Whackity Jack and the Storm

Gleni Bailey Illustrated by Sara Porras

In this rhyming story, a child corrects their uncle's "topsy-turvy" and "muddled" tales about where farm animals go to seek shelter during a great storm.

When a great storm approaches, Uncle Whackity Jack tells a series of "topsy-turvy" stories about where different animals might go to stay warm and safe. He suggests silly scenarios, such as sheep nesting in trees, pigs living in beehives, and cows hiding in logs. The young narrator corrects these muddled ideas, explaining where each animal truly belongs—like the frog in a log and the cow in a shed. As the storm intensifies, the story moves from imagination to reality as Whackity Jack helps the family dog find shelter and discovers a toad hiding in a shoe, proving that everyone needs a safe place when the weather gets rough.

Engaging Humor: The "topsy-turvy" scenarios—like bees in a muddy pigsty—create humorous mental images that will delight young readers.
Interactive Learning: The structure encourages children to participate by identifying the "mistakes" in Whackity Jack’s stories and providing the correct answers.
Comforting Resolution: By bringing all the animals back to their proper homes and finding a safe spot for the dog and toad, the book provides a sense of security and warmth for children who may be afraid of storms.

Gleni Bailey began to write children’s stories due to her love of nature and desire to teach from learned experiences. Based at her home farm in Western Australia, Gleni’s motivation came from the myriad of characters surrounding her. Whilst the antics of chickens, cats, sheep, other farm animals, and wildlife amused her, they also inspired, providing the context for her to subtly impart many life lessons whilst also entertaining readers.

Born in Tarragona, Sara Porras Carrasco studied illustration locally before specialising in comics at the Escola Joso, Barcelona, and graphic design at the Escola Massana, Barcelona. She now combines her passion for drawing and writing by working for various children's publishers and magazines, while also working as a graphic designer for comic book publishers.

ISBN ：978-1-76036-294-2

Release Date ：1st September 2026