'An interactive guide to the “magical landscape of YOU!”
Young people are invited to explore their “mountains of strength,” “wetlands of weakness,” and “forest of fears” in this fill-in-the-blank imaginative journal. The journey begins with an invitation to draw self-portraits and outline the parameters of “your world,” including its name, laws, and motto. On a double-page spread featuring a picture of a large green knapsack, it is suggested that readers pack an “emotional survival kit” for difficult times by writing down and drawing their supplies. Quizzes, creative prompts, flowcharts, and inspirational quotes encourage journalers to reflect on their hopes and fears, goals and experiences, mental health, and interpersonal relationships. Earnest nature-based metaphors are woven throughout the text, with all-caps subheadings such as “Lake of Likes,” “Kindness Cove,” and “Memory Marsh.” Most of the suggestions succeed in their intention of sparking creative reflection about one’s social-emotional well-being, although they range in practicality from exposure therapy tips to a prompt to “draw yourself as a shining star in the night sky.”
The cheerful, doodlelike illustrations—some in full color, others selectively colored, and many of them busy—are filled with nature imagery and complement the text well'. -- Kirkus
'For kids who can’t get enough of books that help them explore their inner thoughts and feelings, this book is perfect. Set up as a set of maps ‘into the magical landscape of you,’ it prompts kids to draw, write lists, color to assess own their feelings and dreams. From ‘Self Portrait Sunflowers’ to ‘Mountains of Strength,’ ‘Wetlands of Weakness,’ and the ‘Forest of Fears’ and finally to ‘Stars of Dreams,’ there are many useful exercises that help kids come to terms with facets of themselves that they want to understand better. Most importantly, they will identify the great things about themselves that are their strengths.
The author wrote this book as a way to help with her own anxiety, and it was part of her art school graduate project. The tone is positive and her ideas are insightful. The art is black and white with a bit of color and allows lots of room for filling in prompts, so the book can act as a sort of diary for introspective kids. There are some Britishisms that that will only delight kids, such as using the word ‘chilled’ instead of ‘chill’ for someone who is laid back'.
-- Youth Services Book Review
'This is such a cool book! It makes the mental health activities really fun, and all the pages are so attractive. I love the beautiful designs on each page. The bright colors and minimalist designs make it really special.
It’s so imaginative the way that the mental health exercises are presented in such an interesting way. You can explore the Forest of Fear, the Meadow of Mindfulness, and the Peaks of Perfection! You can write a Message in a Bottle to help you communicate with others. You can write your favorite memories down in Memory Marsh.
This would be a great book for any age, from children to adults!'
-- Luminous Libro
'Map of You helps middle-grade readers colour and draw their way to inner peace in this charming wellbeing activity book. Full of helpful advice with opportunities for self-reflection, this delightful book will engage readers and support their development, through lively illustrations and heart-warming positivity'.
-- The BookActivist
'Created by author-illustrator Sophie Williams, this fun-filled activity book is packed with playful and characterful artwork, illustrated with black outlines, colourful fills and hand-drawn typefaces. The engaging activities are designed to inspire self-reflection, promote positive mental well-being and encourage mindfulness, with plenty of blank space for young children to write, doodle and draw into.
Aimed at children aged 8-13 years, this brilliantly creative and thoughtfully designed activity book inspires self-awareness, helps to navigate complex feelings and promotes positive mental wellbeing'. -- Paper Ren
