An interview about Caring by Kobi Yamada, presented by The Children’s Book Review.
Today, we chat with Kobi Yamada, author of Caring. This moving new picture book explores the profound impact of human connection and the transformative power of choosing to make a difference.
With a gift for crafting inspirational stories that resonate across generations, Kobi Yamada brings a heartfelt message to life in Caring, the third book in his celebrated series with illustrator Elise Hurst.
More than just a picture book, Caring explores the ripple effect of compassion, mentorship, and environmental stewardship through the tender story of a young boy and a devoted gardener. Kobi invites readers to reflect on the small yet meaningful ways we can all make a difference.
In our conversation, Kobi opens up about the life experiences that shaped the book, the power of intergenerational wisdom, and how Elise Hurst’s evocative artwork helps bring his deeply human themes to life.
Caring follows your tradition of creating inspirational books with powerful messages. What specific life experiences or observations inspired you to focus on the theme of caring and making an impact in your latest work?
Kobi Yamada (KY): Like most people, I feel that the world can seem indifferent and uncaring at times. I think it’s valuable to talk about the need to care deeply and to get involved in causes that are important to you. The problems of the world can seem really big, and I wanted this book to reinforce the message that each of us has the power to make a difference in ways that matter.
Your books often explore profound questions. Noticing asks readers to look for the good in themselves and others, Maybe wonders why we are here, and now Caring poses, “Have you ever wondered if what you do matters?” How do you approach crafting these fundamental questions that resonate with children and adults?
(KY): I believe that layered and inquisitive questions about our innate abilities, strengths, fears, and contributions are not limited to a certain age. They can be relevant to people of all ages. What I find so interesting about these types of questions is that their meaning and impact can change and grow as we change and grow during different times of our lives. I feel these kinds of big questions can be helpful to ask and ponder throughout the years.
In Caring, a young boy discovers a devoted gardener who has transformed a desolate piece of land into a lush, natural oasis. How did this particular relationship dynamic come about, and what does it symbolize in the larger context of the story?
(KY): I love the idea of our gardener in the book, someone who looks at art, creativity, and contribution in a way that works with the natural world. I think too often we can get so focused on what’s next, what we can create or transform, what we can invent, that we often don’t take the time to slow down and appreciate this amazing planet that makes it all possible. I hope this book inspires people of all ages to care for and protect this incredible place we all call home.
In previous interviews, you’ve mentioned the importance of mentorship relationships in books like Trying and Noticing. Will you talk about how Caring continues this exploration of intergenerational wisdom and guidance?
(KY): I’ve been fortunate enough to create two previous books in this series with Elise Hurst. The first was Trying, followed by Noticing, and now the third and final book in the series is Caring. In each of these books, there is a mentorship relationship. One of the best ways we learn is by modeling. And having a caring, understanding, and patient teacher is one of the greatest gifts we can receive in life. I think so much happens when we share knowledge, especially from one generation to the other. Invaluable insights, experience and history are passed on. The other wonderful part of generational interaction is that respect, attention and admiration can flow back in the opposite direction to those who came before. This wonderful two-way connection is something we value and nurture.
Since you’ve collaborated with Elise Hurst previously on Trying and Noticing, how do you feel her artistic style particularly enhances the themes of compassion and transformation in Caring?
(KY): Much like the deeply knowledgeable mentors in these books, Elise is a kind-hearted and generous artist. Not only is she technically able to portray the amazing relationships between the characters, she creates incredible worlds that dance between reality and imagination. Elise has a rare ability to fill her illustrations with amazing symbolism and visual narrative. It is an absolute honor and pleasure to work with an artist of such ability.
Nature elements frequently appear in your work, and Caring features a transformed garden. How does your experience living in the Pacific Northwest influence the environmental themes in Caring?
