Kids stand a lot to learn from their furry friends! Nike, the dog made famous by her delightful owner, Karen Olson, has a new journal coming out. Naturally, Karen has worked with Nike, creating a journal that is filled with PAWsome activities, a journal which will help children fill their own bucket list and have the time of their lives. Whether kids love drawing, writing, or playing, it is guaranteed that they will find something to love within this journal. Spoiler alert, you will need a bucket! Just kidding!
My opinion:
I loved “A Dog’s Bucket List”, the book which brought Nike into the spotlight, it felt like such a unique book to read. Now, as I have a six-year-old daughter, who is all about living to the fullest, I was so excited to come across this journal. The author, who is a beautiful human, promises that Nike will help kids discover and write down their own dreams and thoughts. That is beautiful and I couldn’t agree more, it is up to us, as adults, to show little humans how unique they are. And what better way to do this than by using a journal filled with interesting activities?
The journal has wonderful illustrations done by Hestia Nura and it begins with a short recount of Nike’s life, and how he came about to filling his own bucket list. In fact, the journal was inspired by Nike’s own story and, as you will see, the furry friend will actually guide the kids to fill the journal. You will also find some instructions on how the journal works, so that there is no confusion as to how it should be used. For me, a big plus is the gentle tone used throughout the journal, you can feel that the author has a kind soul, and definitely experience in working with children.
There are so many cool activities hidden inside this journal! Children are encouraged to draw, build their own family tree, and try different exercises to manage complicated emotions. The author gently nudges them in the right direction, using Nike has as her right hand. There are fun facts to discover, physical activities to try, and plenty of challenges along the way. Imagine labyrinths, detective work, and even a bit of math. Nike will have a few words to say as well, offering guidance along the way. Children are helped to list the chores suitable for them, write about their own fears, and also to create a bucket list of accomplishments. I especially enjoyed the Nike trivia.
Summary:
This is one of the best journals I have ever seen, as it combines a lot of interesting activities, destined to help with both mental and physical health. I absolutely love Nike as a character and I think the author did a great job in including all those PAWsome activities, many of which are meant to facilitate emotion management in young children. Nike is back with his bucket list, this time inspiring kids to come up with their own. More often than not, we want children to obey, which also means that they are restricting their true self. I think life would be different and definitely more enjoyable, were we to step aside and just let them be. A journal like this one will bring a smile on the faces of children, but it will also serve as a reminder for parents, delivering an important lesson. Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed, not fit into boxes of expectations!
Book Mockup: Canva
I honestly have tears in my eyes after reading your sweet review about Nike’s journal for kids. Thanks so much for your time and for including the journal in your blog! - Karen