Just Between Us: Mother & Daughter
a no-stress, no-rules journal
by Meredith & Sophie Jacobs
ISBN-10: 0811868958
Published by: Chronicle Books
My daughter is now 12 years old, a tween soon to be teen later this year which is still hard for me to believe. During this past year during the pandemic it's been fun to bond over our love of crafting, playing games/puzzles and our favorite thing is long walks where we can get fresh air and talk. I recently discovered the book, Just Between Us: Mother & Daughter, a no-stress, no-rules journal by mother and daughter team, Meredith and Sofie Jacobs.
First off I love the style of this journal. It's a great size (not too big and not too small) and the prompts inside look fun and not intimidating. There are named pages for mother with the opposite page for the daughter. My daughter and I for sure have different styles and tastes and no matter how much I play Madonna or Depeche Mode, she will not like that 80's/90's music at all. I love our differences and I also love our similarities. Sofie Jacobs (the daughter) and her mother Meredith have been journaling together for 5 years since this book was published back in 2010 (from 3rd to 8th grade). Meredith explains that even as they journal together, they still talk in person and that it's mutually beneficial to also have their paper journals. Journaling has helped them deepen their relationship.
The design of the journal is something I love and Chronicle Books the publisher, is know for their amazing design and eye for details. The small illustrations and the patterns along the edges or top/bottom, these details make it all fun! The pages vary in question length and it can go from simple lists to deep questions where mom or daughter will need more time to write and explain. There are also fun pages for both of you to draw! (see interior pictures below.)
When I first received this book for review, I wasn't sure my tween girl would be up for it. When I asked her about it, she wanted to see the journal first before she would agree to it. Once she saw it in person and looked through the pages, she liked the style and agreed that we could do it together like a long-term project. The concept so simple is pure genius! Sometimes kids are afraid to ask things in person and I think having a book where they can write and wait for a reply is also exciting for them. It's perfect for topics they may be uneasy with aka boys or puberty. It's also a great way for them to learn about what you went though in middle or high school days. This journal is perfect for older tweens and teen girls. For younger girls, there is a new Interactive Mother & Daughter version that has more illustrations, list type prompts and also has stickers.
It's no wonder that this journal is a series. You can pick up other versions such as Mother & Son, Grandmother & Grandaughter and Sisters. This journal also makes a great gift for Mother's Day which is coming up earlier in May on Sunday, May 9th.
Here are more images of the Just Between Us, Mother & Daughter Journal:
Shop the book, Just Between Us: Mother & Daughter: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal on Amazon.
Review book provided by Chronicle Books
