If you’re a parent looking for a great series of books to inspire, entertain, and educate your child, let us introduce you to Space Ranger Fred – a quirky, curious, and lovable little character whose out-of-this-world adventures are winning hearts across the globe.
Created by British author Matt Newnham, Space Ranger Fred began life in a very unlikely place: not in the hustle and bustle of London or the imaginative studios of Hollywood, but under the African sky in Cape Town, South Africa. What started as a simple idea to teach children in a school in Australia about space, has grown into a multi-book series, gained international recognition, and is now on its way to becoming a full-scale animated production.
At the heart of Fred’s stories is a perfect blend of imagination, science, and fun. This is storytelling that ignites young minds, introduces STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts in a creative way, and brings the thrill of space exploration into the lives of children aged 4 to 12. In an age when educational content can sometimes feel dull or forced, Space Ranger Fred proves that learning and laughter can go hand in hand.
Let’s take a journey into Fred’s world and discover why now is the perfect time to blast off with Space Ranger Fred and his crew.
A Big Idea Born in South Africa
Back in 2015, Matt Newnham , then living and working in Cape Town, was struck by a creative spark. With a background in marketing, business writing, and corporate storytelling, Matt had a passion for communicating complex ideas in simple, engaging ways. He had already begun working with schools and townships in South Africa, helping kids understand the importance of clean beaches.
It was during one of these school visits that the idea for Space Ranger Fred came to him. What if there was a young boy, not a superhero or a prodigy, but just an ordinary kid with a knack for solving problems, an unstoppable imagination, and a passion for adventure? And what if, instead of magic or monsters, the stories were based on real science, exciting questions, and curiosity about how the world – or galaxy – works?
It took an Australian School to request a story about Space for an English class and Fred was born.
Partnering with the talented American illustrator Richie Williams, the very first book “Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure” was created, written, illustrated, and self-published. From the very beginning, Matt wanted the books to look and feel like something children would choose to read – bright, funny, and accessible, but never patronising or “babyish”. Richie brought Fred to life with quirky line art and bold colour, perfectly matching the tone of the stories.
The Shoelace Adventure – An Award-Winning Debut
The first book in the series quickly stood out. “Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure” isn’t just a space tale; it’s a clever blend of real-world challenges and galactic imagination. When Fred encounters a problem where an aging emperor cannot tie his laces, it turns into a full-on mission of interstellar proportions, complete with rocket ships, alien technology, and STEM-based problem-solving and all because six-year-old Fred can now tie his laces!
In 2016, just a few months after launch, the book won Children’s Favorite Gold, a prestigious international award that recognises excellence in children’s publishing. The response from parents, educators, and young readers alike was overwhelmingly positive.
One parent review summed it up best:
“Space Ranger Fred got my son reading. He laughed, he learned, and he wanted more. It’s rare to find a book that manages to combine learning with real storytelling in such a fun way.”
STEM and Storytelling: A Secret Recipe
So, what makes Space Ranger Fred so different from other children’s books?
At its core, the series uses storytelling as a gateway to STEM. Fred’s adventures are built on scientific curiosity, why things work, how to fix them, how to think critically and creatively while also turning everyday skills into superpowers. But Matt’s approach never feels preachy or textbook-like. Instead, science is presented through the lens of adventure, humour, and a deep understanding of how children think and play.
Topics such as problem-solving, teamwork, innovation, and perseverance are seamlessly woven into the storylines. From shoelaces to weather patterns, magnets to baking (yes, baking!), Fred’s adventures are educational but never boring. The books are ideal for both independent reading and classroom use, with the hope that many teachers will be using them as springboards for STEM discussions or even simple science experiments.
More Adventures, Bigger Missions
Following the success of The Shoelace Adventure, Fred returned for more missions, each with its own unique twist on science and fun. Books two and three introduced new characters, imaginative gadgets, and interplanetary dilemmas that only Fred (and his brilliant young readers) could solve.
Each book sticks to the principle that fun comes first. This isn’t dry science in a different wrapper – this is laughter, excitement, and creativity driving an interest in how the world works.
The fourth book, “Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off”, is set to launch soon, and it’s already generating a buzz. In this cosmic cookery caper, Fred finds himself battling alien pastry chefs, engineering a zero-gravity oven, and discovering the chemistry of baking. It’s going to be Fred’s tastiest – and messiest – adventure yet.
And here’s where things get even more exciting…
From Book to Screen – Fred Takes Flight
With over a decade of storytelling experience and a growing fanbase, Matt Newnham and his creative team are now taking Space Ranger Fred to the next level.
An animated TV show based on the books is planned for production, with a team of global talent bringing Fred’s universe to life. The animation is being handled by Lightyears Animation, a world-class studio based in Southern Africa, known for their cutting-edge visuals and award-winning work. An award-winning composer has signed on to create the soundtrack, and professional voice actors from some of the best-known children’s series and movies are already on board.
This isn’t just another cartoon, this is a bold, imaginative leap into the world of educational entertainment.
The show is designed to stay true to the books’ heart: fun, STEM-rich storytelling, with plenty of laughs and problem-solving that children can relate to. Each episode will blend real science concepts with Fred’s fantastical universe – a perfect mix of learning and adventure.
Crowdfunding the Next Chapter
To bring this animated vision to life, Matt and his team are preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign to coincide with the release of the fourth book “Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off”. The campaign will help raise funds for completing the pilot episode and building momentum for a full series.
Parents, educators, and Fred fans will be invited to become part of this exciting journey, not just as backers, but as founding supporters of a movement to make learning cool, fun, and inclusive.
The campaign will offer a range of unique rewards, including:
- Signed copies of the books
- Limited edition artwork
- Early access to animation previews
- Behind-the-scenes content
- A chance to appear in the credits or even voice a character
- Invitations to live launch events and online Q&A sessions with the creators
It’s an incredible opportunity for families to be part of something special, supporting creative, educational content that children will actually love.
Why Fred Matters Now
In a world of fast content, flashing screens, and short attention spans, Space Ranger Fred offers something meaningful and lasting. These books aren’t just about science or space, they’re about curiosity, courage, and creative thinking.
In a time when STEM education is becoming more important than ever, Fred provides a gentle but exciting entry point for younger children. He makes science feel accessible and fun, not scary or “too hard”. He asks questions, makes mistakes, and learns, just like kids do every day.
For parents looking to spark an early love of learning, Fred is the friend your child needs. His stories empower kids to believe in their own problem-solving abilities. They show that you don’t have to be the biggest, fastest, or strongest to save the day, sometimes you just need to be clever, kind, and not afraid to try.
Get Ready to Join the Adventure
If you’re new to Space Ranger Fred, now is the perfect time to jump on board. The books are available through leading online retailers, and the official website – www.spacerangerfred.com – offers everything from character bios to sneak peeks of upcoming releases. As Fred gears up for his next mission – in the kitchen, no less – and the team prepares for a major crowdfunding launch, we invite you to become part of the Fred family.
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