CaringI wasn’t exactly sure where I was,
but suddenly everything around me
was lush and alive.
“What is this place?” I wondered.
As I wandered around, a voice called out to me.
“Hello there. Can I help you?”
The most fascinating person was standing in front of me.
She had birds perched on her shoulders and fluttering
about her head, her hands and clothes were covered in dirt.
I thought to myself,
I want to be happy like that.
NoticingWhat if you looked for the good in
yourself, and others—what would you see?
This is a story about noticing the little things, the grand big things, the imaginary, and sometimes, hidden things. It is about embracing what's possible. The incredible is everywhere, and in everything-waiting to be known, discovered, recognized.
It's not only what we look at, but how we see it. When we look with our hearts, we grow our compassion. When we use our imagination, we expand our vision. And when we take the time to truly observe the beauty and magic around us each day, we begin to understand the promise and potential that is available to us all.
This is a story to encourage you to pay attention, to make new discoveries, and to explore the unknown. It is also an invitation to look within, to your own hopes and dreams, and perhaps to discover even more.
Trying“How do you do that?”
I didn’t realize I had said it out loud,
but the sculptor looked over and replied,
“You simply do it.”
“Oh no, I could never do that.”
“How do you know?” he asked.
“I just know.”
Confused, I walked away. “He must be joking,” I thought.
But as I left, I couldn’t help wondering what it would be like
to create something so incredible.
Copyright © 2026 by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Elise Hurst. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
