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Sweet review news 🍯✨

Kirkus Reviews says Tova’s Sweet Solution by Melissa Taylor and Aurélie Lise-Anne “Serves up success!” 💛

#RedCometPressBooks #AllergyMom #BookReview

This week is Food Allergy Awareness Week! To help your children learn about food allergies, read the picture book, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION, a story about a bear with an allergy to honeygrain.

As you read, dialogue with your readers.

Ask questions such as:
How would you feel? Show it on your face.
Do you have a connection to this story? What?
Have you ever had a tummy ache after eating something?
Do you know anyone with food allergies?
How can you be kind to someone with food allergies?

Food allergies make life complicated. And in some cases, an allergy can be life-threatening.

Knowledge increases empathy. Let’s be thoughtful of our friends who need food accommodations!

Do you have a food allergy?

In a word: Hilarious. But I have more words— relatable, genuine, and sweet. I totally love this tongue-in-cheek book! It’s the perfect gift for moms and moms-to-be. Set up like a how-to book, the surprise is that it’s not for caring for a baby, but for a new mom.

Moms need tummy time. (My favorite illustration shows an exhausted mom lying on the couch.) Moms need round-the-clock care. Moms need socialization. And be warned, moms can be fussy!!(This author explains that this is normal because sometimes moms just need a good cry.)

IT’S A MOM is written by @_acoops_ , illustrated by @elig_illustration , and published by @charlesbridgepublishing.

Would you give this to a mom or mom-to-be?

#mothersdaygifts #babyshowergift #picturebook

In a word: Hilarious. But I have more words— relatable, genuine, and sweet. I totally love this tongue-in-cheek book! It’s the perfect gift for moms and moms-to-be. Set up like a how-to book, the surprise is that it’s not for caring for a baby, but for a new mom.

Moms need tummy time. (My favorite illustration shows an exhausted mom lying on the couch.) Moms need round-the-clock care. Moms need socialization. And be warned, moms can be fussy!!(This author explains that this is normal because sometimes moms just need a good cry.)

IT’S A MOM is written by @_acoops_ , illustrated by @elig_illustration , and published by @charlesbridgepublishing.

Would you give this to a mom or mom-to-be?

#mothersdaygifts #babyshowergift #picturebook

In a word: Hilarious. But I have more words— relatable, genuine, and sweet. I totally love this tongue-in-cheek book! It’s the perfect gift for moms and moms-to-be. Set up like a how-to book, the surprise is that it’s not for caring for a baby, but for a new mom.

Moms need tummy time. (My favorite illustration shows an exhausted mom lying on the couch.) Moms need round-the-clock care. Moms need socialization. And be warned, moms can be fussy!!(This author explains that this is normal because sometimes moms just need a good cry.)

IT’S A MOM is written by @_acoops_ , illustrated by @elig_illustration , and published by @charlesbridgepublishing.

Would you give this to a mom or mom-to-be?

#mothersdaygifts #babyshowergift #picturebook

Some books just beg to be read aloud — and this one is perfection!

With a fun, cumulative structure, a puffer fish sets off a chaotic chain of events after surprising a squid, frightening a turtle, disturbing a dolphin, and spooking a shark... Everyone is disturbed.

Who can help set things back to calm and quiet?

Another reason this book is fabulous is the illustrations, which convey humor and pandemonium.

THE QUIET OCEAN (5/5/26) is written by @picturebookrecommendations, illustrated by @abi.cushman, and published by @simonkids .

#picturebooks #kidlit

Some books just beg to be read aloud — and this one is perfection!

With a fun, cumulative structure, a puffer fish sets off a chaotic chain of events after surprising a squid, frightening a turtle, disturbing a dolphin, and spooking a shark... Everyone is disturbed.

Who can help set things back to calm and quiet?

Another reason this book is fabulous is the illustrations, which convey humor and pandemonium.

THE QUIET OCEAN (5/5/26) is written by @picturebookrecommendations, illustrated by @abi.cushman, and published by @simonkids .

#picturebooks #kidlit

Some books just beg to be read aloud — and this one is perfection!

With a fun, cumulative structure, a puffer fish sets off a chaotic chain of events after surprising a squid, frightening a turtle, disturbing a dolphin, and spooking a shark... Everyone is disturbed.

