After the Storm

Story

As a storm rages outside, Percy the Park Keeper cannot get to sleep. The next morning he wakes up to find that the old oak tree has blown down. This is a terrible event for his animal friends who live there, however Percy soon has a plan to help them find new homes.

Why we chose it

Percy the Park Keeper has been a firm favourite with both children and parents since his first appearance.

Where it came from

Nick Butterworth (1946-) is a British author and illustrator, most famous for his series of Percy the Park Keeper picture books for children. The first in the series, One Snowy Night, was published in 1989 and was swiftly followed by After the Storm in 1992. Inspiration for Nick’s stories came from his many walks through the local park with the family dog Jake.

Where it went next

Nick Butterworth’s books have been published in more than 30 languages and he has sold over 15 million books worldwide. His Percy the Park Keeper books have been adapted into a successful animated ITV children’s television programme.

Associated stories

Nick Butterworth has written and illustrated numerous Percy the Park Keeper books including After the Storm (1992), The Rescue Party (1993), The Secret Path (1994) and The Treasure Hunt (1996). His other stories include Q Pootle 5 which he developed with his son Ben into an animated television series. In 2005 he won the Nestle Gold Book Prize for The Whisperer, the story of two cats from rival gangs who fall in love.