Our Tower

"Coelho draws on his own experience growing up in a tower block on the edge of Richmond Park in London in this title." * The Bookseller *
"Coelho drew upon his own experiences to tell this story about three children who leave their tower block and tumble into a strange world underneath a tree. There, a “tree-grown man” helps them understand the power of nature and, when they resurface, their tower block is transformed into a place of colour and light. Gorgeously illustrated by Johnson, this modern-day fable is a celebration of high-rise living and its ties to the ancient, natural world" * The Bookseller *
Fresh to the post of children’s laureate, Joseph Coelho is releasing Our Tower […] Coelho, who was inspired by his experience growing up in London, has said “I wanted to bring the magic of Narnia to the tower block” — which seems the perfect mission statement […] books can’t fill tummies but they can provide hope and escape. * The Guardian *
‘The new children’s laureate has written a poem about living in a tower block and a magical journey into the forest to rediscover our connection to nature. Richard Johnson’s gentle illustrations capture the magic in this picture book for older children.’ * The Sunday Times *
“Gorgeously illustrated by Richard Johnson, this picture book is a love letter to high-rise living and its connection to the ancient, natural world.”  * The Sunday Post *
“The new Children’s Laureate draws on his own experiences for this fantastical nature-based fable which encourages three children to see their tower block home in a new light.” * i-newspaper *
‘Fresh to the post of children’s laureate, Joseph Coelho is releasing Our Tower […] Coelho, who was inspired by his experience growing up in London, has said “I wanted to bring the magic of Narnia to the tower block” — which seems the perfect mission statement […] books can’t fill tummies but they can provide hope and escape’  * The Observer *
“This glowing, poetic picture book from the new children’s laureate celebrates the joys of community in urban spaces while quietly affirming that the natural world belongs to everyone.” * The Guardian *
“Our Tower celebrates the joys of community in urban spaces while quietly affirming that the natural world belongs to everyone”.  * The Guardian *

"A surprising metropolitan fantasy...Coelho writes with evocative language."

* Publishers Weekly *

“The narrative, with its lyrical prose and playful take on typography, will encourage young readers to look for the imagination and beauty hidden right at home and to cherish their bonds with neighbors, friends, and loved ones during everyday life.”

-- Stephanie Cohen * Booklist Reviews *