Who can help set things back to calm and quiet?

Another reason this book is fabulous is the illustrations, which convey humor and pandemonium.

THE QUIET OCEAN (5/5/26) is written by @picturebookrecommendations, illustrated by @abi.cushman, and published by @simonkids .

#picturebooks #kidlit

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

My TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION book launch/storytime last Sunday at @thebookiesbookstore bookstore exceeded all my expectations!

It was such a fun celebration, as you’ll see from these photos.

I have so many people to thank for helping create this festive, joyful experience.

Thank you to all my friends who showed up to support me! Wow. I feel so blessed.

Thank you to The Bookies for hosting me.

Thank you to @evanjunwen for these incredible photos that captured the joy of the event.

Thank you to @bakerbethcatering for the yummy treats.

Thank you to Courtney at @denverceliacs for the info and gift certificates!

Thank you to my husband, Jeff @themusclequest , for his cheerleading and encouragement.

THANK you to @redcometpressbooks and @aurelieliseanne for bringing this dream to life.

If you missed the party, I’ll read you the story over video chat. :) Or come to your kids’ school. Or video chat with your kids’ school. (I’m flexible like that.)

If you still haven’t bought the book, what are you waiting for? It’s almost food allergy awareness week. Read this to celebrate! (And to increase empathy and kindness for your food allergy friends.)

If you want to add snacks, this book pairs well with persistence and gluten-free food. Just saying. (Anything by @sietefoods is my favorite.)

Cheers to TOVA being in the world!🥳

What are children’s book author school visits like?Inspiring, fun, and motivating—for everyone involved!!

Last week, I visited St. John’s Lutheran school in Denver, Colorado, for my second author school visit. What a great group of students and teachers!

We had fun talking about growth mindset involved in writing and publishing. Then we read TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION with lots of interactivity, connected the social-emotional aspect of having food allergies, talked about ways to be kind to our food allergy friends, and brainstormed problem and solution stories.

“Students were talking about Melissa and her book, Tova’s Sweet Solution, throughout the day. She was enthusiastic and interacted with the students throughout her presentation, keeping them engaged.” - Judy Ripke, Librarian, St. John’s Lutheran

If you’re a librarian or teacher and want to schedule an author visit with me, please reach out. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/ (link in bio)

#schoolvisit #authorvisit

What are children’s book author school visits like?Inspiring, fun, and motivating—for everyone involved!!

Last week, I visited St. John’s Lutheran school in Denver, Colorado, for my second author school visit. What a great group of students and teachers!

We had fun talking about growth mindset involved in writing and publishing. Then we read TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION with lots of interactivity, connected the social-emotional aspect of having food allergies, talked about ways to be kind to our food allergy friends, and brainstormed problem and solution stories.

“Students were talking about Melissa and her book, Tova’s Sweet Solution, throughout the day. She was enthusiastic and interacted with the students throughout her presentation, keeping them engaged.” - Judy Ripke, Librarian, St. John’s Lutheran

If you’re a librarian or teacher and want to schedule an author visit with me, please reach out. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/ (link in bio)

#schoolvisit #authorvisit

What are children’s book author school visits like?Inspiring, fun, and motivating—for everyone involved!!

Last week, I visited St. John’s Lutheran school in Denver, Colorado, for my second author school visit. What a great group of students and teachers!

We had fun talking about growth mindset involved in writing and publishing. Then we read TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION with lots of interactivity, connected the social-emotional aspect of having food allergies, talked about ways to be kind to our food allergy friends, and brainstormed problem and solution stories.

“Students were talking about Melissa and her book, Tova’s Sweet Solution, throughout the day. She was enthusiastic and interacted with the students throughout her presentation, keeping them engaged.” - Judy Ripke, Librarian, St. John’s Lutheran

If you’re a librarian or teacher and want to schedule an author visit with me, please reach out. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/ (link in bio)

#schoolvisit #authorvisit

What are children’s book author school visits like?Inspiring, fun, and motivating—for everyone involved!!

Last week, I visited St. John’s Lutheran school in Denver, Colorado, for my second author school visit. What a great group of students and teachers!

