The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Kobi Yamada and Review of Where Do Possibilities Live?

Jul 23

9 min read

Kobi Yamada is a New York Times bestselling author.

His critically acclaimed books have been translated into more than 30 languages, inviting readers of all ages to catch glimpses of their own endless possibilities. Filled with lessons on believing in big ideas, taking chances, confronting fears, embracing failure, and experiencing wonder, his collection offers life lessons you can return to again and again. He and his family live in the Pacific Northwest.

Collage of the covers & boxed sets of eleven of Kobi Yamada's books.

Kobi is the author of 27 books, including Because of You, Grandma and Because of You, Grandpa, illustrated by Natalie Russell (2026), Living Brave and Others, illustrated by Charles Santoso (2026), How Will You Make a Difference? Boxed Set: Trying; Noticing; and Caring, illustrated by Elise Hurst, (2026), Why Not?, illustrated by Gabrielle Barouch (2024), Chasing Dreams, illustrated by Charles Santoso (2024), Feeling Grateful, illustrated by Charles Santoso (2022), The Candy Dish, illustrated by Adelina Lirius (2022), Finding Muchness, illustrated by Charles Santoso (2021), and What You Do Matters Boxed Set: What Do You Do With An Idea? A Problem? and A Chance?, illustrated by Mae Besom (2018).

His newest picture book, Where Do Possibilities Live?, releases on July 21^st.

Welcome Kobi,

Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you typically write? How long have you been writing?)

My name is Kobi Yamada. I am a picture book author and I live near Seattle in the upper northwest corner of the United States. I typically start my books on my iPhone. I find my creative mind works best when I am walking or hiking or when I am traveling in unfamiliar places. I have written several books, but my picture book journey started in 2014 when I wrote What Do You Do With An Idea?

I fell in love with your writing, when I discovered What Do You Do With An Idea? and was super excited to meet you in person at a PNW book fair. I am so glad you were able to join me to talk about your newest picture book. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written a manuscript?

My family traveled to Tanzania to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. The mountain is very tall at over 19,000 ft. but it is not a technically dangerous mountain to climb. You need patience and you need to climb slowly to allow for your body to acclimate to the altitude. I found that the slow pace and beautiful surroundings were almost meditative and it turned out to be a great place to think and write. I was able to work on a new book throughout my climb.

WOW! I am not sure I would combine mountain climbing and writing. But maybe I need to add climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to my bucket list. What was your inspiration or spark of interest for Where Do Possibilities Live?

Book Cover - a girl painting wings on an elephant as it sits in a meadow of flowers.

I was traveling in Chile with my wife. We walked in an art gallery in Valparaiso and I saw a very interesting painting. It struck me how intelligent and beautifully executed it was, and I wondered who was the artist behind the brush. Standing there looking at this painting, I had an idea for a new book. A book where we could take readers to inspiring and imaginative places.

It's amazing how inspirational, and even life-changing, paintings (and illustrations) can be. What was the hardest or most challenging thing about writing Where Do Possibilities Live? And what was the most fun?

Often times the most challenging parts of the book are also the most fun. In this case, it was writing the book in a way that allowed for Juan Pablo’s imaginative art to carry the story arc and for the text to act as a narrator. In this way, we are leaving room for the reader to add their own thoughts and feelings to the book. It is one of my favorite things about picture books, they simplify a subject in a way that it can breathe and expand.

I love this description of a picture book and the collaboration with the illustrator. With this in mind and your books being lovely lyrical, poetic texts, with ‘the story’ often told in the illustrations, do you have much input into the illustrations?

I am usually very involved in the discussions and the concepts being created for our books. In the case of Where Do Possibilities Live?, Juan Pablo and I worked together through a translator and discussed visual ideas for the imaginative places Juan Pablo created in the book. Because he is a master painter, he added so much of his brilliance and special magic to each page.

Interesting. This is so different from many other picture book creations. I love the synergy this creates in your books between the text and the images. Did anything surprise or amaze you when you first saw Juan Pablo Neira Zúñiga ‘s illustrations? What is your favorite spread?

