Return to the world of The Storm Whale

A brand new adventure from acclaimed picture book creator, Benji Davies

The Great Storm Whale

by Benji Davies

Publication date: Thursday 12th October, 2023

ISBN: 978-1398503502

Price: £7.99 pbk

In 2013, Simon and Schuster Children’s Books and Benji Davies first introduced us to the character of Noi in the simple but powerful tale of a boy who discovers a whale washed up on shore. 10 years on, Noi returns in the long awaited The Great Storm Whale, a captivating addition to the bestselling Storm Whale series.

When a great storm strikes their island, Noi’s grandma tells of an unforgettable friendship between a little girl and a whale, many storms ago. As the courageous story of perseverance and new beginnings unfolds, Noi realises that it’s part of their own story too.

Benji Davies, known for his emotionally resonant storytelling and beautiful illustrations, once again demonstrates his unparalleled talent in The Great Storm Whale. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for conveying complex emotions through his art, Davies invites readers to step into the vivid world he has crafted and celebrate the stories and love that are passed down through generations.

The Great Storm Whale audiobook read by Richard E. Grant will be released simultaneously.

Throughout 2023, Simon and Schuster Children’s Books has been celebrating the 10th Anniversary of The Storm Whale. Following on from a multi-faceted Marketing and Publicity campaign in March, Discover Story Centre ran an exclusive artwork exhibition and garden trail over the summer. The 10th Anniversary celebrations will continue with publication of The Great Storm Whale with further bookshop and festival events, retailer promotions and a touring artwork exhibition.

Benji Davies is an illustrator and animation director. From a young age he was often to be found painting at the kitchen table, a scene which can still be seen to this day. Benji studied animation at university, and has since worked on a diverse array of projects, from picture books and animated short films to music videos, commercials and title sequences. His books have been co-editioned in many languages and countries around the world. The Storm Whale is his first self-penned picture book. He lives in London with his wife and daughter.

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Editors notes

Simon & Schuster Children’s Books is home to bestsellers, award-winners and quality commercial Picture Books, Children’s Fiction and YA. Bestselling fiction authors include Ben Miller, Michelle Harrison, Nadia Shireen, Katie and Kevin Tsang plus breakout debuts Benjamin Dean and award-winning Danielle Jawando; as well as global bestsellers Adam Silvera, Cassandra Clare and Rachel Renée Russell. Stars on the picture book include the million-copy bestsellers Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, award-winning Lu Fraser & Kate Hindley and Smriti Halls & Steve Small. Simon & Schuster Children’s Books was awarded Children’s Publisher of the Year at the 2023 British Book Awards.