We had fun talking about growth mindset involved in writing and publishing. Then we read TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION with lots of interactivity, connected the social-emotional aspect of having food allergies, talked about ways to be kind to our food allergy friends, and brainstormed problem and solution stories.

“Students were talking about Melissa and her book, Tova’s Sweet Solution, throughout the day. She was enthusiastic and interacted with the students throughout her presentation, keeping them engaged.” - Judy Ripke, Librarian, St. John’s Lutheran

If you’re a librarian or teacher and want to schedule an author visit with me, please reach out. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/ (link in bio)

#schoolvisit #authorvisit

What are children’s book author school visits like?Inspiring, fun, and motivating—for everyone involved!!

Last week, I visited St. John’s Lutheran school in Denver, Colorado, for my second author school visit. What a great group of students and teachers!

We had fun talking about growth mindset involved in writing and publishing. Then we read TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION with lots of interactivity, connected the social-emotional aspect of having food allergies, talked about ways to be kind to our food allergy friends, and brainstormed problem and solution stories.

“Students were talking about Melissa and her book, Tova’s Sweet Solution, throughout the day. She was enthusiastic and interacted with the students throughout her presentation, keeping them engaged.” - Judy Ripke, Librarian, St. John’s Lutheran

If you’re a librarian or teacher and want to schedule an author visit with me, please reach out. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/ (link in bio)

#schoolvisit #authorvisit

There are so many adorable illustrations to choose from, but which one is Melissa Taylor's favorite from "Tova's Sweet Solution"?

This heartfelt and deliciously sweet story about creativity, resilience, and the magic of family is available now!

#RedCometPressBooks #RedCometPress #ChildrenwithAllergies #ChildrensBooks

This lovely trade review from School Library Journal is great news for getting TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION into school libraries!

“Preschool-Gr 3–Brown bear Tova’s family runs a bakery with yummy bear treats. One day, Tova tries one of the baked goods and gets a tummy ache. The doctor says Tova is allergic to honeygrain, but everything at the bakery is made with honeygrain!

The bakers go to work trying to make something delicious without honeygrain, but they are unsuccessful. Tova gets an idea from her pet squirrel, and she makes lots of treats that are yummy and don’t make her tummy hurt.

The adorable artwork’s warm palette is a perfect mirror for this sweetly tender text. There are themes of creative problem-solving, family, and persistence.

This would be a terrific story to talk with kids about food allergies or food sensitivities.

VERDICT This adorable picture book would be a good choice for any picture book collection, particularly those needing titles about food allergies.
–Debbie Tanner”

Thanks, @sljournal !

Check it out—my first-ever school visit for my first-ever picture book! (TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION)

Which weird face is your favorite? 😂 (My former principal used to always comment on my wacky faces when I taught. Who knew!?)

My focus for this visit was to do an interactive storytime and help kids practice problem/solution story structure. We did a lot of making connections with sign language and voting with raising hands since there were 150 kids.

Thanks, Amber at Littleton Academy, for having me! Thanks, @thebookiesbookstore , for setting this up and delivering all the books. What a wonderful experience!

If you’d like me to inspire your kids with a story and a storytelling, word play, or growth mindset presentation, my school visit information is linked in my bio. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/

Check it out—my first-ever school visit for my first-ever picture book! (TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION)

Which weird face is your favorite? 😂 (My former principal used to always comment on my wacky faces when I taught. Who knew!?)

My focus for this visit was to do an interactive storytime and help kids practice problem/solution story structure. We did a lot of making connections with sign language and voting with raising hands since there were 150 kids.

Thanks, Amber at Littleton Academy, for having me! Thanks, @thebookiesbookstore , for setting this up and delivering all the books. What a wonderful experience!

If you’d like me to inspire your kids with a story and a storytelling, word play, or growth mindset presentation, my school visit information is linked in my bio. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/

Check it out—my first-ever school visit for my first-ever picture book! (TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION)

Which weird face is your favorite? 😂 (My former principal used to always comment on my wacky faces when I taught. Who knew!?)

My focus for this visit was to do an interactive storytime and help kids practice problem/solution story structure. We did a lot of making connections with sign language and voting with raising hands since there were 150 kids.

Thanks, Amber at Littleton Academy, for having me! Thanks, @thebookiesbookstore , for setting this up and delivering all the books. What a wonderful experience!

