There's a Little Black Spot on the Sun Today, by Sting and Sven Volker

Way back in the early 80s, after he and his wife split up, Sting, lead singer of The Police, wrote a song called "King of Pain."  His poetic expression of grief, pain, and loneliness became one of his band's biggest hits.

When his son was struggling with a serious illness, illustrator Sven Volker heard "King of Pain" and thought it captured the struggles he and his son were experiencing.  Thus was born his book There's a Little Black Spot on the Sun Today, which brings to life Sting's lyrics with minimalistic pictures, using simple arrangements of geometric shapes, perhaps inspired by the cover of the single.
 
There's Little Black Spot is simple and cute, while at the same time emphasizing the poetic power of Sting's lyrics.  It's worth a look for a general audience, and could be a helpful tool for children dealing with grief or pain.  How is your pain like a black spot on the sun?  How is your grief like a hat caught in a treetop?  More than just a cool song and neat graphics, there's an opportunity for reflection and healing in the lyrics and pictures.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!