrive long after the house has gone quiet. I believe stories should spark wonder, stir emotion, and stay with you long after the final page. My writing is character-driven, heartfelt, and often carries a gentle sense of adventure. This is just the beginning of my journey as a writer — and I’m excited for what comes next!”

 

Fun Freetime - NITRO CIRCUS 2.0 TOUR

Thrill Sports, P1 Live and RNC Entertainment proudly announce the 2026 NITRO CIRCUS 2.0 TOUR Presented by Ram Trucks. Nitro Circus’ electrifying live event is back and better than ever, and will make a stop in St. Paul at CHS Field on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
 

Co-founded by action sports icon Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circus features elite athletes and world-class daredevils at the top of their game in Freestyle Motocross, BMX, Skate, Scooter, and everything in between. Nitro Circus features jaw-dropping stunts, top-tier athletes and unstoppable energy that will wow fans of all ages. Get ready for an exhilarating ride you gotta see to believe.

TICKETS: A special Nitro Circus presale will be available starting Tuesday, April 7 at 10am  local time with the code: NITRO. Each venue will also host a presale starting on Wednesday, April 8 at 10am  local time with the code: CIRCUS. Tickets for the general public will be available in each market starting this Friday, April 10 at 10am local time. Visit nitrocircus.com for more information.

 

WHAT’S NEW IN 2026: Nitro Circus Live electrifies audiences with record-breaking thrills, death-defying spills, and side-splitting shenanigans. With an all-new show in 2026 featuring the world’s top stuntmen in FMX, BMX, Skate, Scooter, and more, features include:

• A record-breaking stunt that has never been done! For the first time in history, Adam Jones (the most decorated Freestyle Motocross athlete of all time) will attempt a 75-foot backflip breaking through a 35-foot wall of fire.
• Going back to the early days of circus entertainment, death-diving thrill-seeker Ryan Bean will attempt a high dive off Nitro Circus’ world famous giganta ramp! 40 feet tall, death diving into a 3.5-foot body of water.
• Nitro is bringing back the snowmobile! This time, Cody Matechuk will attempt stunts off one of the newest ramps in FMX history. The Next Gen Ramp creates more amplitude for multiple large backflip stunt variations. No snow, no problem!
• In true Nitro Circus fashion, the contraptions will make their return with a few new surprises that will surely make for some carnage. A flying couch, kayak, horse, and a few new additions you’ll have to see to believe.

 

Nowhere else will you witness this unique blend of jaw-dropping stunts, never-been-done-before tricks, hilarious contraptions, and inspirational untold stories from the riders. Audiences are guaranteed to laugh and be on the edge of their seats with excitement. The elite athlete lineup will push the boundaries of what's possible with mind-blowing stunts, high-flying tricks, and heart-pounding excitement. With over 4 million tickets sold to date, Nitro Circus Live is the pinnacle of action sports entertainment!
 

“I can’t wait for fans to experience the Nitro Circus 2.0 Tour,” said Ryan “R-Willy” Williams. “With brand-new stunts that have never been done live before and surprises around every corner with the best athletes in the world, every show is going to be a completely different experience. Sharing these moments live, seeing the crowd’s reactions, and having fun is what the Nitro Circus tour is all about.”

Music Minute - Thompson Square: Lay It On Me

Thompson Square releases “Lay It On Me,” a high-energy track with a swampy groove co-written by Thompson Square’s Keifer and Shawna Thompson along with highly regarded Nashville songwriters, Johnathan Singleton and Ryan Hurd that continues the duo’s evolution toward more dynamic, performance-driven material. The upbeat single serves as the second release from their forthcoming album, reflecting a renewed focus on creating songs that translate powerfully in a live setting while staying true to the sound they love.

“Lay It On Me” pulls listeners straight into a summer night where everything feels a little slower and a little sweeter. From the crunch of gravel under tires to the glow of moonlight through the trees, the song paints a vivid picture of two people letting their guard down and leaning into the moment. There is an easy chemistry woven throughout, carried by a relaxed groove and details that feel lived in and real, inviting listeners to step into the scene and stay awhile. It is the kind of song that feels just as at home on a back road drive as it does turned up loud at a live show, capturing that carefree, close-to-the-heart feeling that makes you want to hit repeat.