If you’d like me to inspire your kids with a story and a storytelling, word play, or growth mindset presentation, my school visit information is linked in my bio. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/

Check it out—my first-ever school visit for my first-ever picture book! (TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION)

Which weird face is your favorite? 😂 (My former principal used to always comment on my wacky faces when I taught. Who knew!?)

My focus for this visit was to do an interactive storytime and help kids practice problem/solution story structure. We did a lot of making connections with sign language and voting with raising hands since there were 150 kids.

Thanks, Amber at Littleton Academy, for having me! Thanks, @thebookiesbookstore , for setting this up and delivering all the books. What a wonderful experience!

If you’d like me to inspire your kids with a story and a storytelling, word play, or growth mindset presentation, my school visit information is linked in my bio. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/

Check it out—my first-ever school visit for my first-ever picture book! (TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION)

Which weird face is your favorite? 😂 (My former principal used to always comment on my wacky faces when I taught. Who knew!?)

My focus for this visit was to do an interactive storytime and help kids practice problem/solution story structure. We did a lot of making connections with sign language and voting with raising hands since there were 150 kids.

Thanks, Amber at Littleton Academy, for having me! Thanks, @thebookiesbookstore , for setting this up and delivering all the books. What a wonderful experience!

If you’d like me to inspire your kids with a story and a storytelling, word play, or growth mindset presentation, my school visit information is linked in my bio. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/

Check it out—my first-ever school visit for my first-ever picture book! (TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION)

Which weird face is your favorite? 😂 (My former principal used to always comment on my wacky faces when I taught. Who knew!?)

My focus for this visit was to do an interactive storytime and help kids practice problem/solution story structure. We did a lot of making connections with sign language and voting with raising hands since there were 150 kids.

Thanks, Amber at Littleton Academy, for having me! Thanks, @thebookiesbookstore , for setting this up and delivering all the books. What a wonderful experience!

If you’d like me to inspire your kids with a story and a storytelling, word play, or growth mindset presentation, my school visit information is linked in my bio. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/

Check it out—my first-ever school visit for my first-ever picture book! (TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION)

Which weird face is your favorite? 😂 (My former principal used to always comment on my wacky faces when I taught. Who knew!?)

My focus for this visit was to do an interactive storytime and help kids practice problem/solution story structure. We did a lot of making connections with sign language and voting with raising hands since there were 150 kids.

Thanks, Amber at Littleton Academy, for having me! Thanks, @thebookiesbookstore , for setting this up and delivering all the books. What a wonderful experience!

If you’d like me to inspire your kids with a story and a storytelling, word play, or growth mindset presentation, my school visit information is linked in my bio. https://imaginationsoup.net/melissa-taylor-author-school-visits/

Want a picture book that models growth mindset, an SEL and STEM concept? (And valuable life skill!)

Read TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION!

Tova tries, fails, and tries again, until...SUCCESS! A sweet solution.🥰

When I visit schools, I tell them about my own growth mindset while writing Tova — a terrible first version, a kazillion revisions, and lots of peer conferences (using the language of an elementary school). I even give students an interactive, multiple-choice quiz on how many times I revised, how many different titles there were, and choices of what the original main character was. (It wasn’t a bear.)

TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION is written by me, Melissa Taylor, illustrated by Aurelie Lise-Anne, and published by Red Comet Press.

Are your kids resilient and full of grit? Or could they use more growth mindset reminders in the form of stories like this one?

Today is the day that TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION arrives in the world!

I wrote this book to represent my daughter Jemma’s life with food allergies. It was a labor of love, and I’m so proud of it!

What will Tova do when she discovers she’s allergic to her favorite bakery treats? Her family rallies around her, but nothing they bakestorm tastes good. But she doesn’t give up. Tova tries again and finds an ingredient that works to make something delicious!

With themes of creative problem solving, growth mindset, and a loving family, this story introduces the concept of food allergies in a playful, general way.

The gorgeous art by @aurelieliseanne creates a cozy, warm ambience, inviting readers into the story.

I hope this story invites more empathy, kindness, and inclusion for children with food allergies and food differences.

TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION published by @redcometpressbooks would be a wonderful addition to your home library, classrooms, and public libraries.

