'Hear our voices' Children's book
Hear Our Voices is a unique children’s book that brings together the ideas and concerns of 600 children of over 50 nationalities who took part in Seen and Heard workshops.
Their voices became the heartbeat of a communal poem, shaped by award-winning writer Sita Brahmachari and illustrator Chris Riddell, and curated by Amnesty International Poland.
Watch the video to hear from those involved in making the book, including Chris and Sita.
About the book
Hear Our Voices grew from creative workshops held in Malta, Poland and Germany, that brought together over 600 children and young people of the world who explored freedom of expression, the right to protest and children’s rights. Educators, artists and activists invited the children to imagine what freedom of expression looks like — in their homes, their schools, their communities, and in the world. And the adults listened closely.
From diverse cultures and life stories, including experiences of hardship, migration and refuge, the children shared their visions for a fairer, safer and freer world.
They spoke of clean air and safe homes.
Of forests and oceans that need protection.
Of needing kindness, fairness and truth from adults.
Of the right to dream – and to be heard.
In workshops filled with conversation, laughter and drawing, they spoke of:
- Protecting the planet and learning to live gently with nature.
- Standing up for children’s rights, everywhere and for everyone.
- Being supported by adults who listen, respect and care.
- Creating together, using words and art to express hope.
Author Sita Brahmachari gathered the children’s words and wove them into a shared poem of hope and resistance. Chris Riddell translated their emotions into vibrant, compassionate illustrations that bring their visions to life. The result is a lyrical and visual celebration of children’s rights — a call for all of us to listen, to care, and to act.
It’s a book that upholds children’s rights to a voice and to participate in all decisions that affect them.
Why it matters
Hear Our Voices is both a book and a movement. It shows what happens when children are truly heard – when their ideas about human rights, justice, peace and the planet are taken seriously.
The book embodies the principles of child agency, freedom of expression and intergenerational solidarity. It asserts children’s rightful place as thinkers, creators and changemakers.
It’s also a creative call to action for adults: to protect the environment, defend children’s rights, and stand beside the youngest voices shaping a fairer, greener future.
Hear Our Voices is curated by Amnesty International Poland and will be published by Walker Books in April 2026 as a gift for the Seen and Heard children and young people.
Children's literature as human rights education
Hear Our Voices will not be commercially sold. A limited number of copies will be shared with schools, libraries and child-focused organisations — to spark conversations about freedom of expression, the right to be heard and the power of children’s voices in shaping a fairer world.
To enhance these conversations we have developed free, creative Human Rights Education resources for schools, educators and organisations supporting children’s rights, voice and participation and empower them to think critically.
Download them for free here
Related Blog Posts
A number of informative blog posts have been written by members of the Seen and Heard project, as follows:
Hear the sound of people drawing – it’s quiet and soft…
Children’s rights in our hands
