New summer storybook promotes safety awareness
Barking up the right tree: SP Energy Networks launches new summer storybook helping kids stay safe outdoors.
Forget Scooby-Doo, there’s two new four-pawed detectives on the case this summer, and they’ve got a very real mission: keeping children safe around electricity.
As families across the UK gear up for a summer of camping trips and outdoor adventures, SP Energy Networks is launching a brand-new children’s storybook designed to help keep youngsters safe around electricity infrastructure like overhead lines and substations.
Walter and Skye: Danger Detectives follows puppy siblings Walter and Skye as a fun-filled summer camping trip takes an unexpected turn. What starts with sunshine, excitement and a runaway football quickly becomes a safety mission when playtime lands the pups in a situation that could have turned dangerous.
Luckily, Uncle Eddie steps in to save the day, recruiting the pair as ‘Danger Detectives’. Armed with badges, curiosity and that all-important safety mantra to ‘look out and look up!’, the puppies set out to learn where it’s safe to pitch a tent, climb trees and fly kites - all while staying well clear of overhead power lines.
Written and illustrated by award-winning author, Emily MacKenzie, Walter and Skye: Danger Detectives is packed with adventure, humour and practical safety moments, helping young children learn simple rules that can make sure their summer adventures are memorable for all the right reasons.
Emily said: “I loved writing this book because it really let me capture what summer feels like for kids – exciting, full of adventure and a little chaotic at times!
“Walter and Skye are super curious and eager to learn, just like children are when they’re exploring the world, so it was really important to me that their adventure stays full of fun and excitement, while making sure these vital safety messages hit home through what they experience. “It’s really about small, simple reminders that can make a difference when children are out and about enjoying themselves.”
Published in both English and Welsh, free copies of the book will be given to families throughout the summer holidays, with copies available at agricultural shows across the country to help spread the safety message.
Sean Griffiths, Health and Safety Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “With summer hopefully bringing some better weather, children will be outside more, exploring, playing and enjoying the longer days – and that’s exactly when awareness of the dangers of overhead power lines and substations really matters. By partnering with Emily, we want to help children and families recognise risks in a simple yet memorable way, while still enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer. “
Our goal was to turn vital safety messages into a story children actually want to read, so the messages stick, spark family conversations and become part of everyday life – whether that’s at home, on days out or during summer adventures. Danger Detectives does exactly that.
“I’ve no doubt this intrepid duo and their summer story will prove to be big hit, so pop along to the SP Energy Networks stand if we’re at your local agricultural show and pick up your free copy.”
Walter and Skye: Danger Detectives forms part of SP Energy Networks’ ongoing work to support communities with practical safety education. Earlier this year, they released a winter-themed children’s storybook, Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night, focused on staying safe through power cuts.
Families can pick up copies of Walter and Skye: Danger Detectives at events including:
- Royal Cheshire Show – 16-17th June
- The Royal Highland Show – 18-21st June
- Nantwich Show – 29th July
- The Anglesey Show – 11-12th June
- Denbigh & Flint Show – 20th August
It’s also available on the SP Energy Networks website:
