From Waterstones Children's Laureate 2022–2024, Joseph Coelho, comes this gentle, poetic story about climate change, working together, building communities and living in tune with nature. This moving and hopeful first look at climate change is brought to life by the sweeping, emotive illustrations by Richard Johnson, Coelho’s close collaborator on Our Tower.

On the hottest day of the year, three children watch from their tower block windows as golden leaves drift down to the baking pavement.

The trees, tricked by the unseasonal heat, think autumn has arrived.

While the grown-ups delight in the sunshine, the children worry for the trees – why isn’t anyone else concerned?

A wise tree shows them how to conjure rain and care for the forest, but by bravely finding a short-term solution, they inspire something much bigger – a long-term commitment from the adults around them.

Together, they rediscover the hidden power of nature, setting a topsy-turvy world the right way up, and protecting it for the future.

A beautifully crafted book, it highlights the lesser-known signs of climate change in urban environments, helping children notice the changes happening in the world around them. This inspiring story reminds children that even small actions can spark big change – and that by working together, we can help protect the world for generations to come. 

 

You can view more illustrations from this book on Richard's Portfolio

We asked Richard a few questions about his practice...

Do you feel your artistic style has been influenced by a particular illustrator? If so, can you tell us this person inspired or influenced your work?

"I think lots of things influence my work, sometimes its sculpture or a particular exhibition. Sometimes it’s just the atmosphere of a place. More likely its film. I think my work is primarily driven by the desire to tell stories, and I enjoy creating sequences of images, hence my admiration of film. When I started out, I wasn’t sure what I was about really, though I did appreciate Lane Smith’s work. His use of character and painterly textures, fused with a dark humour, really captured my imagination for what children’s Illustration could be."

 

Do you have a favourite children's book illustrator and what is it that you admire about them?

 

"Not really. I’m always drawn to artists that convey a sense of personality in their work, artists that bring something extra to the text that they’re illustrating. I’m proud to be represented by Arena Illustration Agency, as I’ve always admired the work that their artists produce. I know Tamlyn and Caroline are advocates of solid drawing, and I think this shows in the types of artists they represent.

I think it’s useful to look beyond just children’s illustration too, so I’m always curious as to see what work is being made in other fields, particularly graphic novels and other areas of authorial practice."


How would you describe your own style of illustration?

 

"I suppose it’s fairly detailed. But I’d describe my work as atmospheric and probably quite theatrical. Left to my own devices, its naturally dark but children’s illustration allows me to contrast these characteristics with lighter more decorative approaches. Children’s illustration also allows me to develop characters and develop extra layers of narrative, creating details that can be found through subsequent readings. I think I enjoy bringing out emotion in my work."

Thank you Ricard.

You can find Richard on Instagram For more information regarding collaborating with Richard please email us info@arenaillustration.com