The Wretched Stone

Reach for this book when you notice your child becoming a zombie to their devices, losing interest in their hobbies, or struggling to pull away from a screen. This hauntingly beautiful story provides a safe, metaphorical space to talk about the magnetic pull of technology and the importance of staying connected to the real world. Written as a series of ship log entries, the story follows a crew of sailors who discover a mysterious glowing stone that eventually robs them of their speech and humanity. While it carries a spooky, atmospheric tone, it is ultimately a story about the power of stories, music, and human connection to bring us back to ourselves. It is ideal for elementary-aged children who are beginning to navigate the allure of digital entertainment.