What You Need to Be Warm

In 2019, in response to a refugee crisis, Neil Gaiman asked his Twitter followers: What reminds you of warmth? Over 1,000 responses later, Neil used the replies from across the world to inspire him to write a poem in aid of the United Nations High Commission on Refugees. It reveals our shared desire to feel safe, welcome, and warm in a world that can often feel scary.

During the coldest season, when the world feels scary - what do you remember about being warm?

Baked potatoes.

Trust.

A kettle on the stove.

Blankets.

A smile.

And, most of all, the reassurance that you belong.

In his powerful and moving poem, featuring illustrations from thirteen extraordinary artists, bestselling author and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Neil Gaiman draws together many different memories to answer the question, what do you need to be warm?

Featured Illustrators: Yuliya Gwilym, Nadine Kaadan, Pam Smy, Daniel Egnéus, Beth Suzanna, Marie-Alice Harel, Petr Horáček, Chris Riddell, Bagram Ibatoulline, Majid Adin, Richard Jones, Oliver Jeffers, & Benji Davies