If you’re looking for a hilarious and heartwarming story that takes you on an unexpected journey, "Cosmic" by Frank Cottrell-Boyce is the perfect read. This novel combines humour, adventure, and poignant moments to create a story that appeals to both children and adults alike.
"Cosmic" follows the extraordinary adventure of Liam Digby, a twelve-year-old boy who looks like he’s thirty due to an early growth spurt. His unusual appearance often gets him into trouble, but it also leads to some unique opportunities. When Liam discovers a contest offering a chance to experience a real space mission, he can’t resist. He pretends to be an adult, wins the contest, and ends up on a spaceship headed for the moon, accompanied by a group of kids. As the "adult" chaperone, Liam faces challenges far beyond his years. He must navigate the perils of space travel while ensuring the safety of his young companions. Throughout the journey, Liam learns valuable lessons about responsibility, leadership, and the importance of family.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s writing is witty, engaging, and full of heart. The novel explores themes of identity, growing up, and the concept of responsibility. It delves into the idea of what it means to be an adult and the pressures that come with it, all through the lens of a child who is prematurely thrust into an adult role. Cottrell-Boyce’s use of humour is masterful, making the story accessible and enjoyable while still addressing serious topics. The narrative style, with its first-person perspective from Liam’s point of view, adds a layer of intimacy and immediacy to the story, drawing readers into his extraordinary journey.
"Cosmic" is an excellent resource for teaching themes of growth, responsibility, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. It encourages readers to think about what it means to be responsible and how our perceptions of adulthood can change with experience. The novel’s space adventure setting also provides opportunities to discuss basic concepts of space travel and science, making it a fun and educational read for young audiences.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s ability to craft a story that is both entertaining and meaningful has cemented "Cosmic" as a standout in contemporary children’s literature. Its themes and characters continue to resonate with readers, making it a timeless tale of adventure and personal growth.
See below for ‘Cosmic’ words. You can also access an editable list here.
Vocabulary Cards
As well as word lists, we also offer free use of our vocabulary cards, which can be downloaded as a PDF for use in class. Complete a short form and we will email you the cards straight away.
Vocabulary cards include:
- Definition;
- Word type;
- Synonyms and antonyms;
- Example sentence;
- Image.
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The Vocab Module - How it Works
Find out more about our Vocab module. It's simple, online, and each learner has their own username and password. You (the teacher) allocate the word list you'd like your class to work on... and away they go!