Everything about this book surprised and amazed me when I saw what Juan Pablo had created. His illustrations are actually fine art paintings, and his technique and imagination are absolutely incredible. He is able to create worlds that readers can practically step into.

Internal spread - a long winding table with the girl and many different animals enjoy an afternoon feast prepared by a bear chef.

Text © Kobi Yamada, 2026. Image © Juan Pablo Neira Zúñiga, 2026.

I think my favorite spread is the seemingly never-ending table showing the most welcoming and wonderful dinner party with an abundance of animals. It makes me wish I was there.

I loved this illustration, too. It felt like a cross between the lost boy's table in Hook and the Mad Hatter's party in Alice in Wonderland. It's so packed with lots of fun little details - like the cat pianist and bear chef. What's something you want your readers to know or learn about Where Do Possibilities Live?

I want readers to know that their imagination is unlimited and powerful beyond their belief. I want them to see possibilities anywhere and everywhere around them, but mostly, I want them to know that these possibilities exist within them. I believe the more we can expand our hearts and minds, the more impact we can have in our lives and the lives of others.

I hope this book reaches and encourages lots of readers to unleash their imaginations. Is there an author or illustrator (children’s or otherwise) who has had an influence on your writing or creativity?

That is such a difficult question. And what I mean by difficult is that it’s hard for me to name one person. I have gotten inspiration from so many authors and illustrators throughout my life. I think every book I’ve ever picked up has had a bit of influence on me. And included amongst the creators that have shaped me are the unbelievably gifted illustrators and editors that I’ve been able to collaborate with throughout the years on our books.

Perfect answer. Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?

Book cover - Porcupine stepping across stones.

I am working on a new book with Charles Santoso titled, Living Brave [releasing July 28th]. It is the fifth book in the series with Charles, and it is one of my favorites. I think fear can often hold us back from living full and exceptional lives. We wanted this book to inspire and celebrate the many ways to be brave and live with courage.

I love Charles Santoso's work and I am looking forward to this book and all your future endeavors! Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park (anywhere in the world)? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?

Photo of Raja Ampat Marine Park in Indonesia.

I am dreaming of seeing the Raja Ampat Marine Park in Indonesia. I recently got my scuba diving certification and I am excited to explore this protected underwater marine park.

WOW! I can see why you'd want to visit there. I am so glad you've shared this marine park with us - I had never heard of it.

Thank you, Kobi, for sharing with us a bit about yourself and your new picture book.

To find out more about Kobi Yamada, or to contact him:

Website: https://live-inspired.com/books-by-kobi-yamada

Review of Where Do Possibilities Live?

I adore Kobi Yamada's picture books. He has a new picture book companion for Maybe and Why Not?, which is equally poetic and stunningly gorgeous book which evaluates where one finds possibility and how can you nurture it and tend your own possibility and imagination.

Where Do Possibilities Live?

Author: Kobi Yamada

Illustrator: Juan Pablo Neira Zúñiga

Publisher: Compendium (July 21, 2026)

Ages: 7 and up

Fiction

Themes:

Inspiration, awe, imagination, and curiosity.

Synopsis:

An awe-inspiring picture book that invites readers to follow their imaginations into mesmerizing worlds of adventure—written by New York Times bestselling author Kobi Yamada, with paintings by fine artist Juan Pablo Neira Zúñiga.

Filled with encouraging words, astonishing paintings, and questions that invite curiosity, Where Do Possibilities Live? is an exploration of the boundless power of possibilities. Open the pages to discover fantastical scenes—winged elephants, ancient cities perched on the backs of tortoises, and museums where the paintings spring to life. With every turn, this book awakens the explorer, seeker, maker, and adventurer within, asking readers of all ages to believe in their own possibilities—because those possibilities already believe in them.

Yamada’s signature approach of crafting inspiring, easy-to-grasp wisdom comes to life in a whole new way with fine artist Juan Pablo Neira Zúñiga’s dreamlike illustrations. Originally hand painted with oils on canvas, Zúñiga’s intricate scenes follow the adventures of a little girl in her own world of imagination. Creative, alluring details are packed into every spread and create an experience that’s sure to astound and delight both children and adults. You might just notice something new each time you open this book.

