What Do You Do with an Idea?
By Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
For ages: 6–8 | Price: $23.39 | Hardcover | 36 pages
Publisher: Compendium Publishing & Communications
Publication date: February 1, 2014
ISBN-10: 1938298071
Some people are born under a lucky star—such is the case for New York Times bestselling children’s book author Kobi Yamada. His mission is clear: to encourage children of all ages to embrace their uniqueness and expand their vision. It is equally important to acknowledge illustrator Mae Besom, who holds a special place in Yamada’s heart and helps him recognize that creativity has no language.
When Yamada’s book What Do You Do with an Idea? was published in 2014, The Children’s Book Review praised it as a spectacular book for all ages. Other voices, including Carol Chandler and Meghan Murphy (Teaching Children Philosophy), highlighted its exploration of mature philosophical questions. Hurray! That means lots of fun for adults as well!
Readers were captivated by What Do You Do with an Idea?, which became a national bestseller and won multiple prestigious awards, including the Independent Publishers Award (Gold Medal), the Washington State Book Award, and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. Amazing things can happen when you take a chance! Yamada took another leap with What Do You Do with a Problem?
(2017) and What Do You Do with a Chance? (2018).
Alongside Yamada’s works, books that impart life lessons to young readers continue to trend, such as The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires and Going Places by Peter H. Reynolds.
What Do You Do with an Idea? tells the story of a boy’s mysterious idea, personified as a charming egg with legs, adorned with a crown. As the boy journeys from initial uncertainty to nurturing and embracing his idea, he experiences a whirlwind of emotions. Despite others’ rejection, his idea flourishes and grows.
Above all, his dedication to his idea, despite external doubt, allows it to thrive. The magic is embedded in the narrative as the boy builds his world—gazing up at the stars. And then, one day, to no surprise, his magical idea transforms the world. This is where the fantasy unfolds.
The plot ignites children’s imaginations. The transition from black-and-white illustrations to vibrant colors mirrors the boy’s emotional development and the evolution of his idea. As everything comes to life, Mae Besom’s artistic talent vividly brings movement to the pages, enriching young readers’ vocabulary through dynamic verbs.
Narrated from the child’s perspective, the story allows young readers to deeply connect with the character. Moreover, the personification of the boy’s idea—an entity that plays, eats, seeks attention, and shares secrets—creates a powerful emotional bond with the narrative. An abundance of imaginative elements—a feeling of floating in air, walking on hands, and being lifted into a heightened, lively atmosphere—adds to the story’s charm.
What makes this book truly unique is its seamless integration of philosophical depth within a simple plot. Yamada’s concept is undeniably enchanting, inspiring young readers to embrace their inner magic and cultivate patience and perseverance. Likewise, it serves as a gentle reminder for adults to reconnect with their own sense of wonder. It’s no surprise that Kirkus Reviews calls it “a wonderful treasure for any home or school library.”
Undoubtedly, What Do You Do with an Idea? is a magical tale—easy to understand, immersive, and deeply engaging. It offers children and adults alike a refined, exquisite literary experience.
Anișoara Laura Mustețiu
