Pre-order · Ships Fall 2026

It’s Not Just
a Phase

A Millennial Parent's Guide to the ABCs · Volume 1

Front cover of It's Not Just a Phase: A Millennial Parent's Guide to the ABCs, Volume 1, by Samantha LoCasto
Benny, a French bulldog in sunglasses and a bow tie, riding a skateboard

Through the world of Benny & The Emo Kids, this nostalgic ABC journey celebrates the music that shaped a generation and became the soundtrack of our lives.

Free shipping within the US.

A Look Inside

Real pages, straight out of the book, lyrics and all.

Page A from the book: All I Wanted by Paramore. The Emo Kids play a tearful set under string lights, lyrics in a speech bubble.
Page I from the book: I Caught Fire by The Used. The band plays a stage on fire, letter I in flames, lyrics in a speech bubble.
Page J from the book: Jamie All Over by Mayday Parade. A boardwalk sunset show with a roller-coaster letter J and Benny on a beach ball.
Page W from the book: With Me by Sum 41. A rooftop ballad under string lights with the city skyline behind.

swipe through the pages →

Meet the Band

Give it up for Benny & The Emo Kidz, the loudest little band on the scene. Tap anyone for their official bio.

French bulldog. Fashion icon. Band manager. Snack connoisseur. He keeps the band in line and the tour bus on schedule. Bow tie. Big boss. Legend.

swipe to meet everyone →

About the Author

The person who wrote the feelings down.

Samantha LoCasto

I'm a first-time author, full-time millennial parent, and elder emo. During the early days of motherhood, I challenged myself to accomplish a dream before turning 35: write a children's book. It's Not Just a Phase became my postpartum passion project—a love letter to the music that shaped my childhood and to the little boy who gave those songs a whole new meaning. I hope this book inspires parents to turn up the volume, make memories, and share the soundtrack of their own lives with the next generation.

— Samantha LoCasto

Backstage Questions

When does it ship?

This is a pre-order. Copies start shipping October 2026, and we'll email you when yours leaves the merch table.

Who is this actually for?

Your kid, officially. You, obviously. Ages 0–5 for the ABCs, ages 28–45 for the feelings.

Can I cancel my pre-order?

Anytime before it ships, for a full refund. Just reply to your order confirmation email. No hard feelings.

When is the last day to pre-order?

August 31, 2026. Order by then to lock in October shipping for this pre-order run.

Will there be a Volume 2?

The cover says Volume 1 for a reason. There are more than 26 songs worth of feelings.

Thank you, and goodnight!

Reserve Volume 1 of It's Not Just a Phase. Ships Fall 2026. First pressing, first feelings.

Free shipping within the US. Cancel anytime before it ships.