(KY): I strongly believe nature is where we recharge creativity and renew our bodies and spirits. At least that is the case for me. So naturally I find it playing a part in my creations. I’ve been fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest where nature feels very accessible. But it also is a stark reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect it and care for it, not just for future generations, but for all the incredible creatures that share our planet with us.
What conversations do you hope Caring will spark between children and adults who read it together?
(KY): My hope is that the conversations sparked by Caring will touch on the impact each and every one of us has to make a difference. One person, who believes in their ability to change something for the better and has the conviction and perseverance to work to make it happen, is a powerful force, indeed. It is deeply important that we all know and believe this about ourselves.
Can you share a personal experience where someone’s caring actions profoundly impacted your own life?
(KY): There are so many times in my life when someone made a difference for me. I can think of teachers who took the time to encourage me. I had parents who set their own stresses and obligations aside to always be at my sporting events to cheer me on. I’ve had friends who were there for me in countless ways during tough times. Life is a shared experience, and we all need each other. I firmly believe, if you have a chance to make a difference in the life of someone else, take it. It may mean more than you’ll ever know.
Your books have been translated into more than 30 languages. What has surprised you most about how different cultures and communities around the world have responded to your messages about caring and human connection? How does this global response influence your approach to writing and the themes you choose to explore?
(KY): It has been one of my great joys and surprises to have our books translated into different languages and to see how they have touched readers in other cultures and communities. I’ve been able to travel to some of those places. One thing is for sure: good people are everywhere. There is so much shared love and connection that crosses over borders and boundaries. It seems that no matter where you go, people crave connection, thrive when loved, and want to make a positive difference in our world. I’m so proud our books are part of that shared goodness.
With books that explore ideas and possibilities, noticing the world around us, trying, and now caring, what other essential life skills or values might you delve into in your future works? Your readers are undoubtedly eager to embark on these new journeys with you.
(KY): One of the beautiful things about tomorrow is that we don’t know exactly what it is going to bring or how it’s going to unfold. I love that. I love the excitement and the mystery of not knowing what’s around the corner. It’s a beautiful part of the creative process that I get to meet and discover future concepts and ideas as they come to me. Sometimes I might meet them on a walk, sitting at my desk, or traveling to a foreign country. But one thing is for sure, inspiration and creativity are everywhere. And I look forward to meeting them, and their stories, that are yet to be told.
About the Book
Publisher’s Book Summary: Have you ever wondered if what you do matters? This is the story of leaning in, digging deep, believing it’s possible, and making the effort. It only takes one caring person to make an impact, and we all matter much more than we realize. The power to create change–to help heal and hold the world–is in every one of us. After all, we all have the potential to make someone’s day, lend a helping hand, and be there for each other.
Written by New York Times bestselling author Kobi Yamada and illustrated by award-winning artist Elise Hurst, Caring is a tale about the power we each have to create change when we decide the difference we want to make. Alluring illustrations capture the relationship between a young boy and a devoted gardener who has transformed a desolate piece of land into a lush, natural oasis. Each page of this picture book is a reminder of the joy in the doing, the giving, and the connecting. Because when you care about something, we owe it to ourselves to give it our best. After all, the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Kobi Yamada is the creator of many inspiring books, including the New York Times bestselling What Do You Do With… series and Because I Had a Teacher. He is also the president of Compendium, a company of amazing people doing amazing things. Kobi feels grateful to share his life with his loving family in the Pacific Northwest where he can help good things grow.
About the Illustrator
Elise Hurst is an Australian fine artist, illustrator, and author, specializing in books for children. She recently illustrated Girl on Wire by Lucy Estela, which was short-listed for the Children’s Book Council of Australia 2019 Awards. She lives in a house full of books and paintings. From her studio, where black pens and oil paints spill across the desk, magical worlds leap into being. Like something out of Beatrix Potter or Narnia, her friends are rabbits and bears, lions and tigers—and they all have a story to share.
This interview—An Interview with Kobi Yamada, Author of ‘Caring’—was conducted between Kobi Yamada and Bianca Schulze.
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