There is something incredibly exciting about announcing a brand-new Space Ranger Fred adventure, and this year the excitement is even bigger. In October 2025, Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off will officially launch, bringing with it more laughter, more chaos, and more intergalactic fun than ever before.
This new book is not only the latest in the Space Ranger Fred series, but it is also a milestone. At more than double the length of the earlier books, it marks a step forward in Fred’s journey. It is written for the older end of our core reading audience — ages six to ten — while dipping into the interests of children up to twelve years old. In many ways, this book is a masterpiece, a masterclass in storytelling, and something truly special for everyone who has followed Fred so far.
The joy of writing something bigger
Writing The Great Galactic Bake Off has been a joy from start to finish. When I first wrote Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure, I never imagined that Fred’s adventures would one day grow into something so grand and sprawling. Those first stories were short, sharp bursts of humour and imagination — perfect for younger readers just starting out on their reading journey. (And, there will be more of those coming as well as a very junior picture book)
But as Fred has grown, so have his readers. Many children who first discovered Fred years ago are now ready for something longer, something more challenging, and something that offers a little more depth while still keeping the chaos that makes Fred, well, Fred.
That is what this new book sets out to do. At twice the length of the earlier titles, it gave me room to build a bigger world, to let the characters run a little further, and to explore ideas in ways that simply were not possible before. The process of writing felt like running a marathon after years of sprints. It was hard work, but it was also deeply rewarding. Every new chapter felt like a chance to push Fred into bigger and bolder territory.
A true team effort
Although writing may sound like a lonely task, books are never made by one person alone. Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off is very much a team effort, and I could not be more proud of the people who have worked with me to bring it to life.
First, there is Richie Williams, the illustrator who has been with Fred from the very start. Richie’s illustrations are not just pictures on a page. They are part of the storytelling itself, capturing the humour, the energy, and the sheer silliness of Fred’s adventures. Once again, Richie has created artwork that perfectly matches the tone of the story. From exploding cakes to alien bakers with tentacles full of frosting, his drawings bring the Bake Off to life in a way that words alone never could.
Then there is Tess Jolly, whose careful final edit has turned my rough ideas into polished prose. No writer is perfect, and I am the first to admit that mistakes creep in. Tess has a wonderful way of spotting the gaps, fixing the clumsy sentences, and shaping the story so that it shines. Her touch ensures that the final book is the best it can possibly be, ready for children to dive in and enjoy without distraction.
Together, this team has created something special. It is not just my book. It is our book. A collaboration filled with laughter, creativity, and the shared goal of giving children something they will love to read.
A book that encourages reading
One of the most important goals of the Space Ranger Fred series has always been to encourage children to read. For many young readers, picking up a book can feel like hard work. Stories need to be funny, fast, and engaging if they are going to grab attention and hold it. That is why Fred’s adventures are always filled with humour and energy.
With The Great Galactic Bake Off, the longer format allows readers to build stamina. Children who are just moving on from shorter chapter books will find this a perfect bridge into longer reading. It keeps the pages turning with jokes, puns, and absurd situations, but it also stretches attention spans and builds confidence.
The joy of reading is not just in finishing a story. It is in enjoying the journey. With this book, I hope to give children a reason to keep going, to keep laughing, and to discover that a longer book can be just as fun as a quick one.
Reading as a doorway to learning
Of course, Space Ranger Fred has never been just about fun. Beneath the silliness, there is always a layer of curiosity. Fred’s adventures often brush up against science, space, and the mysteries of the universe. The Great Galactic Bake Off is no exception.
While the book is first and foremost a chaotic baking adventure, it is also sprinkled with questions. How would baking work in zero gravity? What would alien ingredients taste like? Could you whisk batter with six tentacles? And why does a countdown clock tick louder when the tension rises?
These questions may sound ridiculous — and they are, in the best possible way — but they also encourage children to think, to wonder, and to ask their own questions. That is how reading turns into learning. A story that begins with laughter can end with a child looking up at the stars and wondering what life might be like out there.
The chaos of the Bake Off
So what exactly happens in The Great Galactic Bake Off? Without giving too much away, let us just say it involves a baking competition that makes The Great British Bake Off look positively calm and quiet.
Fred finds himself competing against some very unusual bakers, each with their own unique skills and equally unique disasters. Zando Centauri, of course, is on hand to add to the mayhem, and Jupiter the dog is never far from the action and of course fast asleep on Fred’s bed, Cakes explode, ingredients float away, and frosting ends up in places frosting should never be.
The story is packed with puns, all 100 per cent intended. From soggy bottoms to star bakes, it is a joyful nod to the beloved TV competition, but with an intergalactic twist. Children who are familiar with The Great British Bake Off will spot the references, while those who are not will simply enjoy the humour and the absurdity.
Why this book is a masterpiece
Every author has moments when a story feels bigger than the sum of its parts. The Great Galactic Bake Off is one of those moments for me. It is not just another Space Ranger Fred adventure. It is a leap forward.
Calling it a masterpiece may sound bold, but I believe it is. It represents years of growth as a writer, the strength of collaboration with talented partners, and the joy of creating something that children will treasure. It is a masterclass in combining humour with heart, chaos with curiosity, and storytelling with a touch of education.
It is also a book that I believe will stand out in the series. Not because it is longer or bigger, but because it captures the essence of what makes Fred special while pushing the boundaries of what his adventures can be.
Looking ahead
As October 2025 approaches, I cannot wait to share Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off with you all. There will be sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and opportunities to pre-order your copy. I encourage you to sign up for the newsletter at www.spacerangerfred.com/beome-a-space-ranger and to follow on social media so you do not miss any updates.
This book is a celebration. It is a celebration of writing, of illustration, of editing, of teamwork, and most importantly of children’s imaginations. It is a reminder that reading should be fun, that learning can be playful, and that stories have the power to bring us together.
Final thoughts
Writing Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It has challenged me, stretched me, and delighted me. More than that, it has given me the chance to create something that I hope will inspire children to laugh, to read, and to ask questions about the world and the universe around them.
So mark your calendars for October 2025. Get ready for a baking adventure like no other. And remember — in space, no one can hear you bake… unless, of course, your cake explodes.