May you find your own sweet solutions! HAPPY READING!

Today is the day that TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION arrives in the world!

I wrote this book to represent my daughter Jemma’s life with food allergies. It was a labor of love, and I’m so proud of it!

What will Tova do when she discovers she’s allergic to her favorite bakery treats? Her family rallies around her, but nothing they bakestorm tastes good. But she doesn’t give up. Tova tries again and finds an ingredient that works to make something delicious!

With themes of creative problem solving, growth mindset, and a loving family, this story introduces the concept of food allergies in a playful, general way.

The gorgeous art by @aurelieliseanne creates a cozy, warm ambience, inviting readers into the story.

I hope this story invites more empathy, kindness, and inclusion for children with food allergies and food differences.

TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION published by @redcometpressbooks would be a wonderful addition to your home library, classrooms, and public libraries.

May you find your own sweet solutions! HAPPY READING!

Today is the day that TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION arrives in the world!

I wrote this book to represent my daughter Jemma’s life with food allergies. It was a labor of love, and I’m so proud of it!

What will Tova do when she discovers she’s allergic to her favorite bakery treats? Her family rallies around her, but nothing they bakestorm tastes good. But she doesn’t give up. Tova tries again and finds an ingredient that works to make something delicious!

With themes of creative problem solving, growth mindset, and a loving family, this story introduces the concept of food allergies in a playful, general way.

The gorgeous art by @aurelieliseanne creates a cozy, warm ambience, inviting readers into the story.

I hope this story invites more empathy, kindness, and inclusion for children with food allergies and food differences.

TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION published by @redcometpressbooks would be a wonderful addition to your home library, classrooms, and public libraries.

May you find your own sweet solutions! HAPPY READING!

Tova loves living above her family’s bakery with her mama, papa, and older sister, where they make the most delicious breads, pastries, and desserts. One day, Tova gets sick after eating a slice of toffeechip toast, and the doctor discovers she is allergic to honeygrain. Tova is devastated by the news. Her family tries to come up with a solution by “bakestorming” alternatives to honeygrain, but nothing works until—with the help of her pet squirrel, Biscuit—Tova devises her own sweet solution!

From an aesthetic perspective, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION is a visual treat. It is vibrant and engaging, with gold-foil details on the cover, scrumptious endpapers, adorable characters, and a lovely color palette. Young readers will love the creatively named selection of sweet treats, from cinnalove scones and chocomint cookies to honeybear buns and pericot crisp. If you’re not a little bit hungry by the end of this book, I’ll be astonished.

Now, let’s talk about the message. There is no shame in having food allergies, but it can feel isolating. Food limitations often set children apart from their peers and keep them from eating with the group. TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION acknowledges the challenges faced by children (and their families) living with food allergies. Her story helps children with these allergies feel seen, hopeful, and empowered to find food alternatives that work for their unique needs.

I applaud the author, Melissa Taylor—an allergy mom herself—for her efforts to highlight this important issue and present it in a way that children will understand and enjoy. I recommend TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION to families navigating food allergies who might benefit from feeling seen. It’s also a wonderful choice for anyone hoping to encourage empathy in this area.

🛍️Out TOMORROW! (4/21/26)

🥧Many thanks to the @MelissaTaylor aka @imaginationsoup@aurelieliseanne and @redcometpressbooks for this gifted review copy.

❓Do you or does any one in your family have allergies?Me? I have a daughter who is allergic to the cold.

#ChildrensBooks #PictureBookLove #BooksForKids #KidLitCommunity #RaisingReaders

Tova loves living above her family’s bakery with her mama, papa, and older sister, where they make the most delicious breads, pastries, and desserts. One day, Tova gets sick after eating a slice of toffeechip toast, and the doctor discovers she is allergic to honeygrain. Tova is devastated by the news. Her family tries to come up with a solution by “bakestorming” alternatives to honeygrain, but nothing works until—with the help of her pet squirrel, Biscuit—Tova devises her own sweet solution!

From an aesthetic perspective, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION is a visual treat. It is vibrant and engaging, with gold-foil details on the cover, scrumptious endpapers, adorable characters, and a lovely color palette. Young readers will love the creatively named selection of sweet treats, from cinnalove scones and chocomint cookies to honeybear buns and pericot crisp. If you’re not a little bit hungry by the end of this book, I’ll be astonished.

