The Spaceman

Telling the story from the spaceman’s first-person perspective is a masterstroke by Cecil. The spaceman’s voice, formal yet endearing, evokes a sense of nostalgia and humour that will delight both older readers and young listeners alike. This tone, combined with the spaceman’s wide-eyed observations, is charmingly reminiscent of a Bill Bryson-esque narrative, adding a layer of innocence and wonder. Cecil’s use of oil paints gives the illustrations a rich, textured feel, with each brushstroke adding depth and warmth to the pages. The colour palette is both vibrant and subtle, with the orange hue of the spaceman’s skin and white suit standing out against the soft greens and blues of the planet’s landscape— impressive for such a tiny creature... Ultimately, this is a story about finding joy in the unexpected and learning to appreciate the world around us. The spaceman’s journey from duty-bound explorer to joyful participant is touching and uplifting…Cecil’s storytelling is as thoughtful as it is whimsical, inviting readers to pause, look around, and perhaps see the world in a new light. This beautifully crafted picture book captures the essence of discovery, wonder, and the unexpected beauty found in the most ordinary of places—a gentle reminder to stop, breathe, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures, preferably, with a dog. * Books for Keeps *
A clever, rather formal, first person narration together with gently humorous, hatched illustrations that provide perspective, enriching the text, make this a book that when shared with children, will give and keep on giving. Initially they might merely enjoy it as a fun adventure for the little spaceman and then later come to appreciate the elation the traveler eventually feels at finding somewhere he feels he truly belongs. * Red Reading Hub *
Lavishly illustrated. * The Letterpress Project *