What Do You Do With an Idea by Kobi Yamada is one of those books that every child should have on his or her bookshelf. It is both beautiful and powerful, and it is a gift to any reader’s library.
The premise of the book is simple: a young child has an idea, illustrated as a golden egg complete with legs and a crown, but he doesn’t know what to do with it and at first tries to resist it. After keeping the idea at a distance, however, he eventually embraces it because, simply put, it won’t leave him alone and he finds it magical. Even when others find it weird or silly, he continues to nurture the idea with a quiet love and persistence. Eventually, the idea takes on a life of its own… and it changes the world.
Aside from the imaginative and powerful narrative– the color palette in this book is hugely effective. The illustrations are initially drawn in muted tones with just a tiny hint of color- yet the “idea” stands out in a brilliant orangey-gold. The idea grows bigger and bigger, and the contrast of the gold against the stark background masterfully represents that the idea is something to be treasured. As the idea grows and the boy shows it increasing love and devotion, so to do the illustrations become increasingly brighter and more colorful. It is so well done, and I love how color is used just as expertly as the words.
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One small idea- however silly or unimportant it may seem to some- can truly impact the world in significant ways. This book reminds both kids and adults alike to cherish and nurture these ideas , as they are something to be treasured. One thing is for sure: I hope this isn’t the last we see from Kobi Yamada.
Want the book? Get it here! What Do You Do With an Idea?, by Kobi Yamada. *This is an affiliate link.
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