What Happens In What Do You Do With A Problem?

I recently finished 'Solutions and Other Problems' and the ending left me with this bittersweet mix of emotions. Allie Brosh wraps up her collection of essays and illustrations in a way that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. The final chapters deal with her grappling with loss and the absurdity of life, but there's this unexpected warmth in how she frames it. She doesn't offer neat solutions to life's problems—instead, she shows how humor and raw honesty can be coping mechanisms. The last story involves this bizarre yet touching moment with her sister that perfectly encapsulates the book's tone—simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking. What struck me was how the ending circles back to themes from earlier in the book. There's this sense of growth through all the chaos, like she's saying 'Life is messy, but we keep going.' The illustrations in the final sections are some of her best work—simple line drawings that convey complex emotions with just a few strokes. The book closes without any grand revelations, just this quiet acknowledgment that sometimes existing is enough. It's not a traditional narrative arc, but that's what makes it feel so authentic.

I absolutely adore how 'What Do You Do With a Problem?' wraps up—it’s such a heartwarming reminder that problems aren’t just obstacles but opportunities in disguise. The ending reveals that the protagonist’s 'problem,' which seemed monstrous and overwhelming, actually contains a golden opportunity inside. It’s like cracking open a tough nut to find something precious. The way the story flips fear into curiosity really resonates with me, especially when life throws curveballs. What makes it even more special is the visual storytelling. The illustrations shift from dark, stormy tones to bright, warm colors as the kid embraces the problem. It’s a metaphor for how perspective changes everything. I’ve reread this book during tough times, and it always reminds me to lean into challenges instead of avoiding them. That last page, where the kid’s face lights up with realization? Pure magic.

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.

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.

One of my all-time favorite books in the same vein as 'What Do You Do With a Problem?' is 'The Most Magnificent Thing' by Ashley Spires. It’s about a girl determined to build something amazing, but she keeps running into setbacks. The way it handles frustration and perseverance really resonates with me—especially how it shows that failure isn’t the end, just part of the process. I love how the illustrations complement the story, making it accessible for kids but deeply meaningful for adults too. Another gem is 'After the Fall' by Dan Santat, which reimagines Humpty Dumpty’s story post-accident. The anxiety and fear he feels are portrayed so honestly, and the way he overcomes his trauma is both heartwarming and empowering. It’s a great conversation starter about facing fears and rebuilding confidence. These books aren’t just for kids; they’re little life lessons wrapped in colorful pages.

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.