How A Tweet Helped Neil Gaiman Pen His Upcoming Book

Bloomsbury has revealed its upcoming release of a new book, What You Need to Be Warm, authored by the renowned Neil Gaiman.

This project, published in collaboration with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, delves into the themes of displacement, flight from conflict, and the significance of warmth during challenging times.

The book is pinned to be a heartfelt exploration emphasising our universal right to feel safe and welcome, regardless of our origins or circumstances. 

How did the book come into being?

In 2019 Gaiman asked his Twitter followers, “What reminds you of warmth?” Sourcing material from the responses, Gaiman composed a poem in aid of the UNHCR’s 2019 winter appeal. After receiving almost 1,000 responses – with Ben Stiller and Monica Lewinsky among those to contribute – Gaiman found himself with a 25,000-word document, from which he has composed his newest written work. What You Need to Be Warm explores flight from conflict by spotlighting the objects and memories that offer hope during trying times.

Adding further visual enchantment to the book, What You Need to Be Warm features original illustrations by a lineup of 13 artists including Oliver Jeffers for the book’s cover, Benji Davies, Yuliya Gwilym, Chris Riddell, and many more. Each artist brings their unique perspective and style, elevating the poem's messages with their evocative imagery. 

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, stands at the forefront of protecting individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. Operating in over 130 countries, UNHCR provides life-saving support, safeguards fundamental human rights, and assists millions of people in building a better future.

What does Neil Gaiman has to say about the project?

Neil Gaiman said, "I hope that the ideas and memories collected and woven into this poem and the beautiful images they’ve inspired will be shared far and wide, as the humanitarian message is even more urgent today than it was when I typed that original tweet in 2019. There are more refugees, and conditions are worse. And every year there’s a winter."

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Kelly T Clements, UNHCR's Deputy High Commissioner, emphasises the power of storytelling and shared experiences in fostering empathy and connection. She states, "We all know what it feels like to be cold or to feel excluded; we have also all felt the benefits of warmth and welcome." 

She further added that the book's publication will not only ignite conversations but also generate crucial funds to support UNHCR's work in aiding forcibly displaced people globally.

Lara Hancock, Head of Illustrated Publishing at Bloomsbury Children's Books, commends the simplicity and power of warmth, which can be as simple as a cup of hot cocoa or a pair of mittens. She expresses pride in assembling an extraordinary group of illustrators from around the world, who bring Gaiman's words to life with their poignant and powerful artwork. 

What You Need to Be Warm is scheduled for a hardback release in October 2023 in the UK, accompanied by a major global marketing and publicity campaign in support of UNHCR's 2023 winter appeal.

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