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, Ramadan Books, Dog/Cat/Animal Books
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I’m back to my usual middle grade reading, but I got a few friends to help me review February MG books. Yay for smart, bookish friends and asking for help! I’m feeling hopeful for spring. How about you? This newsletter is sponsored by Reading Simplified. You’ve Tried It All… But They’re STILL Struggling to ReadTraditional reading methods are too slow for struggling students. What if your student could make years of progress in just 12 weeks—without endless drills or complex programs? Join our free workshop to learn a simple, science-based system that transforms struggling readers fast. New Middle Grade, February 2025 (Ages 9 - 12)February 2025 brings middle grade readers heartfelt realistic stories, fantasy, dystopian, and a mystery. Which ones will you want to share with your readers or read yourself!?! Ramadan & Eid Children's Books (Ages 4 - 12)If you're looking for meaningful children's books about Ramadan and Eid, here is a list of good books to share with children. St. Patrick's Day Books (Ages 4 - 10)These St. Patrick’s Day books will introduce kids to the holiday, leprechauns, pots of gold, St. Patrick, and clovers! Middle Grade Books for Kids Who Love Animals (Ages 9- 12)Want to read a story about an animal or a child who loves animals? These middle grade books will hit the spot! Dog Books (Ages 4 - 12)Hook your dog-loving readers on good books about dogs! Find over 100 recommendations for all ages. Cat Books (Ages 4 - 12)Know any cat lovers? Here are 40+ favorite cat books for all ages. Interview with Author-Illustrator Alex WillanMermaids Are the Worst, am I right? To celebrate Alex Willan's 5th installment in The Worst! picture book series, I interviewed Alex by email. We talk about inspiration, creation, the next book in the series, his motivation, and much more! *IF YOU NEED IDEAS: Book Character Costumes for World Book Day Happy reading! Love, Melissa Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | LinkedIn | Amazon | Blue Sky –> If you know someone who would like this newsletter, they can subscribe here. P.S. If you're a kidlit writer or illustrator who wants to know how to pitch a book reviewer, I have a checklist 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!
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...
I go through reading burnout phases from time to time. Do you? So, I've been taking a break from my kidlit reading for a few weeks and reading adult nonfiction books. One recent book I loved is Cues by Vanessa van Edwards --it's great for introverts and extroverts alike. Have you read it? How do you switch up your reading when you need to re-energize your reading life? What do you tell your readers when they’re in a “nothing is good” phase? I did sneak in some kidlit nonfiction a few weeks...