Two fearless puppies are taking on storm season in a new bedtime story that could save the day in a power cut – Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night.
We've partnered with award‑winning children’s author‑illustrator Emily MacKenzie to create a new playbook for power cuts. Released at the height of the UK’s storm season, this new storybook helps families stay cosy and safe if the lights go out.
Perfect for children under five, the story is tailormade for bedtime or nursery reading. The wind howls, the lights flicker and heroic puppies Walter and Skye start their new adventure as a storm blows in. The brother‑and‑sister duo will face their fear of the dark and take on a power cut – thanks to a special storm kit they prepared before the weather turned.
The new book will hit nurseries, libraries and playgroups across Central & Southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire over the course of this winter. Over 2,000 print copies are being shared across SP Energy Networks’ patch, with a free online version available through our website here.
Author Emily MacKenzie has twice been shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize and is known for her colourful illustrations made using coloured pencils, pens, gouache, inks and rubber stamps. Her books include Wanted! Ralfy, Rabbit Book Burglar, Stanley the Amazing Knitting Cat, Eric Makes a Splash! and Help! Ralfy Rabbit and the Great Library Rescue.
Emily MacKenzie said: "I loved the idea of turning a wild, windy night into something exciting rather than scary. Walter and Skye are the kind of friends you’d want by your side when the lights go out - curious, brave and ready to spring into action! As I painted each page, I thought about the families who might read it together, wrapped up in blankets, learning these simple tips without even realising they’re learning. My hope is that children will remember the characters and when a storm comes along, SP Energy Networks makes them feel ready and safe."
The book packs in SP Energy Networks’ top tips for staying safe, warm and prepared during storm season – from keeping a wind-up torch within reach and a power bank fully charged, to knowing the emergency helpline number and signing up for the free Priority Services Register if you need extra support.
Kendal Morris, Customer Service Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "We’re always looking for innovative ways to help our customers prepare for bad weather so partnering with the incredible Emily MacKenzie to create a children’s story felt like a great way to engage families. While power cuts are rare, it’s really important that parents and all our customers know what to do if the lights go out. Our teams are working round the clock this winter to keep the power flowing.”
The book is part of a partnership with Scottish Book Trust to help the story reach as many families as possible. On Thursday 5 February, SP Energy Networks teamed up with Bookbug for a special family‑friendly live reading at Central Children’s Library in Edinburgh.
Children, parents and carers joined author Emily MacKenzie in person at a Bookbug Session, heard the story come to life and took home a signed copy to treasure. Scottish Book Trust also shared the story through its Bookbug network and free app, helping it reach thousands of families nationwide.
Marc Lambert, CEO at Scottish Book Trust, said: "Stories are a wonderful way for children and families to bond, and Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night does just that. It’s a charming story with beautiful illustrations that will help families to be prepared for stormy winter weather. We’re proud to share this adventure through Bookbug, and help the book to reach families across the country.”