Staunton, Tagholm and George launch appeal with new picture book

Actor Imelda Staunton, children’s author Sarah Tagholm and illustrator Karen George have collaborated on a picture book to launch ShelterBox’s winter fundraising appeal. 

Tagholm’s In the Cold Night, illustrated by George was created for a campaign film to raise awareness of the threat winter poses to those fleeing disaster and conflict. In the film, Staunton narrates the picture book which is based on the real-life experiences of families following the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. The book will be shared on social media but is not currently available to buy.

Staunton commented: "I’ve been a supporter of ShelterBox for years — their responses to disasters providing families with emergency shelter and other essential items is simple but tangible. Like solar lights for dark nights, water filters for drinkable water, thermal blankets to stay warm, and shelter so people can protect their families from the cold, wind, and rain.  

“So, when ShelterBox asked me to narrate their film based on the experiences of families they met after the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, I was glad to be able to support their appeal and help raise awareness for displaced people, families and communities around the world." 

Tagholm said: "Being surrounded by the voices of the people ShelterBox supports helped give me an idea of how living through an earthquake might feel to a child... Picture books are usually 12 spreads but being primarily for social media we needed to cover it in six. I think we managed to keep its character despite being so few words and once the manuscript was agreed it was all about who would be best placed to illustrate the work." 

George added: "While researching for the illustrations for this ShelterBox project, it has at times been heart-rending to read about, and respond to, the devastating stories of people’s lives suddenly torn apart by earthquakes, losing loved ones and their homes. But amid the desolation, these stories also have a sense of hope, brought about by the passion and determination of the ShelterBox workers and volunteers."