Books Like What Do You Do With A Problem?

I stumbled upon 'What Do You Do With a Problem?' during a library scavenger hunt with my niece, and wow, what a gem! At first glance, it looks like a simple children's book, but the message hits deep—even for adults. The way it personifies 'problems' as looming shadows that shrink when faced head-on is pure genius. It reminded me of how I used to avoid deadlines until they felt monstrous, only to realize tackling them early made them vanish. What I love most is how the illustrations evolve alongside the story—dark and intimidating at first, then gradually brighter as courage grows. It's a visual metaphor that sticks with you. I ended up buying a copy for my desk at work because sometimes we all need that nudge to stare down our 'problems' instead of hiding.

Kobi Yamada's 'What Do You Do With a Problem?' is one of those picture books that sticks with you—it’s so much more than just a story for kids. I stumbled upon it while browsing my local library, and the way it tackles anxiety and resilience through metaphor really hit home. Unfortunately, I haven’t found a legal way to read the full book online for free. Publishers usually keep digital copies behind paywalls to support authors, but you might find read-aloud videos on platforms like YouTube where educators share the book’s message. Some libraries also offer digital lending through apps like Libby or Hoopla, so checking there could be worth a shot. That said, if you’re tight on cash, I’d recommend looking for used copies or waiting for sales—it’s the kind of book you’ll want to revisit. The illustrations by Mae Besom are gorgeous, and flipping through the physical pages adds to the experience. Plus, owning it means you can pass it along to someone else who might need its wisdom someday.

The first time I picked up 'What Do You Do With a Problem?', I was struck by how relatable it felt. The story follows a kid who discovers a looming problem—visualized as this dark, swirling cloud—and tries everything to avoid it. The more they ignore it, the bigger it grows, until it feels suffocating. But here’s the twist: when they finally face it head-on, the problem isn’t what they expected. It’s not a monster; it’s an opportunity in disguise. The book’s message about courage and perspective hit me hard, especially as someone who used to procrastinate on tough decisions. The illustrations are gorgeous, too—full of emotion and movement. What I love most is how it doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. The kid’s fear feels real, and the resolution isn’t some magical fix. It’s about shifting your mindset. I’ve reread it during stressful times, and it’s a reminder that problems often shrink when you stop running. Plus, the way the 'problem' transforms into something golden and light at the end? Pure storytelling magic.

The main character in 'What Do You Do With a Problem?' is never given a specific name, which I think is intentional—it makes it easier for readers to project themselves into the story. It’s a kid facing a looming, shadowy 'problem' that grows bigger the more they avoid it. What I love about this book is how relatable it feels; the protagonist’s journey from fear to courage mirrors how we all handle obstacles. The illustrations do so much heavy lifting too, showing the problem as this swirling, ominous cloud that eventually transforms when confronted head-on. Kobi Yamada’s storytelling is deceptively simple but packs a punch. I first read this to my niece, and she immediately connected with the character’s anxiety. The lack of a name made her whisper, 'That’s me!' when the kid finally solves the problem. It’s one of those children’s books that adults need just as much—a reminder that avoidance magnifies things, but facing them can reveal unexpected opportunities.

If you enjoyed 'Here's the Situation' for its blend of reality TV drama and personal storytelling, you might find 'The Truth About Diamonds' by Nicole Richie equally entertaining. Both books offer a peek behind the curtain of fame, with a mix of humor and candid reflections. Another great pick is 'You're Making Me Hate You' by Corey Taylor, which dishes out unfiltered opinions on pop culture—similar to the no-nonsense tone in 'Here's the Situation'. For something lighter, 'I Don't Know What You Know Me From' by Judy Greer has that same relatable, self-deprecating charm.

If you loved 'We’ve Got Issues' for its blend of sharp wit and deep dive into cultural commentary, you might enjoy 'Bad Feminist' by Roxane Gay. It’s got that same mix of personal narrative and societal critique, but Gay’s voice is uniquely her own—raw, honest, and unapologetically intersectional. She tackles everything from pop culture to politics with a clarity that’s both refreshing and gut-punching. Another great pick is 'Trick Mirror' by Jia Tolentino. It’s a collection of essays that feel like they’re peeling back layers of the internet age, with a tone that’s both analytical and deeply personal. Tolentino’s writing has this way of making you nod along while also squirming in your seat—kind of like 'We’ve Got Issues' but with a millennial twist. Both books leave you with that same feeling of, 'Wait, why haven’t I been seeing things this way all along?'

