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!
This summer, I started volunteering at a horse therapy (hippotherapy) barn. When I walk into the barn, the sounds and smells immediately make me feel more relaxed, joyful, and energized.Yes, I’m volunteering to give to others, but really, the experience is giving so much more to me. Do you have any experiences like this in your life? Melissa with Blondie at The Right Step New Nonfiction Books, August 2025 (Ages 4 - 12) Are you ready to see what’s new and wonderful in nonfiction kidlit that...
If your kids or students need a little bibliotherapy for back-to-school, today I'm sharing new and classic picture book recommendations about big feelings, making friends, the first day, and being themselves. Also, I want to thank you for choosing to read my reviews and not the AI snippets stolen from my blog and others. Unlike AI, I am real and taught elementary grades, trained teachers in literacy best practices, have a Master's in Education, and am the parent of two children. (One of my...
One of my daughter's nannying charges has been "fake reading" and lying about what she's read. So what can you do with a reader like this? (After you've determined there is not a reading disability interfering-- which often is why a child is more reading avoidant.) Reading helps readers improve. Therefore, our goal for kids is reading. Here are some ideas for positive motivation to encourage any or more reading: MONEY FOR NEW BOOKSMoney to spend at yard sales or bookstores. STICKER BOOKS (OR...