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It's cold in the park in winter.
If there was ever a true "heartwarming" tale - this is it, especially for kids. Add on top of that the fact that the pictures are simply top of class - both grown-ups and kids can enjoy them equally.
It's easy to get sucked into the story.
Percy the park keeper is a jovial figure in his warm coat and wellington boots, strolling through his park as winter sets in.
Winter creeps in fast and one night, as Percy gets ready for bed after making hot cocoa - suddenly there is a knock on the door.
Percy the park keeper is a jovial figure in his warm coat and wellington boots, strolling through his park as winter sets in.
Winter creeps in fast and one night, as Percy gets ready for bed after making hot cocoa - suddenly there is a knock on the door.
On the doorstep stands a squirrel that looked "very cold and miserable"...
Of course, Percy invites it in and shares the warmth of his minuscule hut with the small mammal.
Surprise, surprise... one by one, all the animals from the park's menagerie arrive during the night in search for a warm spot to survive the polar cold.
A Tale from Percy's Park: One Snowy Night allows you to test a wide range of your "fffrrrreezzzing animal" voices. You will have to perform the roles of two rabbits, a fox, a badger, a pair of ducks, a hedgehog and a whole family of mice, as they parade into Percy's hut and make their way straight for the small bed.
All animals end up trying to sleep in the bed.
Alas they all tumble out of it because its too small.
Panic ensues when a scratching, scraping sound is heard coming from the floorboards.
After a loud creak, all hut dwellers run to find a place to hide...
Fortunately for all involved, its just the mole seeking a warm abode for the night. After the night's excitement all animals finally manage to fall asleep.
Isn't sharing (one's hut) wonderful - we are all guilty of forgetting this sometimes.
After a loud creak, all hut dwellers run to find a place to hide...
Fortunately for all involved, its just the mole seeking a warm abode for the night. After the night's excitement all animals finally manage to fall asleep.
Isn't sharing (one's hut) wonderful - we are all guilty of forgetting this sometimes.
The unaffected comedy, the slight growing tension of nighttime, the harsh winter, the warm hut, the isolation of an unpopulated park all contribute to ensure that A Tale from Percy's Park: One Snowy Night is a perfect choice for bedtime reading.
I think that the story may be slightly on the short side, but at 32 pages that is more a testimony of the quality of the book (we want more!) than of its shortness. Clearly, as a read aloud, it would function equally well even if it was a tad longer.
I think that the story may be slightly on the short side, but at 32 pages that is more a testimony of the quality of the book (we want more!) than of its shortness. Clearly, as a read aloud, it would function equally well even if it was a tad longer.
The illustrations are almost cheeky in their cuteness and they held the attention of my twins hostage from the very first picture.
My daughter was almost melting with compassion, while my son was captivated by the events of the cold winter night.
My daughter was almost melting with compassion, while my son was captivated by the events of the cold winter night.
We have read and re-read the book many times - but all three of us are happy whenever it crops up on our "bedtime reading" pile.
Nick Butterworth's One Snowy Night book is only one in a series of Percy's Park stories that all seem to be based on the same successful recipe of cute park animals plus Percy's adventures combined with unexpected events.
Don't get left out in the cold, treat yourself to a warm evening with Percy and his cute friends.
Don't get left out in the cold, treat yourself to a warm evening with Percy and his cute friends.
Happy reading,
Read Aloud Dad
Where to buy
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Amazon.com (US) – Check price
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Amazon UK – Check price
Tip: seasonal titles often go out of print — used copies can be a great option.
Further resources for parents (opens in new window – not affiliate links):
- ReadingZone Live (LGfL) – Nick Butterworth Q&A (includes One Snowy Night): A genuinely useful creator interview: where Percy came from, how the books are made, and why One Snowy Night works so well aloud
- Read and Create – One Snowy Night (blog review + activity ideas): A parent-friendly write-up with practical “what to do after you read it” ideas that fit the book’s winter mood
- Children’s Theatre Reviews – One Snowy Night (stage adaptation review): A clear description of how the story translates to performance (handy if your kids love acting the book out afterward)
- Hindhayes Primary School – One Snowy Night colouring pages (PDF downloads): Printable colouring sheets tied directly to the book—easy, calm “quiet time” material after a winter read-aloud
- Footnotes blog – Percy the Park Keeper books in order (series guide): A straightforward “what comes next” list for parents who want more Percy stories without hunting blindly
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