As the title suggests, this is not just a book about children’s art projects. Instead Mary Wallace presents art activities as a means to discover and express the inner self. Wallace, an experienced art teacher, begins this personal exploration by encouraging the reader to create an art journal – the visual equivalent of a written journal. A third of the book is then devoted to explanations of materials and methods that can be used in any of the subsequent activities. Each of these activities is introduced by a brief descriptive paragraph with frequent reference to the uniqueness of the reader in terms of feelings, thoughts, and imagination. A listing of necessary materials and clear step-by-step instructions follow each introduction. The clever design of the book adds to the ease with which the projects can be carried out. The use of coloured circles and rectangles containing instructions, lists of materials or historical sidebars allows the eye to focus on the text and not be distracted by the bright illustrations that make this book so appealing.

An unusual feature is a series of personal responses entitled “Girl Talk” displayed throughout the book and written by some of the two dozen girls who tried the art projects. While the responses clearly reveal how meaningful the projects were in terms of self-discovery, it is a shame that this book is devoted to girls. Surely boys could profit from such exploration as well.

A short index, glossary, and list of relevant books and web sites nicely round out the book and make it a useful resource for teachers as well as children.