Create Your Bright Ideas: Read, Journal, and Color Your Way to the Future You Imagine

by Jess Ekstrom, Nadia Fisher (Illustrations)

This interactive book for energetic, creatively minded tweens and teens from entrepreneur Jess Ekstrom uses inspiring stories, journaling prompts, coloring pages, and creative ideas to show kids that if they want something to be different in the world, they can do something about it today!
Water the seeds of creativity in your child through this engaging book about having a positive growth mind-set. In Create Your Bright Ideas , Jess motivates kids to be creators and ambitious doers who know they are never too young to change the world. Create Your Bright Ideas helps kids discover their passions by offering
Jess never predicted that her time selling cookies and lemonade as a kid was foreshadowing founding her company Headbands of Hope, which helps millions of kids with illnesses. It wasn't always smooth sailing, but each obstacle she faced put her on an unexpected path of inspiration, helping her discover the amazing things she could become and do, like starting multiple businesses, writing a book, and helping millions of people feel more confident in their story. Now Jess shows kids how to channel their own energy and unique interests to create something meaningful. With inspiration from Jess's bestselling book Chasing the Bright Side , this jump-right-in guide created just for kids and tweens is a great gift for
Create Your Bright Ideas is a perfect size to fit in a backpack, ready to be pulled out whenever inspiration strikes--during car rides, while waiting for the bus, for reading time at school, or right before bed. A powerful and fun reminder that many CEOs and nonprofit leaders started their careers with a lemonade stand, Create Your Bright Ideas takes kids on an exciting journey of purpose, self-discovery, and bold action.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Jess is the founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope, a company she started as a junior in college in 2012. For every headband sold, a headband is given to a child with cancer. The company has been featured on the TODAY Show, Vanity Fair, Seventeen, Good Morning America and more. But more importantly, they've donated over half a million headbands to every children's hospital in the United States and 15 countries. Jess is also a professional speaker and author of Chasing the Bright Side. She’s currently living and traveling in an Airstream with her husband, Jake, and standard poodle, Ollie.

Reviews

[Dun's · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had this book when I was younger. It is such a terrific combo of a memoir, a journal, a coloring book, and empowering messages to inspire young and future entrepreneurs. The narrative is relatable, the illustrations are wonderful, and the prompts are helpful and actionable.

It's a great book for tween, teenagers, and young adults. Or even "proper" adults because it's never too late to act on your dreams. I am gifting it to someone who is within the recommended age range (8-12 year olds) and will update my review as they read and use the book.

Many thanks for the free copy I received in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable book and so very useful. I love how encouraging it is for young female entrepreneurs while also being informative and helping them dream and think through ideas!! I also love the way Jess talks about the important of making OTHER people’s magic moments happen as such a big part of entrepreneurship. So beautiful. And GENIUS to make it with coloring pages!! I just loved it!! I would not only recommend it for buy it for kiddos in my life with big dreams and ideas!

[Sydney Andress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buying this for my 16-year-old goddaughter who is smart, funny, talented, and has so much promise! I love that this journal is interactive. She'll love this for so many reasons, but mostly for empowerment. Jess encourages, enlightens, and shifts perspective. Great for any teenager or young adult!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspires and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit in our kiddos. Give this book to all the kids in your circle and watch them thrive & make a difference!

[Sara Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I needed this as a kid but I also needed it today as an adult. Great activities, motivation, and inspiration packed into this little book! One that is a must have for any library!

[Tasha Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This six chapter sample was cute. The formatting in my Kindle left something to be desired, but I got the gist of it.
It is very much aimed toward young females. The journal pages and dream big shared the essence of Rachel Hollis and overall reminded me of an Iyanla Vanzant journal/ workbook I had when I was a kid.
Overall, not bad. Not spot on for me (I’m a tad older than the intended audience). I think many young females will enjoy.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former children’s librarian, current brand-new business owner, and energy healer/mindset coach, here’s what I loved about this book:

One line nuggets of wisdom that stick with you.
True stories that are down to earth, relatable, funny, heart-breaking, and inspiring.
Simple, fun writing exercises that get your ideas flowing and build enthusiasm.
Coloring pages (squee!) that reinforce key principles.
Specific action steps that move you along in concrete, noticeable ways without being overwhelming.
Practical how-to info for starting a business—including a fun, easy way to put together a business plan, and other things I didn’t know when I started my business. :)
Optimistic (and realistic) advice to navigate the inevitable bumps along the way.

