Problems and worries can be too much to bear alone.   It seems as if this is affecting our kids as much as us.

There’s an author of children’s books that I only discovered as a middle school teacher, Kobi Yamada.  I wasn’t exposed to his books through searching for text to share with my students.   I heard one of his stories for the first time as our principal read it to us as a STAFF, a room full of adults!

It’s titled, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A PROBLEM?  One afternoon, he read the entire book aloud to all of us.   We were a bit surprised and doubtful as he started because this seemed a bit elementary.  As he was reading, I realized it was quite appropriate;  we were always dealing with problems and challenges at multiple levels.  And as he continued reading, I got all choked up.  Yes, it’s a problem.  When I got home that evening, I ordered the book for myself!   That’s how much the story inspired me and spoke to me.

I don’t want to tell you too much about the story, but this is what is written on the back cover: “What are problems for?  They challenge us, shape us, push us, and help us discover just how strong and brave and capable we really are.  Even though we don’t always want them, problems have a way of changing us in unexpected ways. So, what will you do with YOUR problem?  Now that’s up to you,” (Kobi Yamada).

The illustrations by Mae Besom are powerful and soft at the same time.  She created such strong emotions within clever images, using lovely symbolism and many elements of literature.  ELA teachers, there’s a lot of good stuff in here.

Here are some other titles by Kobi Yamada:  What Do You do With an Idea?,  What You Do Matters,  What Do You Do With a Chance?, Trying and Maybe.  We can see a bit of a pattern.  Books like these can help our kids deal with issues and help them persevere.  They are “starters” to conversations where just maybe our kids will open up to us. We can listen, and we can offer words of encouragement, and we can just love on them.

I did read the story to some of my classes.  Boy, it was a good writing prompt. It’s an insightful story to read to the children and grandchildren in our lives. Problems will always challenge us, and we can help our little ones discover the hidden opportunities waiting within.

Thanks, Mr. Leake!

Romans 8:28 states: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – (NIV).  God does not create our problems, but He can help us find good and purpose in the midst of them.