‘In Percy’s Park, there’s always time for a story…’ Award-winning writer and illustrator Nick Butterworth created the first of his Percy the Park Keeper books in 1991 and the genial character’s adventures continue to delight preschoolers. The series has since grown to include stories focusing on each of the animals in turn as well as activity books and board books that introduce primary concepts. Happy to indulge in a spot of nostalgia, we’re taking a look at some of our favourite Percy the Park Keeper books in order.
One Snowy Night (1991)
Percy takes great care to look after the animals in the park, so when the snow begins to fall one winter’s night and they need somewhere warm to sleep they know just who to turn to. First the squirrel, then the rabbits knock on his door looking for refuge; then fox – who promises to behave – and more appear, until Percy’s cosy hut is home to all his woodland friends.
After The Storm (1993)
When a big oak tree – one of Percy’s favourites – is felled in a storm, some of his animal friends are made homeless. They hop into Percy’s wheelbarrow and venture into the pines and across the lake looking for somewhere suitable to live, before working together to build somewhere that’s perfect for everyone.
The Rescue Party (1993)
It’s the ideal day for a picnic, a read and a doze under the shade of a tree, but just as Percy is nodding off one of the rabbits crashes through the cover of an old well. He and the animals rush to find a rope to pull her out, but a secret passage provides her escape, and a big surprise for her friends.
The Secret Path (1995)
Percy sets about tidying up the park’s maze, taking a ball of string to make sure he can find his way out. On hearing what he’s up to, the animals rush to the centre to the maze to play a surprise on him. Only when they’re heading home for teacakes does squirrel reveal that he’s been helping Percy all day, by winding up the string he kept dropping…
The Treasure Hunt (1997)
The animals are very excited when Percy announces that he’s creating a treasure hunt for them. From the bandstand, to the see-saw, through the park and over the bridge they follow the clues, until a wrong turning takes them to the cattle shed where, after an initial shock, they discover a new friend.
Percy’s Bumpy Ride (2004)
The banging, tapping and squeaking coming from Percy’s shed has lasted for days, and when the doors finally open the park keeper rushes out on a homemade ride-on lawnmower. Everyone jumps on for a ride and is surprised when it suddenly takes to the air, and just as suddenly stops. Luckily the sheep in the field below ensure everyone gets a nice soft landing.
One Springy Day (2019)
‘One hundred! Coming, ready or not!’ Fox is not at all ready and in bit a panic rushes into the workshop, and into a pot of Very Sticky Glue and an old spring. When his friends come looking for him he’s determined to stay hidden, but Hedgehog spots some footprints and the search begins in earnest.
A Flying Visit (2021)
Hedgehog is lying under a conker tree, daydreaming about how lovely it must be to be able to fly, when a strange, and very hungry bird appears. In return for a sandwich, the bird helps Hedgehog take to the skies, but when she finds herself in a bit of tangle it’s Percy who comes to the rescue.
