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The Idea in You: A Picture Book
A joyous exploration of imagination and finding inspiration, The Idea in You is the debut picture book from Questlove—New York Times bestselling author, six-time GRAMMY Award–winning drummer, producer, and Academy Award–winning filmmaker—and Coretta Scott King Honor Award–winning illustrator Sean QuallsAn idea can come from anywhere. Start reach up into the sky And unhook a star. Questlove’s debut picture book, an uplifting story about passion, creativity, and joy—exuberantly illustrated by award-winning artist Sean Qualls—will inspire kids to find their own creative pursuits.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 24, 2024
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Questlove
19 books120 followersAhmir K. Thompson (b. 1971), known professionally as Questlove, is an American musician, drummer, record producer, disc jockey, filmmaker, music journalist, and actor. He is the drummer and joint frontman (with Black Thought) for the hip hop band the Roots. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 25, 2024
I read this twice. I just don't like it.
October 27, 2024
Everyone has ideas. But how do you find one when you need it? The narrator explains that you can start by reaching up and grabbing a star to use as you like, as a metaphor for the germ of an idea. A small Black boy with an Afro follows the narration and acts out the instructions with joy. The lyrical text counsels him in concrete and imaginary ways to figure out how to use the idea: is it a melody? a story? a delicious stew? a collaboration? I like the idea that there are endless ways to find inspiration around you and to turn that inspiration into your own project.
The whimsical artwork, in a combination of paint, collage and pencil, is a perfect complement to this joyful guide to thinking outside the box. I imagine that the book could be useful as a creative writing prompt in early grade classrooms. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
The whimsical artwork, in a combination of paint, collage and pencil, is a perfect complement to this joyful guide to thinking outside the box. I imagine that the book could be useful as a creative writing prompt in early grade classrooms. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
October 23, 2024
Everyone has ideas. But how do you find one when you need it? The narrator explains that you can start by reaching up and grabbing a star to use as you like, as a metaphor for the germ of an idea. A small Black boy with an Afro follows the narration and acts out the instructions with joy. The lyrical text counsels him in concrete and imaginary ways to figure out how to use the idea: is it a melody? a story? a delicious stew? a collaboration? I like the idea that there are endless ways to find inspiration around you and to turn that inspiration into your own project.
The whimsical artwork, in a combination of paint, collage and pencil, is a perfect complement to this joyful guide to thinking outside the box. I imagine that the book could be useful as a creative writing prompt in early grade classrooms.
The whimsical artwork, in a combination of paint, collage and pencil, is a perfect complement to this joyful guide to thinking outside the box. I imagine that the book could be useful as a creative writing prompt in early grade classrooms.
November 13, 2025
I love the images in this book! The illustrator made this feel like such a great book to inspire imagination. The words from Questlove push a sophisticated concept in a way that kids can grasp. I feel like this book is going to stay in Malik's rotation for a few years, at least. He's also born into a family of creatives and we want to encourage him to find and value the ideas within himself and to honour his own takes about the world.
This book is so intentional. I genuinely cannot get enough of it.
This book is so intentional. I genuinely cannot get enough of it.
January 12, 2025
Loved the artwork but the story was definitely lacking and somewhat confusing. I expected more from the great Questlove in this picture book and was lowkey let down. I understand what the story was trying to say but the pictures and the artwork did not really match up or convey any meaning to tell a story. This felt more like an inspirational poem disguised as a picture book and would need more context or explaining if read to a child.
October 22, 2024
An inspirational & imaginative book that encourages children to think about ideas....!
It is an abstract style book- in both it's illustrations and texts, and takes some discussion on the part of the reader/adult to pull some of the concepts out.
Overall, it engaged our little readers & had them curious!
It is an abstract style book- in both it's illustrations and texts, and takes some discussion on the part of the reader/adult to pull some of the concepts out.
Overall, it engaged our little readers & had them curious!
July 14, 2025
Such a fantastic book!
The message, the illustrations, the feelings it envokes...
This will definitely be one of my go-to books, especially at the beginning of the school year.
Imagine a world where every child truly believes in the joy of dreaming, creating, collaborating, and inspiring—that’s exactly the world this book invites us to build, one bright idea at a time.
The message, the illustrations, the feelings it envokes...
This will definitely be one of my go-to books, especially at the beginning of the school year.
Imagine a world where every child truly believes in the joy of dreaming, creating, collaborating, and inspiring—that’s exactly the world this book invites us to build, one bright idea at a time.
September 25, 2024
an inspiring message on growing and nurturing ones creativity; including where to find it (within and without). Sean Quall's artwork is as magical as always and was a perfect choice for this project.
For fans of Andrea Pippins work, as well as Kobi Yamada's questions collection.
For fans of Andrea Pippins work, as well as Kobi Yamada's questions collection.
June 13, 2025
Speaking mostly about the songwriting process, Questlove encourages all ideas and allowing them space and attention and cooperation...
Favorite line: It may need more salt. You might shed a tear, taste it again, feel something new.
Favorite line: It may need more salt. You might shed a tear, taste it again, feel something new.
October 7, 2024
3.5/5
October 13, 2024
I will add this to my list of books about creativity!
October 24, 2024
A sweet celebration of the power of an idea.
November 6, 2024
Readers go along on the adventure to find creativity and ideas. Questlove shows readers the amazing world around them - all they have to do is grab an idea and explore.
November 19, 2024
Meh it was fine. Loved the illustrations but this book wasn’t that well written
December 4, 2024
A great lesson in making your ideas come true, showing it can be done rather you are young or older.
January 23, 2025
the kids didn't really care/weren't in a headspace for this book
March 3, 2025
I didn’t love, love this book. But I think for the right kid, it could be super inspiring and I could totally see this being a beloved family bedtime book
August 4, 2025
Pretty cute, lovely illustrations
November 15, 2025
I love the idea of this book and almost always adore Sean Qualls. Not sure why this didn't do 5 stars for me. I wonder if there is music to go with it. Hope so!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews