What Do You Do With an Idea? | Kobi Yamada

In the quiet corners of a child's imagination, something remarkable stirs to life. Kobi Yamada's What Do You Do With an Idea? captures that magical moment when a single thought—small, fragile, and uncertain—first whispers its possibility into existence. This isn't just a story about creativity; it's about the profound courage required to nurture something invisible into reality.

The tale follows a child who discovers an idea that won't leave them alone. At first, the idea seems odd, even embarrassing. It follows the child everywhere, growing stronger despite attempts to ignore it. Through Mae Besom's luminous illustrations that literally bring color to a gray world, we witness the transformation that occurs when someone dares to believe in their own vision. The artwork itself becomes a character, evolving from muted sketches to vibrant, full-color revelations that mirror the idea's journey from doubt to triumph.

What makes this book extraordinary is how it validates every reader's creative struggle. Yamada captures the universal experience of having something meaningful to share but feeling paralyzed by uncertainty, judgment, or fear of failure. The story acknowledges that ideas are vulnerable things—they can be dismissed, ridiculed, or abandoned. Yet it also reveals their incredible power: when nurtured with care and courage, a single idea can change everything, not just for its creator but for the entire world.

The book's genius lies in its recognition that ideas aren't just for artists or inventors—they belong to anyone brave enough to listen to that inner voice suggesting something different, something better. Whether it's a five-year-old imagining a new game or an adult reconsidering their life's direction, the message resonates: your idea matters, and it's waiting for you to give it life.