What Do You Do With an Idea, Kobi Yamada

What Do You Do With an Idea is an inspiring picture book written by Kobi Yamada.  It is a book about a little boy who has an idea.  Kobi Yamada makes the idea a literal thing that needs food, attention, and love.  The idea is bright and yellow while everything else in the book is shaded in pencils and black and white.  During the book he wants to give up on the idea.  Then the whole book becomes colorful and he realizes that an idea can change the world and he can change the world.

This is a really great book to use with students.  I think that What Do You Do With an Idea lets students know that it is okay to be themselves and have their own unique idea because one day that idea may change the world.  To go along with this book I would have students write down an idea that they have and draw an illustration to go with the idea.  On half of the page have the picture be in black and white showing the process of coming up with the idea, and then the other half in color showing the idea happening and changing the world.  I would also use this book to go with writing and showing students that no matter the idea it is a good idea and do not give up on it no matter what other people tell you.  I really like this book it teaches students to dream and let their ideas flow, it is something I want to use in my classroom.