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!
New Middle Grade, New Nonfiction, & Poetry Month
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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...
Want to join me in laughing more? (If so, will you send me what makes you laugh?!) New Middle Grade, March 2025 (Ages 9 - 12)Hooray, hoorah! I reviewed seven new middle grade books to recommend to tween readers. (The last book on this list is marketed as MG, but it's really not, which I elaborate on in my review.) New Nonfiction Books, March 2025 (Ages 2 - 12)I love this batch of nonfiction books for kids with some fabulous titles about animals and the environment, just in time for Spring and Earth Day. You'll also find a few biographies, poetry books, and a book about neurodiversity. Secrets & Mysteries: Detective, Spies, Investigators (Ages 7 - 17)Acclaimed children's book writer Beth Anderson shares seven books for young readers, ages 7-17, featuring real people who uncovered secrets and solved mysteries.
Get Ready for Poetry Month! (Ages 4 - 17) Celebrate poets and poetry during Poetry Month by reading and writing poetry. Get reading & writing ideas with these poetry resources! Wishing you some laughs, giggles, and chortles today! 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...