Now, let’s talk about the message. There is no shame in having food allergies, but it can feel isolating. Food limitations often set children apart from their peers and keep them from eating with the group. TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION acknowledges the challenges faced by children (and their families) living with food allergies. Her story helps children with these allergies feel seen, hopeful, and empowered to find food alternatives that work for their unique needs.

I applaud the author, Melissa Taylor—an allergy mom herself—for her efforts to highlight this important issue and present it in a way that children will understand and enjoy. I recommend TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION to families navigating food allergies who might benefit from feeling seen. It’s also a wonderful choice for anyone hoping to encourage empathy in this area.

🛍️Out TOMORROW! (4/21/26)

🥧Many thanks to the @MelissaTaylor aka @imaginationsoup@aurelieliseanne and @redcometpressbooks for this gifted review copy.

❓Do you or does any one in your family have allergies?Me? I have a daughter who is allergic to the cold.

#ChildrensBooks #PictureBookLove #BooksForKids #KidLitCommunity #RaisingReaders

Tova loves living above her family’s bakery with her mama, papa, and older sister, where they make the most delicious breads, pastries, and desserts. One day, Tova gets sick after eating a slice of toffeechip toast, and the doctor discovers she is allergic to honeygrain. Tova is devastated by the news. Her family tries to come up with a solution by “bakestorming” alternatives to honeygrain, but nothing works until—with the help of her pet squirrel, Biscuit—Tova devises her own sweet solution!

From an aesthetic perspective, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION is a visual treat. It is vibrant and engaging, with gold-foil details on the cover, scrumptious endpapers, adorable characters, and a lovely color palette. Young readers will love the creatively named selection of sweet treats, from cinnalove scones and chocomint cookies to honeybear buns and pericot crisp. If you’re not a little bit hungry by the end of this book, I’ll be astonished.

Now, let’s talk about the message. There is no shame in having food allergies, but it can feel isolating. Food limitations often set children apart from their peers and keep them from eating with the group. TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION acknowledges the challenges faced by children (and their families) living with food allergies. Her story helps children with these allergies feel seen, hopeful, and empowered to find food alternatives that work for their unique needs.

I applaud the author, Melissa Taylor—an allergy mom herself—for her efforts to highlight this important issue and present it in a way that children will understand and enjoy. I recommend TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION to families navigating food allergies who might benefit from feeling seen. It’s also a wonderful choice for anyone hoping to encourage empathy in this area.

🛍️Out TOMORROW! (4/21/26)

🥧Many thanks to the @MelissaTaylor aka @imaginationsoup@aurelieliseanne and @redcometpressbooks for this gifted review copy.

❓Do you or does any one in your family have allergies?Me? I have a daughter who is allergic to the cold.

#ChildrensBooks #PictureBookLove #BooksForKids #KidLitCommunity #RaisingReaders

Tova loves living above her family’s bakery with her mama, papa, and older sister, where they make the most delicious breads, pastries, and desserts. One day, Tova gets sick after eating a slice of toffeechip toast, and the doctor discovers she is allergic to honeygrain. Tova is devastated by the news. Her family tries to come up with a solution by “bakestorming” alternatives to honeygrain, but nothing works until—with the help of her pet squirrel, Biscuit—Tova devises her own sweet solution!

From an aesthetic perspective, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION is a visual treat. It is vibrant and engaging, with gold-foil details on the cover, scrumptious endpapers, adorable characters, and a lovely color palette. Young readers will love the creatively named selection of sweet treats, from cinnalove scones and chocomint cookies to honeybear buns and pericot crisp. If you’re not a little bit hungry by the end of this book, I’ll be astonished.

Now, let’s talk about the message. There is no shame in having food allergies, but it can feel isolating. Food limitations often set children apart from their peers and keep them from eating with the group. TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION acknowledges the challenges faced by children (and their families) living with food allergies. Her story helps children with these allergies feel seen, hopeful, and empowered to find food alternatives that work for their unique needs.

