Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet

Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet by Ashleigh Barton and Peter Cheong (Lothian Children’s Books, Hachette) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN: 9780734422903

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

We’ve all met someone who knows everything about their passion topic – maybe that person is even you! But, you may not have met a child quite like Freddie Spector, Fact Collector.

Freddie loves facts; he loves collecting them, he loves leaving them on sticky notes all around his house, and he loves sharing his knowledge with everyone around him. Not everyone is as enthusiastic about Freddie’s facts as he is – except Mr Lahoud who runs the newsagency and keeps Freddie supplied with sticky notepads – but nobody really seems to mind too much.

When Freddie finds out that his school, Becker Heights, is going to be treated to a virtual visit with Astronaut Lilly Jun from the International Space Station, he naturally becomes obsessed by everything space-related. His fact-finding ramps up a notch when Freddie becomes one of only five students chosen to ask Astronaut Lilly a question.

Then, the unbelievable happens.

Hearing a huge bang from his neighbours’ house, Freddie investigates and discovers a huge hole in their backyard. If that isn’t weird enough, strange things start happening in the following days and Freddie, along with his sister Henrietta, are convinced it can only be one thing – and I’m sure you can guess what that might be – and they secretly, and a little nervously, set about finding out as much as they can.

Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet is action-packed and space-fact-filled right from the first page. Author Ashleigh Barton has really captured the thirst for knowledge and the powerful imagination of children, and has crafted relatable and likeable characters – from Freddie and his sister, through to Aunty Lou and Mr Lahoud. Peter Cheong’s simple but expressive illustrations complete the story.

If I was still teaching, I would have loved to use Space Cadet to introduce and supplement a unit of work in the Earth Sciences. Space is a subject that fascinates a wide audience of children (and adults) and Ashleigh Barton has approached the topic in a fun way that is suitable both for space novices and the more ‘informed’ reader. With its imaginative appeal and upbeat pace, the story will also engage readers who may not otherwise be interested in the subject matter.

Perfect for independent readers aged 7–10 years and beyond, Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet will also make a fun read-aloud that can be enjoyed by parents and their younger children, or teachers with their class, and spark many discussions and new fact-finding missions.