British author Matt Newnham, creator of Space Ranger Fred, visited Cape Town, joining a Blouberg Beach clean-up with Table View Primary learners and donating signed books to schools and Gordon’s Bay Library, promoting literacy, environmental awareness and positive storytelling among young South African readers.
-- British children’s book author Matt Newnham, creator of the Space Ranger Fred series, has returned from a visit to Cape Town where he combined holiday time with hands-on community involvement, book signings and donations to local schools and libraries.
Framed as an informal “Space Ranger Fred Visits South Africa” tour, the trip saw Newnham engaging directly with young readers while supporting environmental and literacy initiatives across the city.
During his stay, Newnham attended a Beach Clean-Up at the world famous Blouberg Beach, joining learners from the local Table View Primary School, parents and community members in helping keep Cape Town’s coastline clean. In a special appearance that delighted pupils, he handed out signed copies of his book to the young volunteers.
“What does an author do on holiday in Cape Town?” Newnham said with a smile. “Apparently, he signs books, gives them to schools and libraries, and helps clean up the beach. It was a joy to meet the learners from Table View Primary and see their excitement about reading and about caring for their environment.”
The beach clean-up formed part of broader community efforts supported by local organisations and volunteers, and Newnham’s presence added a literary spark to the day’s activities. Learners were able to meet the author behind Space Ranger Fred and the Great Galactic Bake Off, ask questions about storytelling and creativity, and receive signed copies for their school library.
Parents and organisers described the visit as a memorable highlight for the pupils. The combination of environmental stewardship and literacy encouragement reflected the core themes that run through the Space Ranger Fred series: curiosity, responsibility and using your abilities to make a positive difference.
“Stories have power,” Newnham said. “They shape how children see the world and how they see themselves. If Fred can inspire a child to think a little bigger, to try something new, or to look after the world around them, then that’s a mission accomplished.”
While exploring the city, Newnham also visited the Gordon’s Bay Library, where he donated copies for local readers. Library representatives expressed their gratitude, noting that the title would soon be available on their shelves thanks to the author’s generosity.
“We are so very grateful to have met the wonderfully charming Matt Newnham,” a library representative shared. “Space Ranger Fred will be on our shelves very soon, and we look forward to seeing our young readers discover his adventures.”
The visit highlights the growing international reach of the Space Ranger Fred series, which blends humour, imagination and problem-solving with positive character development. Designed to entertain while encouraging confidence and resilience, the books have attracted a growing readership in the United Kingdom and beyond.
For Newnham, connecting directly with young readers remains one of the most rewarding aspects of being an author.
“There is something special about seeing children hold a book you’ve written and light up with curiosity,” he said. “Cape Town has such a vibrant spirit. Meeting learners at the beach clean-up and visiting the library reminded me why children’s stories matter. They create shared moments, whether that’s at bedtime, in a classroom, or on a sunny day by the ocean.”
The Cape Town visit was not a formal promotional tour, but rather a spontaneous opportunity to give back while travelling. Nevertheless, the reception from schools and libraries suggests that Space Ranger Fred has found enthusiastic young fans in South Africa.
As the series continues to expand, with additional titles and projects in development, Newnham says community engagement will remain central to the mission.
“Fred is about adventure, courage and teamwork,” he added. “Whether that’s battling baking disasters in space or helping protect our own planet, the message is the same: everyone can play a part. I’m grateful to the Table View Primary learners and the team at Gordon’s Bay Library for such a warm welcome.”
Copies of the Space Ranger Fred series are available internationally, with readers able to explore the full collection and purchase titles directly at https://www.spacerangerfred.com/books/. Parents can also join the Space Ranger Fred Newsletter as well as download free activity sheets and games.
Further announcements about upcoming releases and initiatives are expected later this year.
About the company: Space Ranger Fred is a children’s book series created by author Matt Newnham to spark curiosity and inspire a love of STEM in young readers. Through fun, fast-paced adventures and relatable problem-solving, Fred helps children discover the power of imagination, teamwork and scientific thinking. The series is supported by a growing collection of free educational resources designed for parents, teachers and young learners.
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