A Flying Visit

by Nick Butterworth

An exciting new picture book about much-loved Percy the Park Keeper and his animal friends from the bestselling creator of One Snowy Night . Percy’s friend, the hedgehog, has always longed to fly but, without wings, it’s an impossible dream. But then, one day, a stranger arrives in the park, needing his help. Will the hedgehog’s wish come true at last? A funny, heart-warming story about kindness, friendship and teamwork, introducing the phenomenally popular Percy the Park Keeper to a new generation of readers. Percy and his animal friends have delighted readers around the world for over thirty years!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 11, 2021

About the author

Nick Butterworth was born in London and grew up in a sweet shop in Essex. He worked for various major graphic design companies before becoming a full-time author and illustrator. Among his picture books are Thud!, QPootle5, Jingle Bells, Albert le Blanc, Tiger and The Whisperer, winner of the Nestlé Gold Award. But he is best known for his stories about Percy the Park Keeper, which have sold more than 9 million copies worldwide. Percy has also appeared in his own television series.

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for my toddler's bedtime. This story followed Hedgehog. He was napping under the tree but got woken up when a loud sound occurred nearby. He opened his eyes and that's when he caught sight of a bird hanging upside down, all tangled up in clothesline. The bird introduced herself as Carla. Hedgehog offered Percy to help Carla get down but Carla refused any help by anyone except Hedgehog. So Hedgehog offered to get food for Carla and she agreed. He found a sandwich by accident really and Carla enjoyed every bit of it. Then Carla told Hedgehog about her injuries and Hedgehog went to Percy's house to obtain bandages. Percy meanwhile was searching for Hedgehog and happened to caught sight of Hedgehog putting bandages on Carla's injured head. Percy came over and introduced himself and helped to untangle Carla. Carla repaid Hedgehog the help by giving him the ultimate adventure he was seeking for. A wonderful story filled with friendly people and animals. I enjoyed the illustrations too.

Thank you Harpercollins360 for the opportunity to read and review!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

My toddler’s book collection is quickly becoming nearly as large as mine, and we have read each book what feels like a hundred times. I have no doubt that Percy’s adventures will be filling his bookshelves soon enough. The moment we finished the story he was cheering “AGAIN!! AGAIN!!” - which from a three year old is HIGH praise.

The story is absolutely darling- a cute little hedgehog getting into hijinks?! Yes, please. What I loved about the book, is that throughout the entire story- my son would pause our reading to ask questions or relate the story to our home life. Anything that causes him to think deeper beyond the story is a huge win in my eyes.

If you have a young child at home, I recommend this one. Talking animals, a park ranger who considers his park inhabitants dear friends, and an underlying message of dreaming big- all great things for young minds. And the imagery is GORGEOUS!

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hedgehog is minding his own business when all of the sudden - he is surprised by something literally dropping in on top of him! As he tries to find help, Carla is not sure she wants him to ask anyone else for help. Hedgehog does his best, but sometimes even a good friend needs someone to help. And as a surprise - sometimes wishes come true too!

My Review of A Flying Visit

What a cute story! Teamwork is always the best way to get a job done, but sometimes it takes a little convincing for everyone to accept the need.

This sweet story of friendship, help, and working as a team was a fun and delightful read. The images are superb. Have some fun looking at the pictures after reading the page! You will love sharing this story with your young readers, and it's easy enough that they can read it on their own as well!

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

On a fine autumn day, Percy the park keeper might catch a glimpse of his friend, the hedgehog, nestled comfortably among the mossy roots of his favourite tree. He seems to be dreaming, though his eyes are open. Percy will smile and tiptoe past. Only someone who doesn't know the hedgehog would disturb him here...

Being hedgehog parents ourselves, we are always on the lookout for hedgehog themed books and it is a bonus when it also involves Percy the Park Keeper.

This story follows hedgehog as they come to the rescue of a clumsy and calamitous seagull. The later has a healthy fear of humans and doesn't want the park keeper to be involved leaving hedgehog having to be rather resourceful.

As with all the Percy the Park Keeper books, it is charming and gentle, bringing a smile to your face. 3 1/4 stars.

[Ashley Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super cute autumnal read for young readers! This one follows a hedgehog who dreams about flying and other friends along with Percy the Park Keeper. The artwork was beautiful and the setting was the perfect mood for reading in autumn. The story was charming and sweet, especially since it is about kindness and friendship.

[CR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I am about to have a little in the house again. I am super excited to be receiving children's books again. I know that whatever I end up having next year that they will enjoy spending time looking at the pictures and learning the story in this wonderfully colorful book.

[Lindsay Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars!

Loved this story. It is on the longer end, so I would want to use it in Storytimes for older children, but the pictures are perfect for asking questions for comprehension.

[Linika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Просто про допомогу, любов до природи і звірів, про веселощі. Великі ілюстрації, гарні великі розвороти із завданнями в кінці книги. Діти в 3-4 роки сприймали

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! Super cute, creative, gentle story.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hedgehog always wanted to fly. When a seagull arrives and is tangled and hanging from a tree, Hedgehog offers to get Percy the park keeper to help. The seagull objects, so the hedgehog does what he can to help him himself, which isn’t much help at all! Percy is needed, and the hedgehog gets a wonderful adventure. Adorably funny story with fantastic illustrations.