Children of the Throne - by Joseph Coelho (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

From award-winning children's poet Joseph Coelho comes this gentle, poetic story about climate change, working together, building communities, and living in sync with nature.

In this moving, hopeful story, three children are gazing down from their high-rise windows at leaves hitting the hot pavements.

The summer is hotter than ever before, and the trees are tricked into thinking it is autumn.

They wonder why the grown-ups are pleased by the good weather, rather than worried for the trees. A wise tree shows the children how to conjure rain and look after the forest, but in bravely finding a short-term solution, they inspire and awaken a long-term commitment in the grown ups around them. Together, they all rediscover the hidden power of reconnecting with nature, setting a topsy-turvy world the right way up, and protecting it for future generations.

This important first look at climate change and protecting the natural world is brought to life by sweeping, emotive illustrations from Richard Johnson, close collaborator with Coelho on Our Building.

A soft and subtle way to highlight the importance of nature-restoration efforts, this beautiful book highlights the lesser-known signs of climate change in urban environments, providing children aged 5+ with details about what to look out for in the world around them.

Review Quotes

"...a fanciful story that imagines empowered children as a solution."

"On the hottest day of the year, three children watch from their tower block windows as golden leaves drift down to the baking pavement. From former Waterstones Children's Laureate Coelho comes this gentle, poetic story about climate change, working together, building communities and living in tune with nature."

About the Author

Multi award-winning author Joseph Coelho is one of the UK's most prestigious writers for children: he won the internationally renowned Carnegie Medal for Writing with The Boy Lost in the Maze and was selected to be the Waterstones Children's Laureate 2022-2024. As part of that laureateship he completed a library marathon, joining over 213 libraries. He writes for children of all ages: his collection Ten-Word Tiny Tales won acclaim from the Wall Street Journal, The Horn Book, the Bulletin Center for Children's Books, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist; the companion title, Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love, includes artwork from Jon Klassen, Sydney Smith, and many other award-winning and bestselling artists. His picture books include If All the World Were . . ., illustrated by Allison Colpoys, which has been translated into over 10 languages, and the critically acclaimed Luna Loves series, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers, which has sold over 450,000 copies. He is also an admired performer, broadcaster, and playwright.

Richard Johnson is an illustrator whose picture books have been published by Penguin, Faber & Faber, Macmillan, DK, and many others. His work is deeply thoughtful and conjures up powerful atmospheres with detailed, delicate pencil strokes.