I especially love that Jess encourages kids to embrace their youth: “Your age is your superpower!” Through sharing her experiences she teaches young people to connect with the world in a positive way, and to develop a mindset of contributing, specifically in regards to creating their bright ideas.

I think this will especially resonate with girls (age 10-15) primarily because of the illustrations, color scheme, and format—but the information itself is a great fit for guys too, and older teens. (Honestly, as an adult, I loved it too—as much, if not more, than Jess Ekstrom’s book “Chasing the Bright Side” for adults.)

A final note for parents: Reading this book can help you understand your creative child with all their ideas and big dreams, and help you to support them in channeling their energy in productive ways to learn, grow and contribute. And who knows, maybe you’ll find your own inspiration to “create what you wish existed”. :)

[Graeme Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Create Your Bright Ideas: Read, Journal, and Color Your Way to the Future You Imagine by Jess Ekstrom, with illustrations by Nadia Fisher, is a vibrant, engaging, and empowering interactive book designed to inspire young minds to think creatively and act boldly.

What makes this book particularly effective is its hands on approach. Rather than simply offering advice, Ekstrom invites readers to actively participate through journaling prompts, coloring pages, and creative exercises. This interactive format transforms the reading experience into something dynamic and personal, encouraging tweens and teens to explore their ideas, passions, and sense of purpose in a meaningful way.

Ekstrom’s own entrepreneurial journey adds authenticity and inspiration to the narrative. Her story demonstrates that impactful ideas often begin in simple ways, making the message both accessible and motivating for younger readers. The tone is encouraging without being overwhelming, striking a balance between ambition and relatability.

The book’s focus on creativity, confidence, and a growth mindset is especially valuable in today’s world. It empowers young readers to see themselves not just as dreamers, but as doers capable of shaping their future and making a difference.

Create Your Bright Ideas is a thoughtful and inspiring resource that blends creativity with purpose. It’s a perfect companion for young readers ready to explore their potential and take their first steps toward meaningful action.

[Dyn✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed with this book, it made me think again about the decisions I made. I like how the author provides a journal at the end of each chapter, giving me ideas for journal writing and decisions that I want to achieve in the future. Very motivating! I highly recommend teenagers to read this book, this book will really help them deal with the age transition from youth to adulthood. With a simple decision like volunteering at the park on Saturday morning, it also has a good impact on our life habits. I was reminded of my desire to join the volunteer program too.

The part that I like the most is "Your Age is Your Super Power". Right, after passing the age of 1/4 century I feel that time will pass soon. My current youth is my super power. So I have to make good use of it. Thank you Jess Ekstrom for writing a beautiful book, and also illustrator Nadia Fisher for making this book more colorful.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for accepting me to read and review this beautiful book.

[Michelle Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book for young minds. Not only does it inspire them to think outside of the box, it encourages an entrepreneurial mindset, helps them learn how to set goals with actionable examples, but it also builds a world of possibilities for their young minds! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to build confidence as well as a positive impact in their tween/teen. 10/10 rating! This book went way beyond our expectations!

[Kate Porter McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would happen if we got the concept of GO FOR IT into the brains of kids?!! They’d be inspired to set goals, chase dreams now! Create Your Bright Ideas is the guide to do just that! This book is perfect for your favorite young female reader who you’d love you encourage to go after her dreams. She’ll love that she can create within the pages of this book! My daughter loves it! I love that she’s inspired to start now! Why wait, amazing girl?! Go for it!

