Growing up, there didn’t seem to be a week without Star Trek, Doctor Who, Space 1999 or Blake’s 7 being on TV and with Star Wars and its sequels on the big screen, the possibility of endless exciting adventures in space seemed very real to me, but with the exception of my vast collection of Doctor Who titles there weren’t really any books on the market aimed at children. Now, thankfully, young readers have more choice than ever and in this new novella that follows hot on the heels of his other titles for Barrington Stoke, here is another wonderful short read from author Chris Bradford that is perfect not just for budding space travellers but for anyone who enjoys a story packed full of excitement and danger. Max is an individual who is very much up for excitement, but who would quite happily skip the danger when we meet him onboard spaceship Helios, captained by his father. Expecting the routine supply trip to provide him with the adventure he craves, Max has come along for the ride but soon finds himself out of his comfort zone when the ship is diverted to examine an anomaly that has appeared close to the sun that might be the beginnings of a supernova. As they head closer and closer to the anomaly, the crew start to lose control of their craft and when it soon becomes clear that they are in grave danger, Max is forced to abandon ship in a life-craft. Following a terrifying journey, Max finds himself lost and alone in a strange landscape with no idea how to return home. Can our hero somehow find a way to work out where he is and if so, can he also find his way home? Like any child might, Max has seen tagging along with his dad on a work trip as an exciting break from his normal routine, fully expecting it to be perfectly safe because why wouldn’t he? Even before the Helios is diverted to check out the anomaly, Max is a bag of nerves due to the rough ride he is experiencing so that when disaster strikes, he is utterly terrified at being ejected in the life-craft and separated from the adults who have not just been looking after him but have provided his support network. When he finds himself alone in a strange world, he could be forgiven for giving up, and as we read on – crossing our fingers that fate intervenes to keep him alive – we can only hope that his story will have the happy ending we want for him. As with Lunar and Stella, the other titles that make up the Cosmos Series with this one, the author’s text is accompanied by Charlotte Grange’s brilliant artwork that comprises a mix of full-page comic strip-style illustrations and smaller ones that together with the book’s short length and all of the features that the publisher includes to improve accessibility, make this a winning story for readers in Year 4 upwards, especially for those less confident children who have yet to see that reading can be a fun activity. Additionally, this would make a great short class read when time doesn’t allow for a longer novel, particularly in Year 5 to complement any learning on space.

Max Nova is on Dad's space truck when against Dad's wishes his boss diverts him to the area around the sun. But they don't find the suspected supernova, they find a worm hole. None of them have ever seen one. But the space truck can't take the heat. Only one escape craft can be accessed and Max's dad and his crew agree that Max must get in it. and they will try to save the truck and themselves. Max gets in pleading not to. The escape craft is instantly sucked into the wormhole. Can he survive? Where will he end up? Can he help his Dad's ship and get home? Exciting space adventure. Thanks to Poppy at Barrington Stoke for the advance copy. Out today 12th February.