“Lay It On Me” is available for pre-save HERE. 

“This was our first time writing with Johnathon and Ryan They were both great writers so we were excited to go into the session and create something special. We walked away with ‘Lay It On Me.’ We love the energy and that swampy feel, it really captures where we are creatively right now. We’ve been writing a lot with the live show in mind, bringing more energy into this next project and focusing on the kind of songs we genuinely love to listen to. Following their two recent releases “You Were There” and “Livin’ in the Country”, “Lay In On me” continues painting the picture of what’s to come with this exciting new project.”

Johnathan Singleton shared, “I’ve always been a fan of Thompson Square. Me and Ryan were pumped back when we got to go out with them and write. We wrote a killer song, and sometimes songs take time to find their moment. I’m so glad this one is coming out!”

Ryan Hurd added, “This was actually my first time ever on a tour bus. It was so fun to be a brand new songwriter getting an opportunity to write for a few days with Thompson Square and a hit songwriter like Jonathan. Still such a great memory for me.”

 

Produced by Mickey Jack Cones, “Lay It On Me” was recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, engineered by Casey Wood with assistance from Michael Walters. The track features Miles McPherson (drums), Craig Young (bass), and Ilya Toshinskiy, with Cones and Derek Jones contributing across acoustic and electric guitars, keys, programming and background vocals alongside Rob McNelly, Derek Wells and David Dorn. Mixed by Cones at The Conederoza and mastered by Andrew Mendelson at Georgetown Masters, the production maintains a cohesive, performance-driven sound.

Stay current with everything Thompson Square HERE.

About Thompson Square: 
Thompson Square is in full force with this new music that reflects both where the duo started and how far they have come. "Keifer and I really got back to our roots," Shawna says of the pair's latest chapter. "But we've grown too, and the music reflects all of that." Their new material carries the heart, chemistry and emotional honesty that first connected with listeners while adding the perspective that comes from life on the road, hard won experience and the realities of building a family together.

Each song from the upcoming project reflects a life lived together, capturing the dizzying highs, quiet tenderness, hard lessons and occasional heartbreak that come with love and partnership, while still leaving room for the high energy songs and good time spirit that have always been part of the duo's identity. The result is music that feels both familiar and newly sharpened, designed to take listeners on a journey that mirrors much of their own lives.
That spirit is front and center on the duo's recent release 'Lay It on Me,' written by Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson and Jonathan Singleton and Ryan Hurd. The track revisits the country foundation that shaped both artists during their formative years while pairing Thompson Square's signature love song sensibility with an energetic, roots driven sound. It is fresh without losing authenticity, a reminder that the best songs reflect real life. For Keifer and Shawna, they are not just singing these songs, they’re telling the stories of their life.  And like with all great stories, we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Book Nook - Olivia Munn Reads The Most Magnificent Thing for Storyline Online®

 

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

The Emmy-winning children’s literacy program Storyline Online® releases a new video today featuring ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ and ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ star Olivia Munn reading The Most Magnificent Thing, a hilarious and heartening story that exuberantly spotlights the ups and down of creative discovery, and the power of perspective and perseverance. The read-aloud premieres on storylineonline.net and on the Storyline Online YouTube channel.

Written and illustrated by Ashley Spires and published by Kids Can Press, The Most Magnificent Thing introduces young readers to an unnamed girl and her canine companion best friend, who do just about everything together. One day, the girl has a wonderful idea: she is going to make the most magnificent thing. But despite the dreaming, the sketching, and the hammering, that magnificent thing turns out to be anything but. As she tries repeatedly to see her vision through, she continually comes up short, leaving her so disappointed that she quits. In a quiet moment of reflection with her best friend, the young girl is able to shift her perspective, regroup, and ultimately realize her magnificent goal.

With a fun flair for the dramatic and a hilarious take on youthful frustration, Munn delivers a performance that is riotous and unrestrained. She is both charming and magnetic, fully committing to the child’s inner monologue and the intense swings of emotion that come at such an age. Her comfort in the reader’s chair is evident, and her natural chemistry with the camera lens harkens back to her early and popular work on G4’s ‘Attack of the Show!’

