In Darryl’s Christmas in Hollis, Christmas gets a magical mix-up, Run-DMC–style! Take a listen as DMC—rapper, producer, and now author—gives an inside scoop to his new project.

As Christmas approaches, Darryl is exploding with holiday anticipation! But first, he needs a new pair of glasses. A trip to the eye doctor opens his eyes to the many ways people celebrate the holidays. When he tries on their new cultural frames, he sees everything from colorful Hanukkah dreidels to the beautiful Diwali lights. Darryl learns that holiday joy comes in all shapes and sizes. With his new perspective on holiday cheer and tradition, Darryl is encouraged to make a selfless decision. He uses his allowance to gift the bike he’s had his eye on to a homeless boy. He realizes that the true spirit of Christmas isn't about getting but about giving.

Get a copy of Darryl’s Christmas in Hollis here!

Barry Morgenstein takes center stage in this discussion of his book Rock & Soul with Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds.

From the smoky corners of L’Amour to the thunderous roar of Giants Stadium, Barry poured his blood, sweat, and soul into capturing the faces that defined 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s music culture—including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Steven Tyler, and legends like Chuck Berry—in moments both fabled and intimate. Rock & Soul: Portraits by Barry Morgenstein is a visceral, visual collection of some of the best work throughout Barry’s career. This isn’t just a coffee table book—it’s a backstage pass, a time machine, and lightning strikes on paper. Each image tells an unfiltered story, immortalized by someone who didn’t just shoot the scene—he lived it.

Andrea Mercier speaks with Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds about her children’s book. Andrea’s journey took an unexpected turn when she became an autism mom to her beautiful son, Gabriel. His extraordinary spirit spurred Andrea to pen Oliver’s Extraordinary Friend. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Andrea aims to bridge the gap between neurotypical and uniquely-abled children to foster understanding and acceptance.

In Oliver’s Extraordinary Friend, Oliver meets Gabriel, a boy with autism. Together, they discover the magic of friendship and embark on adventures full of fun, love, and kindness. This book is a touching reminder that our differences are what make us extraordinary and that true friendship knows no bounds.

Learn more about the book here: https://blueballoonbooks.com/bookstore/olivers-extraordinary-friend/