Press & Media

This page is for media, librarians and school partners. Everything below is the official release text issued by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, reproduced in full, with links to the source. If you need cover art, interior spreads, an author photo or an interview, email me at info@bellylaughbooks.com.

Two of my books have been read aloud on Storyline Online

Storyline Online is the Emmy-winning children's literacy program of the nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation. It streams free read-alouds by well known actors to children, families and educators worldwide, and it is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers and the American Library Association. Every video ships with a free activity guide aligned to Common Core Standards.

  • Professor Nincompoop, read by Bryan Cranston. Released February 2, 2026. The 99th read-aloud in the Storyline Online library. It has since passed one million views and carries Storyline Online's Kids' Top Pick Seal of Approval. Watch it · Storyline Online page
  • Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem, read by Adam Brody. Released September 8, 2026, on International Literacy Day. The 103rd read-aloud in the library. Watch it

Press release: Adam Brody reads Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem

Issued by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation for immediate release, September 8, 2026. Los Angeles, CA.

Adam Brody Reads Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem for Storyline Online®

New Read-Aloud Premieres on International Literacy Day Celebrating Friendship and Imperfection

The Emmy-winning children's literacy program Storyline Online® released a new video today featuring Emmy-nominated actor Adam Brody ('Nobody Wants This,' 'The O.C.') reading Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem, a hilarious and heartfelt story about friendship, perfectionism and learning to embrace flaws and mistakes. The read-aloud premieres on storylineonline.net and on the Storyline Online YouTube channel.

Written by Jimmy Vee, illustrated by Gary Wilkinson and published by Belly Laugh Books, Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem introduces Petey, a boy who is practically perfect in every way. His grades are flawless, his shoes are spotless and he always follows the rules. There's just one thing Petey can't seem to get right: making friends.

Determined to solve the problem, Petey creates a sock puppet pal, but when his new friend doesn't turn out quite as perfectly as planned, he tosses it aside. The next morning, the mischievous puppet mysteriously reappears attached to Petey's hand and proceeds to turn his perfectly ordered world upside down. Through classroom chaos, lunchtime antics and plenty of unexpected laughs, Petey begins to discover that making mistakes, letting loose and being himself might be exactly what he needs to make real friends.

Brody brings his easygoing charm and wit to Petey's misadventures, playfully navigating the journey of perfection-minded Petey and his wildly unpredictable sock puppet. His spirited performance brings the book's message to life: sometimes the things that don't go according to plan can lead to something even better.

"The lesson of the book, which I really like, is that while it's good to have goals and work hard to achieve them, the world is imperfect," says Adam Brody, actor and reader for Storyline Online. "Sometimes it can be good to break out of your routine, and even better to have a friend or someone in your life who shows you another way to do things, enjoy life and achieve your goals."

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.

"Children are under so much pressure to get things right, and I love that this story reminds them that there is joy, growth and connection to be found in the imperfect moments," said Courtney B. Vance, President and Chairman of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. "Adam brings that message to life with so much humor and warmth. It's a wonderful addition to Storyline Online, and we're especially proud to share it with children, families and educators on International Literacy Day."

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.

Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem is the 103rd 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 Adam Brody reading of Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem and explore the full library of free videos, visit StorylineOnline.net.

Press contact: Caroline O'Connor, Director of Communications, SAG-AFTRA Foundation, coconnor@sagaftra.foundation, 323-549-6711.

Press release: Bryan Cranston reads Professor Nincompoop

Issued by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, February 2, 2026. Read the original release.

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 Laugh 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.

Press contact: Caroline O'Connor, Director of Communications, SAG-AFTRA Foundation, coconnor@sagaftra.foundation, 323-549-6711.

About Belly Laugh Books

Belly Laugh Books is my publishing company. I write funny picture books for kids ages 4 to 8, and I have been a kids magician and ventriloquist for over 30 years, so I know a thing or two about what makes a six-year-old laugh. My books have won the Purple Dragonfly Award, the President's Book Award and the Best Indie Book Award, and Kirkus Reviews gave Petey Perfectpants a "Get it" verdict.

For interviews, school visits, review copies or high resolution artwork, email info@bellylaughbooks.com.