“The message in What Do You Do With An Idea? is clear: welcome and nurture ideas with patience and persistence, no matter how big or small, no matter how unique or popular, and they may grow to change the world. What makes this message so unique is the simple but beautiful way it’s delivered, in narrative and illustration, through the eyes and voice of an innocent and hopeful child. What Do You Do With An Idea? is a spectacular book for all ages and is a wonderful treasure for any home or school library.” – The Children’s Book Review‘s, commentary regarding Independent Publisher’s Gold Seal Award winning title.
This week guest blogger Anna Bumford shares her insights regarding this amazing storybook for children-of-all ages from her personal creative and mom-of-two perspective.
“My favorite books speak to me, make me feel, and stir something within that might have been lying dormant.
I search for these particular types of books for myself hoping to find that positive ‘nudge’ I need. When I can find a children’s book which resonates with something inside me, even better. I know immediately I want to share it with my children.
For me, these special books are more than just books. They are teaching moments: quiet subtle reminders whispering life-lessons into my children’s tiny ears. Lessons they might not even understand during the first reading, but I know will make a lasting impression as they grow.
One such book that checks off on all this important criteria is Kobi Yamada’s book What Do You Do With An Idea.
I knew this book was coming home with me from the moment I read the back cover at my local bookstore. And, I couldn’t wait to share it with my kids Lyla, 7 and Landon, 5.
But first, I read it alone.
It brought tears to my eyes. It made me sad for my ideas that never came to be and excited for those I have yet to envision. It’s an inspiring book about creating ideas, believing in yourself, and being okay with being different.
Anna, recently started crocheting. She frequents our Sew God Face Book Page.
Yamada reminds us that everything we see around us started as a thought, an idea. Sometimes those ideas seemed silly and strange to others, but that is okay. What Do You Do With An Idea is a home run, a book that would not only ignite those teachings within my children, but would equally light those same creative fires within me. How incredible!
Yamada’s wonderful book made me think about the times I did not feel my ideas were good enough, special enough, or strong enough. I actually teared up over how special it was a children’s book could teach this thirty-something, mom of two, that I was dead wrong.
When it came time to share it with my children, the idea of such an important lesson brought tears to my eyes once again, but this time it was tears of joy, joy for the ideas my two small children are sure to create in their lifetime.
Everything about this book is magic: the fact that the idea is represented as an egg that follows its owner (a young boy), the gorgeous illustrations by Mae Besom who perfectly added color into the story when the idea came into fruition, and the grand finale when Yamada writes eloquently, “And then, I realized what you do with an idea …You change the world.”
Landon and Lyla Bumford. Photo Creds: Anna Bumford
Talk about an incredible way to end this beautiful book, reminding us all that our ideas can be world changing …even if only in our small little corner of the world. I personally cannot think of a better lesson to teach my children, or even myself. We read What Do You Do With An Idea often for inspiration. And if you get it or borrow it from your library, you will too.”
Anna Bumford: Lover of life, and of the Lord. An optimist. Blessed wife to Chris, Mama of Lyla and Landon. Fan of organization, coffee, photography (https://annabumfordphotography.squarespace.com/), wine, the color yellow, and being an entrepreneur (annabumford.com)
God created, sew should we. [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.] Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]
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