What inspires you? A sunset? A child’s giggle? The everyday experience of being alive?
New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada has inspired many of all ages through his books and pop-up window cards.
So what inspires Yamada? “So much inspires me,” he said. “Simple things like a walk in the woods, seeing someone doing something selflessly, unbridled laughter, brilliant ideas, spontaneity, barre classes, travel, and spending quality time with people I love. I think inspiration is everywhere and all around us.”
Yamada, 56, lives in Edmonds with his wife, PAWS CEO Heidi Yamada, and their two children. He is the president of Compendium, where fulfillment centers in Everett and Louisville, Kentucky, ship books, journals, greeting cards, and a variety of children’s products nationwide. All of Compendium’s products can be found in major chains such as World Market and Barnes & Noble, as well as in specialty shops such as the Nature Together in Mukilteo, the Edmonds Bookshop and the Papery in Edmonds, and Nothing Bundt Cakes in Mill Creek and Lynnwood.
“We have a wonderful team of creatives at Compendium. It is one of my great joys to be able to work with such skilled and dedicated people. No product, including my books, is ever created by one person. Everything we make is a collaborative effort. Each product is the result of many people contributing their gifts and talents.”
Compendium’s creative staff lives locally, but since the pandemic has gone completely remote. “As a way to combat the isolation of remote work and to foster culture and community, our entire staff gathers in person once a month to do fun activities and spend quality time together.”
Compendium’s picture books have been translated into about 40 languages. Many have children and animals as the main characters – Yamada said they are children’s books that can inspire all ages. “I believe our picture books are for readers of all ages. In addition to kids, I’ve heard from thousands of adults who have been impacted by our books. I don’t believe things like creativity, imagination, resiliency, or courage are age-specific. These are life skills we should want to grow and encourage all the days of our lives.”
Each of his books has a different focus, but the collective goal is the same. “It’s my hope our books will inspire a deeper discussion. When we share insights and ideas – especially with people of different backgrounds or generations – meaningful moments and wonderful connections can happen.”
Compendium was founded in 1985 by Dan Zadra; at the time, it only did business-to-business work. Yamada arrived in 1992 and led efforts to create products for the gift and book markets. One of the more popular items remains the small ThoughtFulls Pop-Open Cards. Example: One called “Hope” includes 30 messages, including Robert Alden’s “There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.”
Yamada released his debut book, “What Do You With an Idea?,” in 2014, illustrated by Mae Besom, now with a 10thanniversary edition. The book established Yamada as a best-selling author, as it introduced a young child whose creative idea turns into a speckled egg with a golden crown and birdlike legs. That book led to many other books whose titles offer a suggestion of what’s inside. For example: “What Do You Do With an Idea”; “What Do You Do With a Problem”; “Chasing Dreams;” and “Because I Had a Teacher,” among many others.
And Yamada’s books are reaching new audiences on the stage. “What Do You Do With an Idea?” was adapted by Christina Pippa, with music and lyrics by Sharon Kenny, for the famed 92nd Street Y this August and September. That followed his “Maybe,” also adapted by Pippa, that debuted early last year at Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins, Minnesota.” Yamada attended the premiere of “Maybe” and a staging of “What Do You Do With an Idea?” in September.
So what does Yamada do when he’s having a bad day or not feeling inspired? “I might listen to unfamiliar music or tune into a podcast as a pattern interrupter. These can be helpful in providing a different perspective or another lens in which to see a situation. But I find the best reset for me is getting out into nature. We are very fortunate in the Pacific Northwest, where nature is so accessible.”
After previously living in Seattle, Yamada is settled in Snohomish county. “My wife became the CEO of PAWS in Lynnwood in 2020. We moved to Edmonds from Seattle that year so she could be closer to her work. Edmonds was our first choice. We appreciated the small-town feeling and its gorgeous location on Puget Sound.
"Since living here, Edmonds has only exceeded our expectations. We love how intentional and community-oriented it is here. We feel very fortunate to have found this special place to call home.”
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