Kiki is a magazine for smart girls who also enjoy a sense of style; but it's not an ordinary fashion magazine. There no ads, there are very few product mentions, and the material is serious. One back-to-school issue, with a focus on writing and literature, referenced dailylit.com (an excellent web site for readers), Beverly Cleary, Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, and included a great feature on book art.

Another issue on Music and Fashion had similarly interesting material. There was a blurb on Daphne Guiness, the fashion icon heiress, an in-depth profile on the clothing company Justice, and a great feature on how to sew. There was also a section on money management, book reviews, a DIY activity on how to make a record album bracelet, and lots more. Kiki offers plenty to keep its readers busy for the two months between issues.

While the material is great, what's better is Kiki's underlying message: be thoughtful, be smart, be strong. You don't read about Carolina Herrera's multi-million dollar penthouse, but instead where she started and how she worked for her success.

Our only hesitation about recommending Kiki is its recommended age range. While an interest in fashion can be supported-and this magazine does so in very a healthy way-it doesn't need to be encouraged so early. Girls will find their way to it. We suggest Kiki for slightly older readers, girls 12 years and up.