Today's interview is extra special because I'm talking to not one creator but two! I finally got a chance to catch up with renowned duo Kobi Yamada and Charles Santoso, who have created a wealth of gorgeous books together including Others, which published this past March. Enjoy taking a closer look at how these two talented creators work together!
About the book:
You have to wonder what they’re thinking. The other people.
They’re not from here. They’re over there.
They’re different.
Standing by the hedge that divides them, two children wonder what the people on the opposite side are like. They're not like us, one child insists. The other child wonders: How are they different? Can they fly? Do they have tentacles? Are they machines? Or are they human? And if they are, do they think and feel? Maybe, just maybe, the people here and the people there are not so different after all.
They’re not from here. They’re over there.
They’re different.
Standing by the hedge that divides them, two children wonder what the people on the opposite side are like. They're not like us, one child insists. The other child wonders: How are they different? Can they fly? Do they have tentacles? Are they machines? Or are they human? And if they are, do they think and feel? Maybe, just maybe, the people here and the people there are not so different after all.
Let's talk Kobi Yamada and Charles Santoso!
LTPB: Kobi, where did the idea for Others come from? What was the inspiration for the story?
KY: The idea for Others came from my desire to create a book that could hopefully help to bring people together instead of so many things these days that seem to be pulling us apart. I feel we are constantly about bombarded with news and media about our separateness. I think it’s important for us to counter this narrative with stories, thoughts and ideas about our common humanity, and to help illustrate how much we all really need each other.
LTPB: Charles, how did you become the illustrator of Others? What were the first images that popped into your mind when you saw Kobi’s manuscript?
CS: Kobi and I collaborated on several books before (Finding Muchness, Add More Goodness series), so we discuss things every now and then. Kobi brought the idea and manuscript one day; I think that this is an important matter to bring forward, and we were off to develop it together. I love how thoughtful Kobi was in tackling the topic. We both want to make sure it's a book about conversation, not about teaching a lesson.
As for the visuals, we know we want a hedge in the middle of the book. In my mind, I have an idea of making the composition breathe more, so readers can focus on the conversation in every spread. After that, I played around with different character approaches before finally arriving at the final design.
LTPB: Kobi, how do new story ideas come to you?
CS: Kobi and I collaborated on several books before (Finding Muchness, Add More Goodness series), so we discuss things every now and then. Kobi brought the idea and manuscript one day; I think that this is an important matter to bring forward, and we were off to develop it together. I love how thoughtful Kobi was in tackling the topic. We both want to make sure it's a book about conversation, not about teaching a lesson.
As for the visuals, we know we want a hedge in the middle of the book. In my mind, I have an idea of making the composition breathe more, so readers can focus on the conversation in every spread. After that, I played around with different character approaches before finally arriving at the final design.
KY: I think inspiration for story ideas, and ideas in general, are everywhere and all around us. I’m no different than anyone else. I’m probably plugged-in and connected to screens for too many hours of my day. I have to remind myself to give my mind, and my imagination, space and quiet time just to ponder and question and imagine. I find my creativity is particularly active when I’m out in nature or traveling to unfamiliar places. In moments like these, it’s as if the world around me is a little more alive, and almost daring me to find a story in it.
LTPB: Charles, what did you use to create the illustrations in this book? Is this your preferred medium?
CS: I started with pencil on paper to get the first look for the book. I then used that as a reference to mimic the look with a digital tool (Procreate on iPad and Photoshop). After finishing the illustrations, I realized that it took me longer to really mimic the pencil drawings than if I did everything traditionally (it made me take more time to make sure everything looked right - because I was able to zoom in more). It took a while, but I'm happy with the final result.
KY: I have a new picture book coming out later this summer titled, Where Do Possibilities Live? It is an inspiring book that journeys through different worlds of imagination.
CS: I'm working on another book with Kobi at the moment. It has a quite unique approach to the illustration, and I'm working mostly in traditional medium (pencil and pencil colors). Unfortunately, it's still in the process, so I can't show anything yet. Stay tuned for this one next year!
We do have a book with a Little Hedgehog as our main character called Living Brave coming out soon (July 2026). I hope you'll get a chance to read it.
LTPB: Who (dead or alive!) would you want to illustrate your picture book autobiography, and why?
We do have a book with a Little Hedgehog as our main character called Living Brave coming out soon (July 2026). I hope you'll get a chance to read it.
LTPB: Who (dead or alive!) would you want to illustrate your picture book autobiography, and why?
KY: That is a very interesting question. There are so many amazing artists to consider. However, I have to say, I would want Charles to illustrate my picture book autobiography. First off, he is a master illustrator. He is so skilled in so many ways, but I would hope he would bring his extra sharp pencil to this project, as I especially appreciate his illustrations that feature his pencil work. But more importantly, I would want Charles because he is such a kind-hearted and generous human being. Charles and I have never met in person, but I consider him a dear friend. And who better to trust with my autobiography, than a friend? I hope he gets my good side.
CS: Haha! This is a great question. I have too many artists that I really look up to (classic and contemporary), but if I really have to choose now, I would choose the great Norman Rockwell, just because he was a master in storytelling. I don't mind standing and watching him paint the whole picture book.
A million thanks to Kobi and Charles for taking time to answer some questions! Others published from Ten Speed Press back in March!
Special thanks to Kobi, Charles, and Ten Speed for use of these images!
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