“What Do You Do With a Problem?” - Kobi Yamada, Mae Besom
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“What Do You Do With a Problem?” - Kobi Yamada, Mae Besom
Language of book for review:
Brazilian Portuguese - “O Que Voce Faz Com Um Problema?”
Published also in:
German - “Was macht man mit einem Problem?”
English - “What do you do with a problem?”
European Portuguese - “O Que Fazer com um Problema?”
“What Do You Do With a Problem?” is a beautifully crafted children’s book that transcends its intended audience, offering a timeless lesson wrapped in poetic prose and stunning visuals. This story explores the nature of problems—how they loom large in our minds, how they demand attention, and, ultimately, how they can become opportunities for growth.
The narrative follows a young boy who is confronted by a persistent problem, depicted as a dark, swirling cloud that grows bigger the more he tries to ignore it. Yamada’s text is sparse yet profound, capturing the universal experience of anxiety and avoidance with lines like, “The more I avoided it, the bigger it seemed to get.” This simplicity makes the story accessible to young readers while leaving room for deeper reflection, a hallmark of Yamada’s storytelling style.
Mae Besom’s illustrations are the heartbeat of this book. Her use of muted grays and blacks to represent the problem contrasts sharply with the bursts of color that emerge as the boy begins to face it, creating a visual journey that mirrors the emotional arc of the story. The delicate pencil sketches and watercolor accents lend a dreamlike quality, making each page a work of art that invites lingering.
The central message—that problems, when confronted, often reveal hidden opportunities—is delivered with grace and optimism. The boy’s eventual courage to tackle his problem head-on transforms the ominous cloud into something unexpectedly beautiful, a metaphor that resonates with readers of all ages. It’s a gentle reminder that fear often magnifies our challenges, while action can shrink them down to size.
This book is perfect for children navigating their first encounters with difficulties, but it’s equally impactful for adults who need a nudge to reframe their own struggles. At just under 40 pages, it’s a quick read that leaves a lasting impression, ideal for bedtime stories or classroom discussions. My only critique might be that the abstract nature of the “problem” could leave very young readers wanting more concrete examples, though this vagueness also fuels its versatility.
In short, “What Do You Do With a Problem?” is a gem—a thoughtful, visually arresting tale that encourages courage and curiosity in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. Yamada and Besom have created a modern classic that’s as much a philosophical musing as it is a children’s book. Highly recommended for anyone, young or old, who’s ever wondered how to wrestle with a problem and come out stronger.
