Imagination Soup

Imagination Soup Get the best children's book recommendations, writing ideas, and engaging learning products and activities for kids ages 0 - 13.

Book reviews for kids, recommended children's books, reading tips, and literacy inspiration.

Want an engaging nonfiction book for ages 8-12 that is written by a pediatrician and illustrated by a top cartoonist? Re...
08/14/2026

Want an engaging nonfiction book for ages 8-12 that is written by a pediatrician and illustrated by a top cartoonist? Read ASK THE DOCTOR written by Betty Choi, MD Dr Betty Choi, illustrated by Jannie Ho Jannie Ho , published by Storey Publishing | DIY Books —a nonfiction gem that kids will love...and learn from, too. (Meaning parents and teachers, you’re going to want this in your homes and libraries.) I adore everything about this book!

The visually delightful book is organized by human body-related questions with written and illustrated answers and humorous commentary. The written answers contain both plain-language answers as well as science answers. Cartoon fonts for the headers, cartoon illustrations with labels, and cartoon panels add up to make an eye-catching feast for the eyes...and mind.

Dr. Choi begins with “Grub, Guts, and Glorious Waste”, including several p**p and puke questions, which I’m predicting will be popular. (What’s the perfect p**ping position? Why’s there corn in my p**p?)

But there’s more! Read about Mind and Nerve Mysteries (What’s brain freeze?), Silly Senses (Why do I see colors when I rub my eye?), and three more sections, making a total of 6 topical categories.

Who do you know that will love this book? Share and save this post for them. They will thank you!

I don’t usually take new books to review anymore except for friends and publicity clients, but I couldn’t resist this on...
08/13/2026

I don’t usually take new books to review anymore except for friends and publicity clients, but I couldn’t resist this one...

From Workman Publishing comes SCRATCH & SNIFF ART HISTORY: A SMELLABLE GUIDE TO BECOMING AN ART EXPERT, written by Elizabeth Lunday.

My daughter’s home from college, and she’s a fine art minor. I thought she would love it. Spoiler alert: She told me it was grossing her out and to put it away.

Also, there’s only one female artist. :(

While there are a few good smells — the cherry in Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s “Vertumnus” and the red wine in Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s
“Bacchus”, many other smells are nauseating.

Even so, this could make a dinner party more entertaining, or it could be an interactive coffee-table book. Does anyone actually have a coffee table? (I don’t. Kids. Dogs. Shins.)

What do you think? Would you buy this book?

Who else in my generation had a scratch-and-sniff sticker collection? (My pride and joy growing up!)

Do you share historical picture books with kids? Here’s one that’s a must-read!UNBREAKABLE: AN AMERICAN FAMILY IN AN AME...
08/07/2026

Do you share historical picture books with kids? Here’s one that’s a must-read!

UNBREAKABLE: AN AMERICAN FAMILY IN AN AMERICAN INCARCERATION CAMP written by Jolene Gutiérrez, kidlit author 📚 and Minoru Tomai, illustrated by Chris Sasaki, and published by ABRAMS Kids .

UNBREAKABLE is an emotional true story with immersive sensory details that put readers in the main character’s shoes about young Minoru during World War II. First, his father is accused of being a spy for Japan and taken by the FBI. Then his family is forced to leave their home and dog to move into a detention center and relocation camp.

With stunning artwork and poignant writing, this historical picture book belongs on every school library shelf and in the hands of as many readers as possible. We must remember and always do better!

Have you read this book yet?

08/05/2026

Want an award-winning author and writer of magazines and blogs to visit your school or classroom?

Hi! I’m Melissa Taylor, creator of Imagination Soup and author of TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION. I love inspiring students to think, learn, write, and laugh.

Invite me to your school for an engaging large-group presentation and/or small-group writing workshops. I am available for in-person presentations in the Denver metro area or virtual presentations anywhere else.

Contact me, Melissa @ imaginationsoup.net, or visit my website https://melissataylor.net/educator-visits-school-visits/ to learn more and pick your dates!

Save for later and share with a friend!

Have you ever had an author visit your school? What are your goals for an author visit?

“This engaging story is filled with inventive words like “cinnalove” and “gingermint” that not only sound delicious but ...
08/04/2026

“This engaging story is filled with inventive words like “cinnalove” and “gingermint” that not only sound delicious but are fun to say, and the illustrations are as “toasty-warm” as their bakery. An adorable story that is sure to resonate with readers dealing with food allergies and sensitivities, as well as all lovers of baked goods.”

Thank you, Andrea Wang , for this sweet review of TOVA!

Include TOVA with your back-to-school read-alouds to talk about the importance of including friends and classmates with food allergies.

08/03/2026

Precise, sparse words show the Book Woman, a dedicated librarian, traveling on her mule through all kinds of weather into the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky to deliver books to children and adults.

We witness simple, poignant moments on her journey: sharing a slice of cake, reading aloud to a sick girl, meeting other librarians, crossing a stream.

Based on the true history of the packhorse librarians, this is a beautiful historical reminder of the importance of stories and literacy, and a tribute to the dedicated individuals who advocate tirelessly to promote both. Thank you, librarians!

BOOKS UP THE MOUNTAIN: A PACKHORSE LIBRARIAN STORY is published by Waxwing , is written by Caroline Starr Rose with lovely, warm illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard.

Meet my riding lesson horse for last week, Remi, a warmblood gelding (who is not a mule nor a packhorse and does not play on TV.) I think he loved the illustrations, don’t you? He is a sweet boy who loves scratches...and books!

Did you know about the packhorse librarians? Who else loves horses?

It’s getting closer to back-to-school (yikes), and I have a new book to share from a wonderful writer you already know a...
07/28/2026

It’s getting closer to back-to-school (yikes), and I have a new book to share from a wonderful writer you already know and love, Trudy .

This book, A NOT SO PERFECT START, is part of The Caring Classroom series and is written by Trudy Ludwig with charming illustrations by , published by Penguin Kids .

Young Thea has a plan for the perfect first week of school. She makes a list for the big day for all her school supplies.

At school, she feels MANY feelings: excitement, worry, and hope. The first days are bumpy. Her teacher reminds her that beautiful art isn’t perfect, which leads Thea to embrace her messiness and mistakes.

The book ends with Thea’s new self-help list of encouragement to be your messy, imperfect self. Good reminders for us all!

What are your favorite back-to-school books to read aloud?

07/15/2026

Behind the scenes...here are the many notebooks of ideas, writing/craft tips from books and classes.

I LOVE Moleskine notebooks. And recently, have returned to long-hand writing instead of typing.

What are your go-to notebooks? And do you prefer typing or handwriting?

**Get your copy of TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION — link in my bio!

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