Imagination Soup shares curated book reviews, book lists, and learning resources for parents, teachers, and librarians. As a former teacher, former literacy trainer, and a mother of two, you can trust my expertise in children's books, reading levels, developmental appropriateness, and education. Join my community of 35,000 subscribers by signing up for my weekly newsletter!
Benefits of Poetry, April Picture Books, & April Holiday Book Lists
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I am devouring the book Your Brain on Art. One thing I’ve learned is the scientific mental health benefits of poetry! Did you know that poetry can help us “relax and gain perspective on ourselves” because our brains process poetry differently than prose? It also activates neuroplasticity processes in the brain by creating new narratives and can stop anxious thoughts. So, for Poetry Month, remember to share and experience poetry with kids! Here are my favorite children's poetry books. Here is an activity I did with my kids to combine poetry with visual art. I also recommend reading a poem a day. Even just for yourself. Memorizing poems is also beneficial as it gives us touchstones for when something inspires us or throws us curveballs. The poem that helped me this past week was Mizuta Masahide's haiku: Barn's burnt down-- Happy Poetry Month, friends! New Excellent Picture Books, April 2025 (Ages 4 - 8)Wowza, April has a lot of excellent picture books! You’ll find funny, heartwarming, and lyrical stories that will engage your readers and keep them hooked. Happy reading! Easter Books (Ages 2 - 8)Do you celebrate Easter? If so, here are Christian and secular Easter books that your kids will love! Passover Books (Ages 4 - 12)Read these Passover children's books to learn more about this important Jewish holiday. Earth Day Books (Ages 3 - 12)Since 1970, we have been celebrating Earth Day on April 22. Every year, we continue to educate the next generations about valuing our Earth. Let's start with Earth Day books! Related Book Lists: Endangered Animals A CUP OF QUIET Writing Prompt from Nikki Grimes (Ages 7 - 12)Nikki Grimes shares how to write a tanka poem plus an example. Then she gives a tanka writing prompt to inspire young writers. May your week be filled with art and inspiration! Love, Melissa Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | LinkedIn | Amazon | Blue Sky |
Hi! I'm a Melissa Taylor of Imagination Soup.
Imagination Soup shares curated book reviews, book lists, and learning resources for parents, teachers, and librarians. As a former teacher, former literacy trainer, and a mother of two, you can trust my expertise in children's books, reading levels, developmental appropriateness, and education. Join my community of 35,000 subscribers by signing up for my weekly newsletter!
One of the most important thing you can do over the summer is ensure your readers are reading DAILY. Why? Because regression is real. To that end, here are several ideas to keep up the reading motivation this summer. Start a book club! Read a book with a movie or show. Grab my fun-filled Reading Journal. (Shown above. Interior pages here.) Make a cozy reading nook. Get a headlamp or book light and read under the covers. Read to a new (stuffed) reading buddy. Let your kids spend $20 at the...
Happy June! Have you tried to gamify your reading before? Yesterday, my twenty-year-old daughter explained to me that she and her best friend love playing a bookstore game. They look for the weirdest manga book titles. Here are some examples:Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?Because I, the True Saint, was Banished, that Country is Done For! Fun, right? You can do this, too! Think about what fun bookish games you could play with your readers. Maybe at the library they...
I'm thrilled to share a sneak peek at my first picture book, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION, which will be published on April 21, 2026 by Red Comet Press! How cute is this artwork from illustrator Aurélie Lise-Anne? TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION is a heartfelt and deliciously sweet story about food allergies, creativity, resilience, and the magic of family.Bursting with playful language, cozy charm, and a dash of culinary creativity, this story celebrates perseverance, problem-solving, and the loving support...