I applaud the author, Melissa Taylor—an allergy mom herself—for her efforts to highlight this important issue and present it in a way that children will understand and enjoy. I recommend TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION to families navigating food allergies who might benefit from feeling seen. It’s also a wonderful choice for anyone hoping to encourage empathy in this area.

🛍️Out TOMORROW! (4/21/26)

🥧Many thanks to the @MelissaTaylor aka @imaginationsoup@aurelieliseanne and @redcometpressbooks for this gifted review copy.

❓Do you or does any one in your family have allergies?Me? I have a daughter who is allergic to the cold.

#ChildrensBooks #PictureBookLove #BooksForKids #KidLitCommunity #RaisingReaders

Tova loves living above her family’s bakery with her mama, papa, and older sister, where they make the most delicious breads, pastries, and desserts. One day, Tova gets sick after eating a slice of toffeechip toast, and the doctor discovers she is allergic to honeygrain. Tova is devastated by the news. Her family tries to come up with a solution by “bakestorming” alternatives to honeygrain, but nothing works until—with the help of her pet squirrel, Biscuit—Tova devises her own sweet solution!

From an aesthetic perspective, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION is a visual treat. It is vibrant and engaging, with gold-foil details on the cover, scrumptious endpapers, adorable characters, and a lovely color palette. Young readers will love the creatively named selection of sweet treats, from cinnalove scones and chocomint cookies to honeybear buns and pericot crisp. If you’re not a little bit hungry by the end of this book, I’ll be astonished.

Now, let’s talk about the message. There is no shame in having food allergies, but it can feel isolating. Food limitations often set children apart from their peers and keep them from eating with the group. TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION acknowledges the challenges faced by children (and their families) living with food allergies. Her story helps children with these allergies feel seen, hopeful, and empowered to find food alternatives that work for their unique needs.

I applaud the author, Melissa Taylor—an allergy mom herself—for her efforts to highlight this important issue and present it in a way that children will understand and enjoy. I recommend TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION to families navigating food allergies who might benefit from feeling seen. It’s also a wonderful choice for anyone hoping to encourage empathy in this area.

🛍️Out TOMORROW! (4/21/26)

🥧Many thanks to the @MelissaTaylor aka @imaginationsoup@aurelieliseanne and @redcometpressbooks for this gifted review copy.

❓Do you or does any one in your family have allergies?Me? I have a daughter who is allergic to the cold.

#ChildrensBooks #PictureBookLove #BooksForKids #KidLitCommunity #RaisingReaders

Tova loves living above her family’s bakery with her mama, papa, and older sister, where they make the most delicious breads, pastries, and desserts. One day, Tova gets sick after eating a slice of toffeechip toast, and the doctor discovers she is allergic to honeygrain. Tova is devastated by the news. Her family tries to come up with a solution by “bakestorming” alternatives to honeygrain, but nothing works until—with the help of her pet squirrel, Biscuit—Tova devises her own sweet solution!

From an aesthetic perspective, TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION is a visual treat. It is vibrant and engaging, with gold-foil details on the cover, scrumptious endpapers, adorable characters, and a lovely color palette. Young readers will love the creatively named selection of sweet treats, from cinnalove scones and chocomint cookies to honeybear buns and pericot crisp. If you’re not a little bit hungry by the end of this book, I’ll be astonished.

Now, let’s talk about the message. There is no shame in having food allergies, but it can feel isolating. Food limitations often set children apart from their peers and keep them from eating with the group. TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION acknowledges the challenges faced by children (and their families) living with food allergies. Her story helps children with these allergies feel seen, hopeful, and empowered to find food alternatives that work for their unique needs.

I applaud the author, Melissa Taylor—an allergy mom herself—for her efforts to highlight this important issue and present it in a way that children will understand and enjoy. I recommend TOVA’S SWEET SOLUTION to families navigating food allergies who might benefit from feeling seen. It’s also a wonderful choice for anyone hoping to encourage empathy in this area.

🛍️Out TOMORROW! (4/21/26)

🥧Many thanks to the @MelissaTaylor aka @imaginationsoup@aurelieliseanne and @redcometpressbooks for this gifted review copy.

❓Do you or does any one in your family have allergies?Me? I have a daughter who is allergic to the cold.

#ChildrensBooks #PictureBookLove #BooksForKids #KidLitCommunity #RaisingReaders