My Museum Journal: A Writing and Sketching Book (Getty Trust Publication: J. Paul Getty Museum)

A journal is a popular way for children and young adults to contemplate many aspects of their lives. This unique diary, designed especially for children ages nine and up, helps kids articulate their personal experience of art and museums.
My Museum Journal combines fine art with stimulating writing and sketching activities which encourage children to record and understand their art impressions. A self-portrait by Edgar Degas provides inspiration for an activity entitled "Who Am I?" David Hockney's photographic collage Pearblossom Hwy introduces the topic of travel. A European tapestry depicting a fantastical scene from China beckons youngsters to let their imagination fly away to distant places. Other themes in the journal include heroes, family, growing up, games, friends, dreams, and celebrations. Each topic includes an introduction, an artwork thematically related to the text, and a mix of writing and sketching activities intended to inspire creative drawing and writing in the shape of poetry, dialogue, and illustrations. Extra blank pages for writing and sketching and a section on visiting museums wrap up this handsome volume.

Shelly Kale is a writer and editor, most recently the co-author of Peggy: An Affair with the Sea.
Lisa Vihos is manager of educational resources at the Getty Museum.