Hi, I’m Melissa Taylor, a mom of two girls, an education blogger & writer, a children’s book expert, a former award-winning bilingual teacher with an M.A. in Education, a former literacy trainer for teachers, and a passionate advocate for literacy, representation in children’s literature, and high-quality education. I’ve taught ESL, bilingual kindergarten, bilingual 4/5, 4th, and 5th grades, and coached teachers in K-12 grades. In addition, I was a four-time consecutive winner of Outstanding Teacher in Douglas County, Colorado. I love to make learning fun, engaging, and meaningful for kids by providing helpful information and resources for parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians.

I’m consulting with children’s book authors, entrepreneurs, and businesses through Imagination Soup Consulting. In that capacity, I help support businesses with their communications and marketing strategies and implementation, and authors with publicity, marketing, and branding.

I freelance write for various clients such as Random House, Adobe Education, eBay, ALEX Toys, Imagine Toys, Scholastic Parent and Child, Babble, Sylvan Learning, Parenting Magazine, and others about education topics and children’s books.

My first picture book is Tova’s Sweet Solution (4.21.26, Red Comet Press) about a bakery bear who discovers she’s allergic to honeygrain. “Bursting with playful language, cozy charm, and a dash of culinary creativity, this story celebrates perseverance, problem-solving, and the loving support of a family that always bakes together—no matter what. Perfect for readers who love baking, bold ideas, and stories that fill both the heart and tummy with joy.”
Read more about Tova’s Sweet Solution.
Read about Melissa Taylor’s school visit options.

I love volunteering for The Right Step, Inc, an adaptive riding barn that serves veterans and individuals with disabilities.

A big part of my story is that my girls and I had HUGE health issues for the last decade — all different symptoms but with one root cause. Read our poisoned mold story here. I share this mainly to spread the word about this toxin that destroys the health of about 20% of people. It’s not well known, but it’s treatable. (Eventually.) 

Also, if you’re wondering how I went from teacher to writer, I share a bit about my process here and here.

Imagination Soup is a place where parents, grandparents, librarians, and teachers can find great children’s books as well as educational learning ideas, resources, and community. My goal is to make your life easier. Let me know how else I can help!

If you’re ready to start exploring Imagination Soup, START HERE.