Melissa Taylor
@imaginationsoup.bsky.social
Writer, book reviewer, school visit coach, publicist, fmr teacher & lit trainer, passionate about kidlit, SEL, representation, & reading! M.Ed. TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION (4/2026), https://imaginationsoup.net
Thank you to those who serve or have served our country! Here are military-themed children’s books to share with the kids in your life. imaginationsoup.net/military-the... #kidlit
November 11, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Thank you to those who serve or have served our country! Here are military-themed children’s books to share with the kids in your life. imaginationsoup.net/military-the... #kidlit
Months and over 100 hours of volunteering led to me finally passing my horse leader test at The Right Step, an adaptive riding barn. Now I can lead a horse with a client on its back! It’s so satisfying to go from being a total beginner to competent. 🥰🎉
November 9, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Months and over 100 hours of volunteering led to me finally passing my horse leader test at The Right Step, an adaptive riding barn. Now I can lead a horse with a client on its back! It’s so satisfying to go from being a total beginner to competent. 🥰🎉
Yay! TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION (Red Comet Press, 4/21/26) was featured on today’s Indie Kids Book Buzz hosted by @fuse8.bsky.social ! #kidlit
November 5, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Yay! TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION (Red Comet Press, 4/21/26) was featured on today’s Indie Kids Book Buzz hosted by @fuse8.bsky.social ! #kidlit
Janna Morishima shares the highlights from my school visit workshop:
kidscomicsunite.com/how-to-set-u.... #kidlit
kidscomicsunite.com/how-to-set-u.... #kidlit
November 3, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Janna Morishima shares the highlights from my school visit workshop:
kidscomicsunite.com/how-to-set-u.... #kidlit
kidscomicsunite.com/how-to-set-u.... #kidlit
Such a fun morning teaching about school visits for Janna Morishima’s Kids Comics Unite! 😄 @kidscomicsunite.bsky.social #kidlit
November 1, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Such a fun morning teaching about school visits for Janna Morishima’s Kids Comics Unite! 😄 @kidscomicsunite.bsky.social #kidlit
Brilliant October books: I love this inspiring picture book that shows the power of horses to help a child feel more confident and grow as a reader! RAIN AND THE READING HORSE is written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Hannah Salyer. (Me with FredBob.) #kidlit
October 30, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Brilliant October books: I love this inspiring picture book that shows the power of horses to help a child feel more confident and grow as a reader! RAIN AND THE READING HORSE is written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Hannah Salyer. (Me with FredBob.) #kidlit
I’ve read 25 November new release children’s books this afternoon and found 0 that I like enough to recommend to you. It makes me grumpy. Hopefully the next stack is better!
October 30, 2025 at 9:38 PM
I’ve read 25 November new release children’s books this afternoon and found 0 that I like enough to recommend to you. It makes me grumpy. Hopefully the next stack is better!
I'm HORRIFIED that someone I used to admire believes and quotes AI as if it's a legitimate source of information! AI answers are either made up or stolen. Cite the source of the research. UNSUBSCRIBE.
October 28, 2025 at 3:56 PM
I'm HORRIFIED that someone I used to admire believes and quotes AI as if it's a legitimate source of information! AI answers are either made up or stolen. Cite the source of the research. UNSUBSCRIBE.
I’m always happy at the barn. Add in riding lessons and I’m never going to stop smiling! 😍
October 24, 2025 at 4:25 PM
I’m always happy at the barn. Add in riding lessons and I’m never going to stop smiling! 😍
Indigenous and Native American Heritage Month is coming up in November. Here are picture books that celebrate Native North American and Native Canadian traditions, cultures, and languages in the present day. imaginationsoup.net/picture-book... #kidlit
30 Best Children's Picture Native American Books About Families & Cultures - Imagination Soup
Share Native American books with Indigenous representation with children to learn about these rich cultures and traditions.
imaginationsoup.net
October 21, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Indigenous and Native American Heritage Month is coming up in November. Here are picture books that celebrate Native North American and Native Canadian traditions, cultures, and languages in the present day. imaginationsoup.net/picture-book... #kidlit
I'm beyond thrilled that my first picture book, TOVA'S SWEET SOLUTION (Red Comet Press, 4/21/26), has been selected for the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard program!