Where Do Possibilities Live? is a doorway to a sense of wonder and encourages readers with messages and questions like:

“Possibilities ask you to believe—not just in what you know, but also in what you can dream and help make happen.”

“What experiences do you wish to experience? What dreams do your dreams dream of?”

A curious mind and an open heart are all we need to get started. Now, there are worlds of possibilities waiting to be known. Are you ready?

Opening Lines:

Where do possibilities live?

Possibilities are everywhere and all around you.

Possibilities are in each breath you take. They live

in the questions you ask and wonder about.

What I LOVED about this book:

Like a TARDIS, a child's blanket fort or special box was always bigger on the inside. I love the way Juan Pablo Neira Zúñiga captures this feeling of imagination, possibility, and adventure. This spread is absolutely stunning! In addition to Kobi Yamada's book Maybe, the bookshelves contain many treasures. Like an "idea," an adventure's hat, hourglass, ship in a bottle, Easter Island head, and stuffed pals. All perfect things items for past or future adventures. I also love the black cat curled in the cello case, the chinchilla tagging along on the girl's adventure, and the monarch butterfly perched on the window.

Internal spread - a blanket fort, in a child's room next to a bookcase (with Maybe on the bookshelf), a butterfly at the window, and a black cat asleep in an open cello case, extends toward the horizon as a girl, her cello, and animal companion follow a moonlit path toward the horizon.

As the next spread extols that "possibilities are everywhere and all around you," the girl leans on an open book (subtly merging into an ocean wave) and daydreams of sky whales soaring over a pirate ship (with a treble clef emblazoned on its sail). Wonderfully fanciful illustrations - a starry sky full of beckoning doors ("where would you go?"), a family of polar bears enjoying ice cream cones as the girl plays a cello serenade ("what would you change?"), or her chinchilla pulling a "cello-carriage" past a "cello-camel" toward a city topped with brass instruments - continue to invite the reader to linger over the pages, absorbing the intricate details and the thought-provoking, lyrical text.

I adore Juan Pablo Neira Zúñiga's richly colored, magical image when the girl steps through a stone archway in a forest as the narration suggests - "Let your mind wander./ Explore the wilderness of your imagination." It's part Indiana Jones adventure (she even has a whip at her hip) and fantasy (with the large tree beings, gnome, hippogriff, and band of fairies playing flutes).

Internal spread - a girl in an adventures' outfit, with her chinchilla companion, step through a a stone archway in a forest to discover squirrels, a gnome, stag, hippogriff, fairies playing flutes, and two enormous tree beings.

Shifting to believing in one's dreams, the child (dressed as an astronaut) blows bubbles into space which become the planets, as her chinchilla naps in her helmet and then rides a flying a flying elephant. I love Kobi Yamada's textural invitation to the reader to "See the smells./ Taste the sounds./ Feel the colors./ Listen to the flavors./Don't miss a single tremendous thing." and we are treated to the best woodland tea party ever. The image and text combine so beautifully to tease the reader's imaginations and generate some fun discussions. Look back at the image in Kibi's interview. Wonderfully inventive illustrations continue to play with the sentiments that possibilities "grow your heart," increasing empathy and kindness.

Harkening back to the earlier daydream of the pirate ship, one of my favorite images plays with the guiding light of books, pirates, and the girl's cello. Isn't the joy and excitement on her face catching?

Internal spread - a girl dressed as a pirate sails in a cello-pirate ship, with her chinchilla steering as captain, past a lighthouse made of a tower of books.

Plunge into the doing, the trying, the attempting.

Possibilities believe in what's ahead.

They are full of promise and potential.

Continuing to explore the nature of possibilities and music, the ending spreads continue to be moving, inspiring, thought-provoking, and stunning! They are so intriguing and full of fun details, especially the final page. It's a wonderful ode to the creativity, imagination, and dreams spurred and nutured by possibility.

Resources:

have you made a blanket fort or created something from a box? Where did your imagination take you? Write a description or draw an image of your adventure.
if you could add wings to anything, what would you chose and why? Draw an image, or write a description of your creation and an adventure the two of you would have.
try doing Painting Musical Chairs, the Camouflage Drawing Challenge (above) and/or the three creative activities to spur your own possibilities.