WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA?

By Kobi Yamada

Illustrated by Mae Besom

"One day, I had an idea.

'Where did it come from? Why is it here?' I wondered, 'What do you do with an idea?'

At first, I didn't think much of it. It seemed kind of strange and fragile. I didn't know what to do with it. So I just walked away from it. I acted like it didn't belong to me.

But it followed me."

What Do You Do With An Idea? is about an innocent boy who has an idea. This idea is depicted as a golden crown-topped egg. He is unsure and uncomfortable about what to do with this idea so he ignores it and tries to hide it. This idea continues to grow and stays persistent in staying around until the child finally embraces this idea. He not only feels happy and alive, but he ultimately learns “you can change the world” when you nourish your ideas. 

This story is suitable for anyone and any age since we’ve all experienced having big ideas. It’s the simple narration and illustrations that uncover this powerful and inspiring message- change can begin with you and your ideas. This book explains that it’s not easy to share your ideas and overlook people’s judgment and other distractions. But if you think big and accept your ideas, you can reach new limits. Furthermore, although this seems to be a young boy, Kobi Yamada doesn’t use any gender identifying pronouns so males and females can easily relate and draw connections to the child. The pencil and watercolor illustrations beautifully become more colorful as the boy decides to “protect it, and care for it”. He begins to feel comfortable sharing it despite all the insecurities that he had. It’s the silliness in the appearance of the egg that supports that no matter how silly you or others think your idea may be, it’s truly golden and can make a difference. 

This book would be an excellent springboard for many social-emotional lessons and conversations. There are so many relatable messages with every day relationships and feelings. Having grit, being confident about your differences, doing what you think is right, having the power to make a difference, being real, mindfulness, and how your perspective changes everything are just a few. Read this book if you want your students to feel empowered and inspired to embrace their ideas, let them develop and grow, and see where they can take them.

Book Trailer