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!
Recently, I've been getting emails from readers asking about the summer reading lists. All the lists are updated except the teen list. (It will be updated next week.) And yes, you have my permission to distribute the printed lists to your classes and libraries. However, please do not post the list on your websites. Instead, post a link to the post on my website. 2025 Summer Reading Book Lists (All Ages) Your goal is to get kids reading good books. How do you do this? By providing choices and...
Did you know that kids laugh OUT LOUD hundreds of times every day? But adults…well, do we laugh at all? We all know laughing is good for us, but I, for one, am guilty of being a grumpy stress case on occasion. That's why my goal recently has been to laugh at least once a day. That seems like a small goal, but it’s been harder than I thought. I'm increasing my laughing out loud with... Funny reels (JulieStory, Bomanizer) Funny newsletters (Bob Shea) Want to join me in laughing more? (If so,...
In my new business, Imaginarium Author Solutions, Ellen and I do a lot of school visit consulting for authors and illustrators. Last week, I observed several pretty famous authors/illustrators at their school visits. Not only did it confirm what Ellen and I are recommending, but I got a few new ideas, too. I love learning! But I had to share with you one thing I learned from Loren Long that BLEW MY MIND (because how did I not know this after being a book reviewer for 15 years!?). Maybe...