The Heart of the Storm
Teresa Heapy author Kate Read illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Otter-Barry Books
Published:5th Mar '26
Should be back in stock very soon

Ruby the fox and Growl the wolf live deep in the forest. There’s just one problem – they hate each other…!
But when a raging storm tears through the forest and the animals have to flee, they must help each other to survive. Can Ruby and Growl overcome their enmity and find friendship in the heart of the storm?
An exciting, fast-paced picture book adventure with stunning illustrations, celebrating courage and the importance of helping each other.
"A dramatic tale of a fox and a wolf caught in a storm, vividly captured in Read's bright collaged illustrations. This picture book is an exciting story of enemies-to-friends, told with evocative language for 5+ readers."
* The Bookseller *"There is a lot of cuteness in picture books but this is definitely not saccharine: the raging, swirling water and fierce lightning strikes, perfectly depicted by Read in swirling greys, browns and blues, add a real sense of danger to the story. Eventually, the storm breaks and calm is restored. Here, friendship is about survival."
* The Bookseller - Children's Previews *"Teresa Heapy’s descriptions of the events really make readers feel that they’re caught up in the storm along with the two protagonists, while Kate Read’s collage style illustrations capture the drama of Teresa’s telling brilliantly in this enemies become friends story of courage and kindness."
* Red Reading Hub *"This memorable, pacey picture book for 5+ year olds is ideal to prompt discussions about friendship, helping others and acts of kindness. A real highlight is Kate Read's outstanding illustrations, which use atmospheric swirling greys, blues and browns to evoke the threatening storm. Highly recommended."
* School Reading List *"An adventure story showing how in the face of adversity two forest enemies become friends. A story beautifully illustrated, filled with generosity, courage and kindness."
* Jo BoweISBN: 9781915659835
Dimensions: 275mm x 240mm x 8mm
Weight: 430g
32 pages