Richard Jones’ beautifully illustrated book Safe at Last, tells the story of a young boy named James who lives in a house by the sea. Every day James cycles around his island home greeting the local otters, birds, bears and rabbits. James enjoys a happy, carefree life until an unexpected change in the weather makes him feel alone and afraid. But his fear is soon surpassed by a concern for the wellbeing of his animal friends, and so—lantern in hand—James begins on a courageous journey through the dark stormy night.

Richard Jones’ painterly illustrations are lyrical and other worldly, awash in watercolour and acrylic. Textured and flat, grainy and smooth, the turn of each page rewards viewers a new canvas. His visible brush strokes build upon layers of meaning in this gentle children’s story.

Safe at Last is aimed at children aged between 3 - 7 years, with younger viewers drawn to the images and older readers connecting more deeply to the story's allegorical themes of kindness and bravery.  

One of the most illustrative strengths of this picture book is the use of lightness and dark, which carries the tale through to its conclusion. James' little lantern—clutched tight—offers warmth and comfort during his search through the woods, and signposts a new vision of his home, illuminated like a lighthouse, guiding James and the animals to safety. Because in the end, what more could anyone want but to be home, safe and warm, surrounded by the ones that you love.

By Andrea Bell

Safe at Last written and illustrated by Richard Jones is published by Walker Books Ltd, London, United Kingdom, 2025.