There's still six months until release day but you can preorder any time! www.abramsbooks.com/product/tova... #kidlit
There's still six months until release day but you can preorder any time! www.abramsbooks.com/product/tova... #kidlit
October 20, 2025 at 11:28 PM
I'm beyond thrilled that my first picture book, TOVA'S SWEET SOLUTION (Red Comet Press, 4/21/26), has been selected for the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard program!
There's still six months until release day but you can preorder any time! www.abramsbooks.com/product/tova... #kidlit
There's still six months until release day but you can preorder any time! www.abramsbooks.com/product/tova... #kidlit
Author interview with the AMAZING Dusti Bowling. She shares how she thought of this new story idea, her writing process, her advice for writers, why she choose the topics in the book, plus MORE! imaginationsoup.net/author-inter... #kidlit
Author Interview with the Incredible Middle Grade Writer Dusti Bowling - Imagination Soup
Ya’ll, this book. This author. These answers. Wow. Let me explain… Dusti Bowling, one of my FAVORITE middle grade authors just released yet another outstanding,...
imaginationsoup.net
October 20, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Author interview with the AMAZING Dusti Bowling. She shares how she thought of this new story idea, her writing process, her advice for writers, why she choose the topics in the book, plus MORE! imaginationsoup.net/author-inter... #kidlit
Kidlit writers, this is what I gave out in my workshop about book launches this past weekend. Remember there are many paths. You get to choose which one works for you. Enjoy the journey! Celebrate your book! #kidlit
October 20, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Kidlit writers, this is what I gave out in my workshop about book launches this past weekend. Remember there are many paths. You get to choose which one works for you. Enjoy the journey! Celebrate your book! #kidlit
Do these books make me look younger? They're NEW, & FABULOUS!! imaginationsoup.substack.com/p/fabulous-n... #kidlit
Fabulous New Kidlit Books, October 16, 2025
New Children's Books You'll Love: 4 Picture Books, 4 Middle Grade Books, 2 Nonfiction Books, & 3 Chapter Books!
imaginationsoup.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Do these books make me look younger? They're NEW, & FABULOUS!! imaginationsoup.substack.com/p/fabulous-n... #kidlit
Sora, the AI-generated social media platform, is terrifying, and the world is probably ending. Read more: substack.com/home/post/p-....
What if you gave up social media?
On ignoring the online drama, algorithms, and AI to find an authentic path forward
substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Sora, the AI-generated social media platform, is terrifying, and the world is probably ending. Read more: substack.com/home/post/p-....
I love fall days! 🧡
October 12, 2025 at 7:09 PM
I love fall days! 🧡
Every school visit I watch gives me new ideas for my clients. Loved seeing the incredible Dusti Bowling today!! #schoolvisits #kidlit
October 7, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Every school visit I watch gives me new ideas for my clients. Loved seeing the incredible Dusti Bowling today!! #schoolvisits #kidlit
Kidlit writers, are you looking for a mentor? You can apply to the Michelle Begley 2026 mentorship program now until November 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm! You can select ME or any one of the amazing mentors. ✏️Get the scoop here: www.scbwi.org/regions/rmc/....
October 6, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Kidlit writers, are you looking for a mentor? You can apply to the Michelle Begley 2026 mentorship program now until November 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm! You can select ME or any one of the amazing mentors. ✏️Get the scoop here: www.scbwi.org/regions/rmc/....
Since AI steals bloggers' content and 90% of the bloggers I know who used to make a living from blogging in ALL industries have taken other jobs and stopped blogging, who will AI steal from now? (My own new posts are now behind a paywall.) Will it just make up more stuff? Steal from non-experts?
a stick figure wearing a cowboy hat with a red star on it
ALT: a stick figure wearing a cowboy hat with a red star on it
media.tenor.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Since AI steals bloggers' content and 90% of the bloggers I know who used to make a living from blogging in ALL industries have taken other jobs and stopped blogging, who will AI steal from now? (My own new posts are now behind a paywall.) Will it just make up more stuff? Steal from non-experts?
