And School Visits Are Open for 2026
I’m very pleased to be able to share two bits of news that feel properly exciting.
First, Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off is now available in hardback and ready to buy.
Second, I am officially open for primary school visits in 2026.
Both of these matter to me for the same reason. They are about stories stepping off the page and into the real world. Into classrooms, libraries, book bags, and conversations at home.
The Great Galactic Bake Off Is Now Available in Hardback
When I first started writing the Space Ranger Fred stories, I honestly did not imagine them appearing in hardback. Like most children’s books, they began with an idea, a bit of curiosity, and a lot of scribbling.
Seeing The Great Galactic Bake Off now available as a hardback feels special.
For many children, a hardback book feels different. It feels important. It feels like something that belongs on a shelf and gets read more than once. It is the kind of book that gets borrowed, returned, and borrowed again.
This particular story seemed made for it.
The Great Galactic Bake Off is loud, messy, and full of things going wrong in the best possible way. There are exploding cakes, competitive baking on a galactic scale, unreliable gadgets, and countdown clocks that probably should not be trusted.
Fred is trying his best.
Zando Centauri is extremely confident.
And the universe, as ever, has other ideas.
The hardback edition is also practical. Schools and libraries need books that can survive real use. Being dropped, shared, read aloud, and passed around without falling apart. This edition is designed with that in mind.
If you are a parent, teacher, or librarian, the hardback is available now and ready to buy.
Why This Book Works So Well in Schools
One of the most rewarding things for me as an author has been watching how children respond to Space Ranger Fred when it is read aloud.
The humour lands quickly.
The pace keeps them listening.
And the silly details get noticed.
The Great Galactic Bake Off works particularly well in group settings because it invites reaction. Children enjoy guessing what will go wrong next. They like spotting the odd gadgets and strange decisions. They laugh when things explode at exactly the wrong moment.
At the same time, the story quietly introduces ideas around problem solving, teamwork, and learning from mistakes.
Baking becomes science.
Mistakes become part of the process.
Failure is not the end of the story.
That combination is incredibly powerful in a classroom.
Stories That Make Writing Feel Possible
One thing I care deeply about is helping children feel that stories are something they are allowed to create.
Many children believe writing is about getting it right first time. About neat handwriting and perfect spelling. When they discover that stories start messy, change constantly, and often improve because of mistakes, something clicks.
Meeting an author in person helps that realisation stick.
Writing stops being mysterious and becomes human.
School Visits Open for 2026
I am now taking bookings for in-person primary school author visits for 2026.
My focus is on full-day visits, because they offer the greatest benefit to pupils and staff alike. A full day allows time for ideas to settle, confidence to grow, and enthusiasm to spread.
Rather than a single one-off session, children see the same author more than once during the day. That repetition matters.
What a Full-Day Visit Can Include
Every school is different, but a typical full-day visit may include:
A whole-school assembly reading
This usually features a lively reading from Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off, with audience participation, questions, and plenty of laughter. It sets the tone and gets everyone engaged.
Classroom visits
Sessions are adapted for different year groups. Younger pupils focus on storytelling, imagination, and joining in. Older pupils explore characters, plot, and how ideas turn into finished stories.
Creative writing sessions
Children are encouraged to create their own characters and story ideas without worrying about getting everything perfect. The emphasis is on confidence, creativity, and enjoyment.
Teachers regularly tell me that pupils are more willing to write after these sessions and far more enthusiastic about reading.
A Confident and Experienced Speaker
Alongside writing, I have a strong professional public speaking background. I have taken part in BBC radio interviews and appeared on a range of podcasts, which means I am comfortable speaking to groups of all sizes.
Assemblies stay focused.
Sessions stay on time.
Children stay engaged.
That experience allows teachers to relax and enjoy the visit alongside their pupils.
Beyond the Classroom
While schools are my main focus, I am also happy to speak at:
- School book fairs
- Local libraries
- Community and family events
- Women’s Institute meetings
These sessions can be adapted for mixed-age audiences and often include readings, storytelling, and insights into writing for children.
Planning Ahead for 2026
Opening bookings early allows schools to plan properly. Author visits work best when they are part of a wider focus on reading and writing rather than an afterthought squeezed into a busy term.
If your school is planning literacy weeks, reading celebrations, or curriculum-linked enrichment for 2026, now is a good time to start the conversation.
A Final Thought
Seeing Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off available now in hardback feels like a genuine milestone. Opening school visit bookings for 2026 feels like the natural next step.
Both are about putting stories where they belong. In children’s hands. In classrooms. In imaginations.
If you would like to book a school visit or ask about availability, please get in touch via the contact page on this site.
And if you have already bought the hardback, thank you. These stories exist because people keep reading them, sharing them, and laughing at exploding cakes.
More adventures very soon.
