The Wainwright Prize for Illustrative Books

Shortlist 2026

Freshwater

The View from Above and the Life Below

By Yann Arthus-Bertrand & Bill François

Earth from Above author and photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand is back with another heartfelt call to save our planet—only this time, he is raising awareness for the freshwater that makes up the large amount of Earth’s surface. With biophysicist, naturalist, and writer Bill François working alongside him, the duo explore the world through the lens of our freshwater systems, a fundamental yet largely overlooked element essential for life on Earth.

About Yann Arthus-Bertrand & Bill François

Yann Arthus-Bertrand is the author of more than 60 books, including Earth From Above, which has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide since it was published in 1999. He created the Good Planet Foundation in 2005, produces documentaries such as Terra (2015), Woman (2020), and Legacy (2021), and is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

Bill François is a physicist and naturalist who has always been fascinated by aquatic life. After he graduated from the École Normale Supérieure in Paris with a PhD in fish hydrodynamics, his passion for writing and public speaking propelled him into the world of words. Now, he blends the two universes to highlight the importance of protecting our oceans and share his love for marine creatures.

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