If you loved 'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone' for its raw, human exploration of therapy and self-discovery, you might vibe with 'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van der Kolk. It’s not a memoir like Lori Gottlieb’s book, but it dives deep into how trauma shapes us, blending science with personal stories. The way it humanizes healing feels similar—like you’re sitting across from someone who gets it. Another gem is 'Tiny Beautiful Things' by Cheryl Strayed. It’s a collection of advice columns, but don’t let that fool you. Strayed’s empathy and brutal honesty mirror Gottlieb’s voice, especially when she tackles life’s messy, unanswerable questions. Both books leave you feeling less alone, like you’ve just had a heart-to-heart with a wise friend who doesn’t sugarcoat things.

If you loved 'Not My Problem' for its mix of humor and heart, you might enjoy 'The Field Guide to the North American Teenager' by Ben Philippe. It has that same sharp wit and relatable protagonist navigating social chaos. Another great pick is 'You Should See Me in a Crown' by Leah Johnson—its blend of awkward charm and genuine emotional stakes feels super similar. For something with a bit more biting satire but still tons of warmth, 'Dear Martin' by Nic Stone (while heavier) has that authentic voice. And if you just want more hilarious disaster teens, 'Frankly in Love' by David Yoon is a must. The way these books balance cringe and catharsis is what makes them all feel like siblings to 'Not My Problem.' I’ve re-read most of them just for the comfort factor.

If you enjoyed 'Now What Do I Do', you might vibe with 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig. Both explore life's crossroads and the weight of choices, but 'The Midnight Library' adds a magical twist with its infinite-library concept. I bawled my eyes out reading it—it’s like a warm hug for anyone feeling lost. Another pick is 'Reasons to Stay Alive', also by Haig, which tackles mental health with raw honesty. For a lighter but equally reflective vibe, 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho is a classic about finding your path. If you’re into more structured self-help, 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear is fantastic for rebuilding routines. It’s less narrative-driven but super practical. And hey, if you want fiction with a similar existential punch, Haruki Murakami’s 'Kafka on the Shore' blends surrealism with deep introspection. Honestly, half my bookshelf is filled with 'what now?' books—they’re my comfort zone.

If you enjoyed 'How Can I Help You?' for its blend of dark humor, quirky characters, and a touch of mystery, you might find 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman equally gripping. Both books feature protagonists who are socially awkward yet deeply compelling, and they explore themes of loneliness and human connection in unexpected ways. While 'Eleanor Oliphant' leans more into emotional healing, it shares that same offbeat charm and sharp wit that makes 'How Can I Help You?' so memorable. Another great pick would be 'The Maid' by Nita Prose, which follows a neurodivergent hotel maid caught up in a murder investigation. Like 'How Can I Help You?', it balances humor with darker undertones, and the protagonist’s unique perspective drives the narrative. The book’s mix of cozy mystery and heartfelt character development makes it a fantastic companion read. I couldn’t put it down once I got into the rhythm of the protagonist’s voice—it’s just so endearing and oddly relatable. For something with a bit more of a literary flair, 'Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata is a brilliant choice. It’s about a woman who finds purpose in her mundane job at a convenience store, despite societal pressure to conform. The deadpan humor and exploration of societal expectations reminded me of the tone in 'How Can I Help You?'. Plus, both books have this way of making you root for characters who don’t fit the usual mold. Murata’s writing is deceptively simple, but it packs a punch—I still think about it months after reading. If you’re after something with a darker, more satirical edge, 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh might hit the spot. It’s about a woman who decides to sleep for a year, aided by a questionable psychiatrist. The book’s dry humor and unflinching look at mental health struggles echo the darker moments in 'How Can I Help You?'. It’s not for everyone, but if you appreciate flawed, complex protagonists and biting social commentary, it’s a must-read. I finished it in a single sitting, equal parts horrified and fascinated by the protagonist’s journey.