A New World Rises

About this book
From the creative and curious minds of LEGO Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, in collaboration with science writer Cristy Burne, comes a LEGO® book like no other.
THE YEAR IS 2130. Humanity’s reign has ended but the world is slowly recovering and showing signs of new life – one brick at a time.
LEGO® minifigures have risen from the debris to craft intricate civilisations inside discarded objects – each one inspired by the relic they now call home.
Taking LEGO® storytelling and artistry to new heights, A New World Rises explores an imagined future, one that might not be as far removed from reality as we think. Step into the future. Discover the past. And inspire your own LEGO® worlds.
Written by Cristy Burne
Artwork by Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler
Design by Dani Lurie
Published by Fremantle Press, 2025
ISBN: 9781760994167
REVIEWS
‘A beautiful and imaginative addition to school libraries and creative classrooms’ – Emily Baulch, Reading Time
‘A must have for every Lego® enthusiast, young and old.’ – The Burgeoning Bookshelf
‘Bursting with imagination and storytelling‘ – Helen Tomazin
More reviews
“Wow! What an incredible and clever book, something I have not seen before. This book is bursting with imagination and storytelling and how bricks can bring exciting new worlds to life. There are historical people, artefacts, time periods, news articles, jokes and so much more. There is something for everyone covering Arts, Science, HASS and Technologies. It celebrates creativity and endless possibilities showing what amazing things you can do with just a humble brick. It is truly extraordinary and a must-read. A fun and imaginative read that’s nostalgic, inspiring and makes you want to grab your bricks and start building.”
“Such a completely new concept of storytelling and Lego… This original book concept will excite and engage readers of all ages. The builds are phenomenal with intricate details and design elements that have been so thought out. With the popularity of @legomastersau this book will definitely hit its target audience, but the creativity within the pages will expand its reach. I can definitely see this book being popular with all our students (and I’m guessing their parents).” Telarah Public School
“With fun and playful text, this exhibition in a book form will entertain, expand your imagination and celebrate the limitless creativity and joy that LEGO encourages to all. LEGO storytelling and artistry is set to new heights with such things as discarded jetskis, pianos, cosmic arcade game and of course the awesome 1960’s Volkswagen Beetle to name a few! Super cool book you need to get your hands on. Perfect gift idea too with Christmas around the corner!” Michelle Greenlaw
“The hardcover book features 184 pages of amazing photos with a full shot of the setup and close up shots of each part of the setup, which gives a clear insight into the hours and thought that has gone into each build. Each page includes fun and playful text combining to give a picture of a new world rising from the debris. A world that focuses on recycling and sustainability. A New World Rises: Tales of a Lego® Future is a ‘must have’ for every Lego® enthusiast, young and old.” The Burgeoning Bookshelf
“Full of laughs, creativity and possibilities, and beautiful too! Devoured by my kid in one afternoon, then the Lego boxes came back out to play… Love it!” H M Waugh
“The excellent photography zooms in on the detailed dioramas creatively nestled in the various items left by humans and the whole is animated by news articles and interviews, scripts, notes, posters and more, alongside “Relicapaedia” entries adding commentary and humour. Messages of sustainability, recycling and resilience informed the project from the start, using huge quantities of second-hand Lego® bricks as well as the objects to be relics of the human past like the rusting Volkswagen Beetle and an old jet ski. At the end of the book are insights into the workshop process, encouraging readers to be creative and explore their own imagined worlds. This glossy book will be popular in any library and could be used as a discussion starter on recycling and consumerism for primary and middle school students. Themes: Lego® minifigures, recycling, design, resilience.” Sue Speck. ReadPlus
“A New World Rises imagines a future where humans are no longer on planet Earth. Instead, LEGO minifigures build tiny worlds inside discarded objects. A New World Rises is more of a curiosity-driven coffee table book than a typical sit-and-down and read experience. It is a gorgeous book filled with big, detailed art scenes that are a joy to look at. Every page feels like its own little world. There is so much to spot and so many tiny ideas tucked into each picture that readers can easily spend a long time exploring. The illustrations are the heart of the book and they really are stunning.
“The book has a light and playful sense of humour, which older kids will enjoy. It is not a traditional story with a beginning, middle and end. Instead, it works more like a collection of imaginative scenes with provocations. Some readers who prefer a strong plot might not be pulled in straight away, but for the right reader it can be a wonderful spark for creativity.
“Where A New World Rises really succeeds is as an inspiration tool. Parents and teachers can use it to get kids thinking about how stories are built, how worlds are designed and how pictures and ideas connect. The futuristic settings make it perfect for classroom conversations about STEM, sci fi, technology, the environment and sustainability. The book also works well for visual literacy activities because there is so much to notice and talk about. Younger kids who love LEGO or building things will enjoy browsing the pages and playing a gentle game of eye spy.
This book would be a beautiful and imaginative addition to school libraries and creative classrooms. Recommended for ages 7 and up, especially creative kids, budding designers, visual storytellers and teachers looking for discussion starters. Emily Baulch, Reading Time

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