Check out these 10 new kidlit books you NEED to know about. Also, I share the benefits of being a beginner. (Because I looked up the research to encourage myself.) #kidlit
imaginationsoup.substack.com/p/impressive...
imaginationsoup.substack.com/p/impressive...
Impressive New Children's Books, October 2, 2025
10 New Kidlit Books + the Benefits of Being a Beginner
imaginationsoup.substack.com
October 2, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Check out these 10 new kidlit books you NEED to know about. Also, I share the benefits of being a beginner. (Because I looked up the research to encourage myself.) #kidlit
imaginationsoup.substack.com/p/impressive...
imaginationsoup.substack.com/p/impressive...
Graphic novelists, take this course and set yourself up for success! kidscomicsunite.com/how-to-launc... (Also, I'm teaching the school visits session-- it's going to be packed with info!) #kidlit
How to Launch Your Graphic Novel - Kids Comics Unite
An online course on everything you need to know about launching your graphic novel or comic, taught by literary agent Janna Morishima!
kidscomicsunite.com
September 30, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Graphic novelists, take this course and set yourself up for success! kidscomicsunite.com/how-to-launc... (Also, I'm teaching the school visits session-- it's going to be packed with info!) #kidlit
Excited for this comic magazine for kids from @joshuasmeaton.bsky.social designed to get kids reading! www.kickstarter.com/projects/com...
Hullabaloo Comics Magazine
Comics for kids
www.kickstarter.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Excited for this comic magazine for kids from @joshuasmeaton.bsky.social designed to get kids reading! www.kickstarter.com/projects/com...
@abbywhitewrites.bsky.social generously shares an interactive (and brilliant) idea for a bookstore event. A choose-your-own adventure! If you're an author or illustrator, you'll want to read this! open.substack.com/pub/melissat... #bookmarketing #kidlit
A Pick-Your-Path Bookstore Event
Don't miss this creative, interactive, & memorable idea!
open.substack.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:49 PM
@abbywhitewrites.bsky.social generously shares an interactive (and brilliant) idea for a bookstore event. A choose-your-own adventure! If you're an author or illustrator, you'll want to read this! open.substack.com/pub/melissat... #bookmarketing #kidlit
Have you seen the new & improved Imagination Soup newsletter on Substack? Here are my picks for September middle grade books—https://imaginationsoup.substack.com/p/favorite-new-middle-grade-books-september #kidlit
Favorite New Middle Grade Books, September 2025
Plus a printable list and an 8-book giveaway!
imaginationsoup.substack.com
September 19, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Have you seen the new & improved Imagination Soup newsletter on Substack? Here are my picks for September middle grade books—https://imaginationsoup.substack.com/p/favorite-new-middle-grade-books-september #kidlit
BIG NEWS!
I've moved my Imagination Soup newsletter with all my new book reviews to Substack! If you’re a children’s book-loving literacy advocate parent, grandparent, teacher, or librarian, join me for good books, printable resources, giveaways, and more!
open.substack.com/pub/imaginat... #kidlit
I've moved my Imagination Soup newsletter with all my new book reviews to Substack! If you’re a children’s book-loving literacy advocate parent, grandparent, teacher, or librarian, join me for good books, printable resources, giveaways, and more!
open.substack.com/pub/imaginat... #kidlit
September 16, 2025 at 1:10 PM
BIG NEWS!
I've moved my Imagination Soup newsletter with all my new book reviews to Substack! If you’re a children’s book-loving literacy advocate parent, grandparent, teacher, or librarian, join me for good books, printable resources, giveaways, and more!
open.substack.com/pub/imaginat... #kidlit
I've moved my Imagination Soup newsletter with all my new book reviews to Substack! If you’re a children’s book-loving literacy advocate parent, grandparent, teacher, or librarian, join me for good books, printable resources, giveaways, and more!
open.substack.com/pub/imaginat... #kidlit