If you have a pre-teen this is the best money you will spend. Especially in the light of this year and the pressure our children have faced to school themselves via a computer screen EXPRESS YOURSELF is a welcome tool. Subtitled Joyful Journaling for Kids EXPRESS YOURSELF by Christine Boucher identifies so many areas that we need to address for these children in order to keep their spirits upbeat and positive. On the back of the book the author proudly states that positive vibes start here. And it is indeed a call that many parents will recognize.

So where to begin. EXPRESS YOURSELF is a colorful journal that lets the child respond in many ways. They are to use the tools they have at hand and use their imaginations. Many activities require just a word, picture or something special to be added to a colorful box on the page. For example chapter one which is called Joyful Jots is designed to keep joy and happiness flowing. The exercise is so simple – write something that makes you feel good about the topic. The example they show is for a box called vacation and the entry they use as a suggestion is swimming. So simple. And yet so telling about how your child feels about vacation.

EXPRESS YOURSELF is all about your child. They follow along in a journal that asks them for their ideas and feelings. No grades, no awards, no judgment. It’s all about them.

Dover Publishing has a reputation for well-constructed books and EXPRESS YOURSELF fits the mold. Not every page and activity is going to fit each child but that’s okay. It respects and encourages individuality and creativity.

At under $10 EXPRESS YOURSELF Joyful Journaling for Kids by Christine Boucher is a great gift for any occasion.