“What a wonderful story to tell,” says Olivia Munn. “With a very valuable life lesson on top of it. As the daughter of a ‘Tiger Mom,’ I wasn’t allowed to quit as a child, and today I credit her for pushing me through efforts that seemed quite tough at the time, activities like piano, taekwondo, and swimming. I love that this little girl decides not to give up, to go headfirst into the challenge and disappointment, so she can realize the true self-esteem that comes with sticking with something.”

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.

“What a pitch-perfect read!” says Courtney B. Vance, SAG-AFTRA Foundation President and Chairman of the Board. “Olivia is just so fun to watch here, drawing laughs as our young protagonist desperately tries to reach a goal. As we see the girl’s pain and frustration, which can easily feel sobering, there is a sense of exuberance and elevation that needed to come alive. Like the young girl at the end of the book, Olivia totally nailed it!”

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 and educators around the world.

The Most Magnificent Thing is the 101st read-aloud in Storyline Online’s acclaimed library, which includes read-alouds by Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis, John Lithgow, Rami Malek, Gary Oldman, Chris Pine, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh and many more.

To watch Olivia Munn’s reading of The Most Magnificent Thing 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, X and Facebook.

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 101 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

Book Nook - Sib Squad Graphic Novels

What younger sibling hasn't wanted to tag along with an older kid, being able to do what they're doing even if they're not ready? That's the situation in Sib Squad, a graphic novel series. Today, National Sibling Day, is the perfect day to check this graphic novel series out!

While the four older siblings get to go off and do fun things, the three younger siblings feel left out. The original installment, Sib Squad, sets the stage for crazy adventures when the siblings set up the club in their treehouse, including wishes gone wrong. Sib Squad: Flying High sees the siblings in adventures in the sea and sky. Sib Squad: Hole Lotta Trouble has robots and wormholes. Each of the graphic novels works fine as a standalone book - the set-up of not being included with the older siblings is an easy one that only takes a few frames. 

Bonus - each book has a downloadable activity packet, to extend the fun and also add an element of learning in engaging ways, with word searches, mazes, discussion questions, and more. The books are family-friendly and great for reluctant readers, as well as families looking for books with a little bit of suspense but nothing too gory or scary.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

What was the inspiration behind the Sib Squad stories?

It was my desire to create a vehicle through which I could tell simple, fun and fanciful stories using the graphic novel art form. I wanted a set-up where my imagination could take things anywhere. I usually develop a character first, then try to imagine how that character would react in various settings and scenarios. But the Sib Squad series was a bit different. I created the premise of a club for kids where they did "amazing, mind-blowing things" first, then I developed the kids who would be members of that club. 

How will elements of these stories resonate with kids of all ages, whether or not they're the younger siblings?

I think the humor and the art will hopefully appeal to kids of various ages. I also think the personalities of the three Squad members, Bruce, Lucy and Oliver, are so different, there's something for everyone to identify with. 

What do you like about the graphic novel format?

I was a professional cartoonist for many years so I am very comfortable pacing dialogue, gags, action, etc in that medium. Graphic novels are different than editorial cartoons and comic strips, of course, but there's a lot of overlap.  I also love the creative freedom. You have a lot of real estate to "play around" visually. You're like a movie producer who does it all to tell the story: cinematography, direction, set design, costume design, screenwriting, etc. You have total control over how the content is presented to the reader. The only limit is your imagination. And time. These things take forever to create! 

Steve Breen grew up in Orange County, California, as the oldest of seven siblings, and he now has a bunch of kids of his own. So Steve knows siblings! He is fascinated by kids and the things they do, the stuff they say, and the clubs they create. He enjoys working in his home studio in San Diego County, even when the house gets noisy and his art supplies mysteriously go missing. Steve has won two Pulitzer Prizes (1998, 2009) for his editorial cartoon work and several broadcasting Emmys for his video work. He is also the author-illustrator of several children’s books, including Stick, Violet the Pilot, and Woodpecker Wants a Waffle.

