John Stamos and Son Tackle Grief, One Hummingbird at a Time

John Stamos, known for making people smile, is now taking on the rather serious topic of grief — with a little help from his 8-year-old son, Billy. Their new children's book, Love from Above: A Story of Tiny Birds and Their Big Meaning, is set to flutter onto shelves in August 2026. The goal? To gently explain to kids that even after someone's gone, their love, and frankly, their presence, sticks around.

Feathers and Feelings

The inspiration for this rather sweet venture isn't some focus group or a random brainstorm. It's, as these things often are, deeply personal. Stamos shared with People that hummingbirds have long been the unofficial mascots of his family's grief journey. After his own father passed, his mother spotted a hummingbird and immediately felt it was a little hello from beyond. Just like that, hummingbirds became tiny, iridescent messengers.

Years later, the torch (or perhaps, the nectar feeder) was passed. Billy, then just a little guy, saw two hummingbirds flitting about and, with the unfiltered wisdom only an 8-year-old possesses, declared, "Dad, look! That's Grandma Retta and Papa Bill!" And just like that, a book idea was born.

Stamos hopes their feathered tale will offer a bit of comfort to other children navigating the bewildering landscape of loss. Because, as he puts it, while loved ones may physically depart, love itself doesn't just evaporate. It simply finds new, sometimes surprising, ways to remind you it’s still very much present. Which, if you think about it, is a rather lovely thought to leave with anyone, regardless of age.