Deep in a sunny research center, lived a bright young gorilla named Koko. She loved to play with balls and swing on ropes, but sometimes, Koko felt like she had so much to say, and no way to say it.

Her best friend was Dr. Lyra. Dr. Lyra understood that Koko had big thoughts. She would talk to Koko using her voice, but Koko couldn't talk back the way Dr. Lyra did.

“How can we talk about sunshine?” Dr. Lyra wondered. “Or bananas? Or the fluffy, soft kittens I want to show you?”

Dr. Lyra had a wonderful idea: they would use their hands! She taught Koko signs—slowly, gently, one sign at a time.

Koko quickly learned "FOOD" and "PLAY." She learned "HURRY" when she wanted her treats right away, and "SLEEP" when she was ready for a nap.

But the most wonderful sign Koko learned was “CAT.” Koko had always loved looking at pictures of fluffy, purring creatures.

One day, Dr. Lyra brought Koko a very special gift: a real, tiny kitten! Koko signed, "SOFT, GOOD." She knew exactly what to say.

Koko named the kitten All Ball. Through her hands, Koko told Dr. Lyra that All Ball was her "BABY" and her "FRIEND." She was gentle and loving.

Koko’s hands became her voice. She used them to ask questions, tell jokes, and share feelings that Dr. Lyra never knew gorillas could have.

Koko taught everyone that communication isn't just about voices, it’s about connection. And even if your words look different, when you talk with your hands, your big thoughts can travel all around the world.