Children on the Throne

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. 

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. 

This moving and hopeful first look at climate change is brought to life by the sweeping, emotive illustrations of Richard Johnson, Coelho’s close collaborator on Our Tower. A beautifully crafted book, it highlights the lesser-known signs of climate change in urban environments, helping children aged 5+ 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.