Stage Wives authors appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show ahead of July 28 book release

By AI, Created 3:15 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Stage Wives co-founders Rhyan Shirley and Rachel Smith appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to promote The Invisible Backpack, a children’s book for families navigating life with a parent on the road. The book arrives July 28 and marks the first in a planned series from Stage Wives and Kinder Talu House.

Why it matters: - The appearance gives Stage Wives a national TV platform as the organization builds awareness around the emotional strain touring life can place on children and families. - The Invisible Backpack is aimed at helping young readers process absence, change, anticipation and connection when a parent spends long stretches away from home. - The book also extends Novus Press Works’ push into purpose-driven titles with broader mainstream visibility.

What happened: - Stage Wives co-founders Rhyan Shirley and Rachel Smith appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show in support of their upcoming children’s book, The Invisible Backpack. - The book is set to release July 28, 2026. - Kinder Talu House, an imprint of Novus Press Works, is behind the release. - Novus Press Works was founded by Rhonda Halbert and Jason Halbert, who is longtime music director for The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The details: - The Invisible Backpack is written for children with one or both parents touring in the music industry. - The story uses gentle storytelling and metaphor to reassure children that love remains constant even when family routines change. - The book is inspired by the day-to-day realities of touring families, including changing schedules, long separations and emotional transitions. - Stage Wives says the story also reflects the experience of spouses, partners and families supporting life on the road. - The Invisible Backpack is the first release in a planned children’s book series from Stage Wives. - The book will be available July 28, 2026, through major book retailers and online platforms. - More information is available at Stage Wives.

Between the lines: - The Kelly Clarkson Show appearance signals that Stage Wives is trying to turn a niche support mission into a broader cultural conversation. - The project blends publishing, advocacy and entertainment-industry storytelling, which can help the message travel beyond families already connected to touring life. - Novus Press Works is using national media exposure to build recognition for a catalog centered on lived experience and emotional support.

What’s next: - Stage Wives plans to expand The Invisible Backpack into a children’s book series. - The July 28 release will test demand for family-focused books tied to the realities of touring careers. - Novus Press Works is expected to continue adding purpose-driven titles as it grows its national profile.