Healthy Habits - Spring Cleaning for your Health: Health-E Commerce® Reminds Consumers to Refresh Home Medicine Cabinet Essentials and Save with Tax-free Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) Funds

Approximately 30% of households have at least one expired over-the-counter (OTC) medication at home, which can result in medications that lose effectiveness and fail to provide the relief consumers expect, when they need it most. Conducting an annual review of home medical supplies and replacing old with new products should be a spring ritual for every household. Health-E Commerce^®, the parent brand to FSA Store^® and HSA Store^®, makes this process easy by offering a wide selection of medicine cabinet essentials that are all guaranteed eligible for reimbursement with FSA (flexible spending account) and HSA (health savings account) funds. As an added bonus, shoppers who are focused on environmental sustainability may search a growing selection of sustainable brands for spring at FSA Store^® and HSA Store^®.

 

In support of Earth Day on April 22–and to help consumers complete their spring healthcare reset–FSA Store^® and HSA Store^® will be spotlighting sustainable and environmentally conscious brands throughout the month of April that help support a range of everyday health needs. Use the searchable eligibility list at FSA Store^® or HSA Store^® to shop for more than 2,500 exclusively eligible products, including the following eco-friendly brands.

 

• Sun protection and skin care. With warmer weather and longer days ahead, protecting skin from harmful UV rays becomes a daily priority. Mineral sunscreens and skin care products from brands like Babo Botanicals, cocokind, Derma-E, MD SolarSciences, and Supergoop! help protect skin during outdoor activities, while prioritizing thoughtful formulations and skin-friendly ingredients. Family-friendly skin care options from brands like Mustela support gentle care for babies, children, and adults alike, while products from Kinfield stand up to the rigors of outdoor adventures.
• Dehydration support. Proper hydration supports energy, recovery, and overall wellness, particularly as activity levels increase during the spring and summer months. Cure Hydration, known for its electrolyte drink mixes made with clean ingredients, offers a convenient way to replenish electrolytes and support hydration throughout the day.
• Pain relief. No matter how physically active you are, everyone experiences aches and pains from time to time. Use tax-free funds to relieve minor muscle aches with brands like Asutra, which features magnesium-based, FDA-approved remedies for treating pain.
• Seasonal allergies and colds. The change of seasons can trigger seasonal allergies or the dreaded “spring cold,” which makes it important to have reliable remedies on hand. Products from Genexa, Beekeeper’s Naturals and Ricola can help support relief from coughs, throat irritation, runny nose, congestion, fever, and other common symptoms.
• Digestive health. Maintaining digestive health is central to overall wellness, with approximately 70% of the body’s immune system located in the gut. Products from brands like Hilma offer options designed to support digestive health, helping to relieve common digestive symptoms and support regularity when your body needs it.
• First aid essentials. Outdoor activities, weekend adventures, playdates for young ones, and everyday life can sometimes lead to minor injuries such as cuts, burns, blisters or irritated skin. Products from brands like Woolaid help protect sensitive areas and support healing, making them a practical addition to any medicine cabinet or first-aid kit.
• Menstrual care products. Menstrual care products are a routine healthcare necessity, yet access to products and cost remains a challenge for many, with nearly 1 in 4 U.S. teens reporting they have struggled to afford period products. Over a lifetime, individuals can spend up to $6,000 on these essentials. Using FSA and HSA funds to purchase these products can alleviate some of the financial strain, while options such as menstrual cups and period underwear can help reduce long-term costs and environmental waste. Brands including CORA, The Honey Pot Co., Rael, Saalt, and August offer thoughtfully designed products that support both personal wellness and sustainable product choices.

 

“Spring is a popular time for new beginnings and new routines, and that includes assessing and updating the healthcare products we use to support personal wellbeing,” said Keri Kaiser, chief revenue officer for Health-E Commerce^®. “By using tax-free FSA and HSA funds to purchase everyday essentials, individuals and families also get the added benefit of saving money and stretching their healthcare dollars.”

 

To get a jump on your spring medicine cabinet refresh, and discover sustainable healthcare essentials, visit FSAstore.com and HSAstore.com.

 

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About Health-E Commerce®
Health-E Commerce^® is the parent brand to FSA Store^® and HSA Store^®, online stores that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill^®, a popular private-label line of health products through which a portion of every purchase is donated to the Children’s Health Fund. Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce^® brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce^® plays an essential role in expanding product eligibility for important new categories within the list of eligible medical expenses.