[Kate LaCroix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess has done it again! Create Your Bright Ideas is the perfect book-journal-coloring-creation combo. She takes the time to explain concepts, like “entrepreneur” and “non-profit”, to provide space for coloring and writing. She shares her own stories from these tender ages to inspire the next generation. I am enjoying this book as an adult too - simple reminders for all of us as we make our dreams become reality.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be buying this book for everyone on my Christmas list! An inspiring book for young ladies with interactive pages and engaging activities. The author is able to speak to young women invoking leadership and change. She also makes you laugh out loud! The graphics are beautiful and I love how readers can color them to make them their own. Every girl and every classroom needs this book, it will only do good!

[Maggie Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must buy!! I have never seen anything like it and if we ever needed our kids to have a bit more hope, it is now. I wish I had this book as a kid to start believing at an early age that I could change the world. I remember dreaming of different ideas and not knowing what to do with it. Jess sets a foundation for all of those bold ideas and allows for kids to know it is possible! Buy this book now for all of the kiddos in your life and let their magic begin!

[Jake Kahut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great interactive book for young readers. Will be using this as a stocking stuffer for my whole family this year! Encourages the reader to think for themselves and create what they wished existed, even if it's just something small. Gives a great framework for young people to explore the building blocks of a business or idea with the guidance of a friend along the way.

[Magdalyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

i got one for each of my nieces, and i cannot wait to see how they fill the pages with their ideas and passions! the positive messaging in jess’s writing and journaling prompts will be instrumental in shifting the thinking of these young minds, encouraging gratitude and kind self-talk in a world that often pushes the opposite.

[Catharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I enjoyed this book. The information is easy to digest and not so heavy like this type of information can be. The author also was vey open about her success and the failures that she had to go through until she arrived where she is now. The coloring pages between chapters are a lite way of reinforcing the information.

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to motivate and guide someone to achieve a dream. I really like the pages with sayings that can be colored enforce the thought. The journaling and listing ideas are positive and motivational. This book is a great book to get children off the phones and iPads and bring out their creative side and become ambitious. The stories are very heart warming and inspiring.

[Cathy Miyasato Bidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom of 2 young girls, this is the book I want on their bookshelves and one that I know that will be used over and over again. Create Your Bright Ideas allows young ones to dream big and most importantly helps them design/organize their ideas : )

[Jenna Bendickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book to encourage any tween/teen into creating their bright ideas! I love the messaging in this book and the interactive pages with prompts for journaling or even coloring! It’s like my kids have Jess as a mentor right on the pages! Love it!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this for my 10 year old daughter, but the content is even relevant to adults! Loved the stories and the journaling piece is great for notes and reflecting. My daughter and I will definitely be doing this together. Highly recommend.

[Deanne Persinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that will encourage people, not necessarily just young people, to dream, create, and become who they are destined to be. This book will inspire leadership and creativity and entrepreneurship. Create Your Bright Ideas will change lives. Guaranteed!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible! I wish I had this book when I was younger! Even as an adult there are great pointers for getting your ideas off the ground and continue to stay motivated and inspired. I’m buying multiple copies as holiday gifts this year!

[Natalie Franke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for entrepreneurial littles! I have loved sharing parts of this book with my kids. They are a little too young to fully grasp everything—but I can’t wait to continue sharing it with them as they grow up!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book, intending to give it to my daughter. After looking at the chapter names, I may just keep it for me. Don’t worry, she’ll get a copy…eventually 😉

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have definitely have used this when I was growing up. It is going to be so useful for my kids.

[Marlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The empowerment and purpose this book provides to young girls can’t be understated. It’s so refreshing to see that this author has invested so much effort in teaching young people their lives are not only here for the taking but she also provides tools to help them shape their life into something more meaningful and purposeful! I’ve got a list of girls I’m sending this book to.

[Bethani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for young readers who need an outlet. It's the perfect amount of journal, fun/creative drawing, and advice to interact with anyone.