Nick Cave is releasing a children's book titled The Little Thing

The Little Thing is a children's book written and illustrated by Cave, and will be available as a physical copy with a free audiobook that includes music by Cave and Warren Ellis.

Crack Magazine reports that Cave wrote the book for his young neighbour Esme. Cave said in a statement, "The Little Thing is a story I wrote for my three-year-old neighbour, Esme. I drew the pictures too, in case you’re wondering. It is the tale of a little thing that goes on an epic adventure to discover the true nature of its identity. ‘What am I?’ asks The Little Thing. Along the way, it meets a cast of diverse characters – including a tomato, a toilet roll, a shower head, a cupcake, and a corn on the cob, that guide The Little Thing toward its final joyous realisation."

Earlier today, Mary Anne Hobbs shared audio of Cave reading the book aloud on her BBC 6Music show.

Fancy a bit of existentialism for kids this Wednesday?

Played for the very first time, @nickcave's wonderful children's book was shared by @maryannehobbs on her show earlier today.

Tap the @bbcsounds link below to hear this beautiful tale in full https://t.co/2lt846cMta pic.twitter.com/Yo8KN5dW4f

— BBC Radio 6 Music (@BBC6Music) November 10, 2021

Last month Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds released their B-Sides & Rarities Part II album.