Children’s author Matt Newnham took to the stage yesterday as part of the Brighton Book Festival Off the Page Open Mic, delivering a live reading that highlighted both his storytelling style and his wider mission around children’s literacy.
Hosted at Afrori Books of Black Origin, the event brought together writers and audiences in an informal, open mic setting designed to celebrate creativity and voice. For Newnham, it provided an opportunity to connect directly with listeners and showcase his growing Space Ranger Fred series.
A Story That Does More Than Entertain
Reading from Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off, Newnham demonstrated the approach that has become central to his work: storytelling that entertains first, but quietly builds curiosity, confidence, and understanding.
The reading drew strong engagement from the audience, with moments of humour landing alongside the underlying educational themes woven into the story. It is a balance Newnham has been refining through school visits, live sessions, and ongoing work with young readers.
Speaking after the event, he reflected on the role of live storytelling:
“When you read to a live audience, you see immediately what connects. Where they laugh. Where they lean in. That’s where the real value of storytelling sits.”
From Bookshops to Classrooms
The Brighton appearance forms part of a broader push to bring Space Ranger Fred into more physical spaces — not just bookshops and festivals, but classrooms across the UK.
Newnham is set to appear at the Cuckfield Book Festival later this year, alongside a growing schedule of school visits. These sessions combine reading with interactive discussion and simple, experience-led learning designed to re-engage children with books.
The aim is clear: move reading from something passive into something active and participatory.
A Wider Conversation on Literacy
Beyond the books themselves, Newnham is increasingly positioning his work within a wider conversation about children’s literacy. With reading for pleasure in decline, particularly among older children, his approach focuses on meeting young audiences where they are — through story, humour, and experience.
This has led to increased interest in his work beyond traditional author events. He is now available for interviews, podcasts, and broadcast appearances, where he speaks on topics including:
- Why children are reading less
- How storytelling can rebuild engagement
- The link between reading, confidence, and communication
- Blending creativity with STEM learning
What Comes Next
With momentum building through live appearances and word-of-mouth, the coming months will be critical. Festival audiences, school visits, and media exposure are all part of a broader strategy to expand reach and establish Space Ranger Fred as both an entertainment property and an educational tool.
For Newnham, however, the focus remains consistent:
“If a child walks away wanting to read more, ask more, or try something new, then the story has done its job.”
Further Information
Matt Newnham is a UK-based children’s author and creator of the Space Ranger Fred series, aimed at readers aged 6–12. His work blends humour, adventure, and subtle STEM themes to make reading more engaging and accessible.
For media enquiries, interviews, or event bookings:
Email:PR@mattnewnham.com
Phone: 07826 563 842
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