The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours

Julia’s team have been searching the skies for over a decade in the hope of discovering our nearest cosmic neighbours. They have delved into the furthest reaches of the universe only to be left disappointed by their findings and struggling to sustain patience with living in such confined circumstances as a crew. Under Julia’s command they decide to try just one more planet…

What they find there has implications beyond the discovery itself. The team had been wondering what it would mean for the inhabitants of earth to truly be alone in the universe and find it an utter relief to discover that we will never be lonely again. There is so much to unpack here with children about the time we spend together, the importance of quality time without the distractions we have woven into our lives, and of the reality the crew are faced with in identifying that the ‘space creatures’ are so much like us in appearance.

Yet their discovery is insignificant compared to what they learn from observing the space creatures’ way of life. They seem untethered from responsibilities, performing roles and engaging with their environment, and indeed each other, for the pure joy of it. Julia’s team, so intent on recording their findings and analysing results are astounded and forced to sit back and bask in how brilliant it is simply to be alive.

Whilst the immersive illustrations are sure to engage readers of all ages, this is a title perhaps best shared with a slightly older audience – offering the opportunity to discuss the more philosophical questions the title raises and consider how they might adopt a little of what the astronauts learn. It offers slightly older readers too, a timely reminder that you are never too old to enjoy a picture book and to ‘stay a little longer’ in an alternative world as readers are invited to do at the end of the story.