“I’m going to pick some flowers for you,” says Grandpa Monkey to an empty room.

The Song of Little Stone is a beautifully written story about grief, loneliness, and isolation - and how sometimes all it takes is one kind soul to break that cycle. Somehow, some way, this is all packaged as a children’s book. The best part? It works.

The Song of Little Stone follows Grandpa Monkey, an older widower grieving the loss of his wife. He’s cranky, irritable, and most of all, lonely. One day, while walking up the mountain by his house, he meets a bird, Little Stone, who’s unique songs have ostracized him from his community. Through listening to Little Stone’s songs, however, Grandpa Monkey is able to overcome his grief and in turn, make Little Stone feel appreciated.

“I will have you every year, my dear, when the flowers bloom. From now and forever more,” exclaims Grandpa Monkey joyously.

Tonally, the illustrations mirror the arc of Grandpa Monkey’s journey from grief and isolation to acceptance and companionship.

The Song of Little Stone, written by Higo Wu, illustrated by Kiko Yang, published April 2022 by Reycraft Books, New York. ISBN-13: 9781478875567. Ages 4-7