Edinburgh’s own Emily MacKenzie, award‑winning children’s author-illustrator, set to unveil enchanting new children’s book at Bookbug event in the Capital

Next week, families in Edinburgh have the chance to get a sneak-peak at a brand new bedtime story created by children’s book author and illustrator Emily MacKenzie. As part of an exclusive Bookbug event, families will be the first to hear a reading of her latest creation, Walter and Skye’s Stormy Night, read by Emily herself at Central Children’s Library on Thursday 5 February.

Developed in partnership with energy firm SP Energy Networks, the book blends Emily’s trademark colourful, handpainted illustrations with a gentle but important message for young children, designed to help families feel safe and prepared for power cuts during the winter months.

Audiences will be able to enjoy an exclusive first reading of the story by Emily, followed by a live Q&A. The event will feature songs and rhymes and conclude with a book signing by Emily – with every family taking home a free signed copy.

The event will offer families a first-look at the illustrations before 2,000 copies are distributed to libraries, nurseries and playgroups across Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire, with a free online edition that will become available via SP Energy Networks’ website.

Emily MacKenzie is beloved for titles like Eric Makes a Splash!, Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit Book Burglar and Stanley the Amazing Knitting Cat. This new work marks her first collaboration with SP Energy Networks, bringing storm safety tips to life for children under five in an imaginative, engaging way.

Kendal Morris, Customer Service Director at SP Energy Networks said: “We want families to feel confident they’re prepared for a power cut when the weather turns wild – and what better way than through a bedtime story they can explore together. Emily MacKenzie’s creativity has turned important safety advice into something magical. 

“This live reading event is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, enjoy Emily’s captivating storytelling and discover the magic behind her new book before anyone else.”

The launch event is part of an SP Energy Networks partnership with Scottish Book Trust and its popular Bookbug programme, a platform designed to share stories, songs and rhymes with babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to give them the best start in life.

Join Emily at the event on Thursday 5^th February 2026 from 10:30am at Central Children’s Library, Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1EG. To reserve a place, please visit – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-central-library/special-bookbug-session-with-author-emily-mackenzie-sponsored-by-sp-energy-networks/e-bgrrkz.