Scholastic partners with refugee charity for new picture book from Axel Scheffler and Alison Green

Scholastic has announced the publication of Welcome, a “joyful” new picture book from Axel Scheffler and publisher Alison Green. The announcement coincides with news that the Scholastic has donated £290,000 to the refugee charity Three Peas via sales of its 2019 picture book Kind. 

Green acquired world rights to the illustrations directly from Scheffler for hardback publication in May 2025. Scholastic will be taking Welcome to Bologna Children’s Fair next week (Monday 8th April), while a donation from every copy sold will be given to Three Peas.

Welcome follows from the picture book Kind, which featured donated artwork from 38 illustrators including Scheffler. Sales of Kind have raised £290,000 for Three Peas, a charity that helps those who have had to leave home because of war or persecution. 

Building on the “positive, universal messages” in Kind, Welcome features a “delightful” cast of animals to teach children about friendship, togetherness and how to make others feel welcome. 

“I look forward to Welcome raising more awareness about the importance of togetherness and more donations to support the vital efforts of Three Peas,” said Scheffler. “I hope my animal characters and Alison’s words encourage children (and adults) to welcome others.”

Green commented: “I’m delighted that we are continuing to support Three Peas. I am so impressed by everything they do to help those who have had to flee their homes. Axel’s artwork is wonderful, as always, and it is a joy to see his irresistible characters bring such important messages to life.”

Clémentine Koenig, trustee of Three Peas, said: “In these difficult times, we cannot underestimate the importance of sharing these most human values. We are immensely grateful for the funds Welcome will raise to support to our partners working on the ground, ensuring they can continue to provide their services to refugees and asylum seekers with consistency and a greater reach. We appreciate the commitment and support Alison, Axel and the all Scholastic team are showing in our work.”