3 Reasons Why You Should Read the Freddie Spector series by Ashleigh Barton, Illustrated by Peter Cheong

What’s the book about?

Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet

Freddie Spector loves collecting facts and putting them on sticky notes that his mum and sister Henrietta keep finding in weird places. When Freddie’s love of facts and his huge imagination come together, the results are unexpected and hilarious!

Did you know that a bolt of lightning is five times hotter than the Sun? Or that slugs have four noses? How about that humans share 50 per cent of our DNA with bananas? Freddie Spector, the world’s greatest fact collector, knows all these things and so much more.

Freddie Spector loves collecting facts – about anything and everything. His latest obsession is space. It’s all he talks about: stars, planets, galaxies, astronauts, space travel – and, of course UFOs and extraterrestrials. Freddie writes all his facts on sticky notes that his mum and big sister, Henrietta, keep finding in weird places – like in their sock drawers or their sandwiches.

But whenever Freddie collects facts on a topic, his very active imagination always gets involved too. And, after noticing some very suspicious goings-on, Freddie realises it’s up to him to discover the answer to a burning question: could aliens have landed in his neighbourhood?

Fast-paced and funny, this series is all about an everyday eight-year-old boy whose love of facts and extraordinary imagination come together with unexpected and hilarious results.

Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Go for Gold

Did you know that lawnmower racing is a sport? Or that cranberries bounce? How about that Gentoo penguins can bodysurf?

Freddie Spector loves collecting facts – about anything and everything. At the moment he’s obsessed with facts about sport. It’s all he talks about: weird sports, Olympic sports, extreme sports, athletes and sporting history. He writes all his facts on sticky notes that his mum and big sister, Henrietta, keep finding in weird places – like in a cup of coffee or the shower.

But whenever Freddie collects facts on a topic, his very active imagination always gets involved too. And, when the medals for the school sports carnival go missing and the carnival is about to be cancelled, Freddie realises it’s up to him to solve the mystery and save the day.

Recommended for: 

Ages 7+.

Three reasons to read it: 

1. Barton and Cheong have created a positive role model with Freddie Spector who’s perfect for young readers. Freddie is a determined character who values learning and exploration and can inspire kids to embrace their own curiosity.
2. Each book in the Freddie Spector series delves into various scientific and factual subjects, making learning fun and interactive. It’s a great way for readers to expand their knowledge on topics like space, science, and more, all while being entertained.
3. The illustrations by Cheong bring Freddie’s adventures to life with bright and detailed artwork. These visuals not only enhance the reading experience but also help to visualize complex concepts. Mixed with Barton’s easy-to-read storylines, and the Freddie Spector series is a powerhouse of youthful creativity.

Buy a copy of Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet here.

Buy a copy of Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Go for Gold here.

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