“What Do You Do With a Chance?” - Kobi Yamada, Mae Besom
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“What Do You Do With a Chance?” - Kobi Yamada, Mae Besom
Language of book for review:
German - “Was macht man mit einer Chance?”
Published also in:
English - “What Do You Do With a Chance?”
Brazilian Portuguese - “O Que Você Faz Com Uma Oportunidade?”
European Portuguese - “O que Fazer com uma Oportunidade?”
"What Do You Do With a Chance?" is a captivating and thought-provoking addition to their celebrated "What Do You Do With...?" series, which includes "What Do You Do With an Idea?" and "What Do You Do With a Problem?" Through its lyrical storytelling and evocative artwork, it explores the abstract concept of opportunity—personified as a golden, butterfly-like "chance"—and the courage it takes to seize it.
The narrative follows a nameless child, depicted in a tunic-clad, medieval-inspired world, who encounters a shimmering chance flitting by. Initially, uncertainty holds the child back, letting the chance slip away. When it returns, the child reaches for it but falls, stung by embarrassment as others laugh. Fear takes root, and subsequent chances are ignored, though a quiet longing persists. Eventually, reflection sparks a shift: the child realizes bravery isn’t constant but needed only at the right moment. When a grand chance appears again, the child leaps—literally—riding it into the sky, discovering the thrill of possibility. The story closes with an open-ended question: “So, what do you do with a chance? You take it… because it just might be the start of something incredible.”
Yamada’s text is sparse yet poignant, weaving a fable-like quality that invites readers to ponder their own hesitations and triumphs. His strength lies in making the intangible feel relatable, encouraging children to embrace uncertainty rather than shy away from it. The emotional arc—from doubt to daring—mirrors real-life struggles, offering a gentle nudge toward resilience. A subtle critique might be that "chance" remains abstract; younger readers may need guidance to connect it to concrete experiences, like trying a new activity or making a friend. Still, this ambiguity also fuels its versatility, sparking rich discussions.
Mae Besom’s illustrations elevate the story to another level. Using pencil and watercolor, she crafts a dreamy, sepia-toned world that bursts into color as the child’s courage grows. The golden chance—a delicate, origami-inspired creation—stands out against muted backgrounds, symbolizing hope and potential. Besom’s use of light and shadow mirrors the child’s inner journey, with sprawling double-page spreads amplifying the sense of wonder. The medieval setting adds charm without distracting from the universal theme, though it might leave some wondering about its relevance.
This book shines as a read-aloud, its rhythmic prose and vivid visuals drawing listeners in. It’s a natural fit for classrooms or bedtime, with potential to inspire talks about risk-taking, failure, and growth—think pairing it with historical figures who dared greatly or personal stories of overcoming fear. While it may not reinvent the series’ formula, it refines it, offering a fresh lens on a timeless lesson. "What Do You Do With a Chance?" is a gem that reminds us all: opportunities don’t wait forever, but with a moment of bravery, they can soar. Perfect for dreamers, doubters, and doers alike, it’s a quiet call to action wrapped in beauty.
