April 16, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — Acclaimed actress Lake Bell is making headlines not for a new film, but for a powerful personal project inspired by her family’s real-life journey. Her debut children’s book, “All About Brains: A Book About People”, is touching readers across the U.S. with its heartfelt message about neurodiversity, resilience, and the strength of co-parenting.
The book is a tribute to her 10-year-old daughter Nova, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2020. The diagnosis came during the pandemic—the same year Bell separated from her husband, artist Scott Campbell—creating a life-altering challenge for the family. Today, Nova is seizure-free for more than two years, and Bell is using her platform to support other parents navigating similar journeys.
Lake Bell’s Emotional Inspiration Behind “All About Brains”
Lake Bell wrote All About Brains after witnessing her daughter explain her epilepsy to classmates during a virtual school “share day.” That moment gave Nova a sense of empowerment and ownership over her condition. The book mirrors that experience and uses honest, kid-friendly language to talk about neurological differences, including epilepsy.
| Title | All About Brains: A Book About People |
| Author | Lake Bell |
| Illustrator | Rachel Katstaller |
| Release Date | April 2025 |
| Main Theme | Neurodiversity awareness and acceptance |
| Inspiration | Lake Bell’s daughter, Nova, who has epilepsy |
How Co-Parenting and Therapy Helped Lake Bell and Her Family Thrive
After her divorce from Campbell in 2020, Bell focused on maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship. The couple committed to two years of co-parenting therapy, attending sessions even when it was difficult. According to Bell, the goal was always clear: to prioritize the well-being of their children, Nova and Ozzi.
She now describes their dynamic as one of mutual respect, calling it a bond “like army buddies” who’ve been through life’s toughest challenges together.
Lake Bell on Parenting, Imperfection, and Self-Care
Lake Bell is candid about the emotional weight of parenting a child with epilepsy. She encourages other parents to connect with community support systems and reject the pursuit of perfection in parenting.
She also emphasizes the importance of self-care practices, including meditation, yoga, and ceramics, as essential outlets for maintaining her mental and emotional balance.
How Nova is Doing Today
Lake Bell shared that Nova has been seizure-free for two and a half years. Although Nova’s epilepsy stems from a genetic mutation and may never fully disappear, the family celebrates her progress. Bell describes her daughter as a sparkly, expressive, emotionally intelligent child who has become a teacher not just to her peers—but to Bell herself.
