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!
My First Picture Book! | New Middle Grade | New Picture Books | Sports Books & More!
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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. Thanks for celebrating this sneak peek with me— and stay tuned for a cover reveal in August when you will be able to preorder your copies! 13 New Middle Grade Books, May 2025 (Ages 8 - 12)Some months have so many new, incredible books, like this month's new middle grade releases that range from heartwarming, realistic stories to magical and fantastical adventures. Your readers won't be able to put these books down! 15 New Picture Books, May 2025 (Ages 4 - 8)I read over fifty fiction picture books this month and chose my top 15 to share with you. Incidentally, this month’s selection of picture books prompted my rant on Instagram about the state of picture books. I'm in the unique position to see the majority of picture books published, and I am not impressed. 11 Free Summer Reading Programs (All Ages)Will these summer reading programs get your kids even MORE excited about their reading plans this summer? 50 States Reading Road Trip (Ages 8 - 12)Visit the United States from the comfort of your own couch by reading books set in each of the 50 states! Find the book recommendations and printables here. Children's Books with Muslim Main CharactersChildren's books with Muslim characters show representation, open kids’ eyes to new cultures, and build empathy. The books on this list celebrate the Muslim faith and cultures within the Islamic faith community, such as Egyptian, Pakistani, and Somali cultures. Books About Sports (All Ages)If you have a reader who loves sports, books about sports can be a great way to hook that child on reading. If you missed it, here are all the SUMMER READING LISTS!Have a wonderful day! Love, Melissa Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | LinkedIn | Amazon | Blue Sky –> If you know someone who would like this newsletter, they can subscribe here. |
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...