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 Picture Books, Lunar New Year, & Book Club Books
|
Are your readers making reading goals and reflecting on who they are as readers? It's empowering to set goals, take steps to achieve those goals, and reflect on your progress. (I think reflection is one of the most powerful tools we can teach children, don't you?) It may be helpful to discuss the Rights of the Readers with your students and children and read about my process for goal setting with kids. New Picture Books (Ages 4 - 8)The new year in picture books features funny, sweet, and interactive stories for ages 4 to 8. New Chapter Books (Ages 5 - 8)Keep your growing readers reading good books with these new chapter book titles with adventure, a love of animals, and friendship. Free Virtual Author Visit to Empower Young WritersAward-winning children’s book author Ellen Potter is offering Imagination Soup educators the chance to book her for a free virtual school visit with 10 preorders of her forthcoming chapter book, Squirlish: Central Park Ghost. In her visit, Ellen will share how authors find story ideas, create vivid characters, and harness the power of revision--followed by a lively Q & A. This is only available to the first 20 schools who contact Ellen. Offer expires March 1! Lunar New Year Books (Ages 4 - 10)Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, begins on January 29. I have 16 children's book recommendations about Lunar New Year for you to share with children. Black History Month Biographies (Ages 4 - 12)Check out these inspiring and informational biographies about the lives, experiences, struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history to the present day. Book Club Book Lists (Ages 7 - 12)Want to make reading social? Start a book club! I've updated my recommendations of discussion-worthy books that are thought-provoking, relatable, and relevant to children's lives. --> Need info to get started? Read "How to Start a Book Club". Get your kids talking about ANY book with a list of open-ended questions. Grab the FREE printable download here. Book Lists with Printable Lists: Happy reading! Love, Melissa --> If you know someone who would like this newsletter, they can subscribe here. –> If you're a children's book creator, check out my new business, Imaginarium Author Solutions. 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...