What Do You Do With an Idea?

A young child discovers an egg-shaped idea that follows them around, refusing to be ignored. The idea takes the form of a golden-crowned creature that only the child can see. The child must decide how to respond to this persistent idea and whether to nurture it or hide it away. Their relationship with the idea evolves as they face reactions from others and their own self-doubts. Through metaphor and imagination, this picture book explores creativity, innovation, and the process of bringing new ideas into the world. The story demonstrates how ideas can grow from small beginnings into forces that transform both their creators and the world around them.

Readers describe this book as an encouraging message about nurturing creativity and believing in oneself. Parents and teachers report using it to discuss abstract concepts like confidence, perseverance, and innovation with children. Readers praise: - Clear metaphors children can grasp - Mae Besom's distinctive illustrations that evolve from black and white to color - Value for both children and adults facing self-doubt - Use as a teaching tool for growth mindset Common criticisms: - Price point ($16-18) considered high for length - Abstract concept may confuse very young children - Some find the message oversimplified Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (16,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (7,800+ ratings) "This book put words to feelings I couldn't express to my students about creativity," notes one teacher reviewer. A parent writes, "My 5-year-old didn't connect with it, but my 8-year-old asks to read it repeatedly."

What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada A child learns to face and transform their fears through the metaphor of a persistent problem that follows them.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires A girl and her dog pursue the creation of an invention through multiple failures and attempts.

Going Places by Peter H. Reynolds Two students take different approaches to a school invention project and combine their ideas to create something unique.

Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg Each page demonstrates how mistakes and accidents transform into creative opportunities.

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken An artist turns drawing mishaps into elements that enhance the final illustration.

🌟 The book has won multiple prestigious awards, including the Independent Publisher Book Award and the Washington State Book Award. 🎨 Mae Besom, the illustrator, used pencil and watercolor to create the book's distinctive artwork, starting with black-and-white scenes that gradually bloom into full color as the idea grows. 💡 Author Kobi Yamada is also the CEO of Compendium Inc., a company that creates inspirational gifts and products designed to spark joy and personal growth. 📚 The book is part of a series that includes "What Do You Do With a Problem?" and "What Do You Do With a Chance?" - all exploring similar themes of personal growth and courage. 🌍 Since its publication in 2014, the book has been translated into multiple languages and has sold over a million copies worldwide, inspiring readers of all ages to nurture their creative ideas.