The UFO Files (Wide-Eyed Editions, 2025)

The UFO Files are the recently de-classified notes on a moment that captivates humanity: the arrival of an alien spacecraft on Planet Earth.

The year is 2033. An investigator known only as Polaris has compiled this report into every aspect of the spaceship and the beings that built it. Piece by piece, uncover a thrilling narrative of courage and curiosity during this closest of encounters, while delving into the cutting-edge science and technology that help Polaris understand – and welcome – these visitors from a distant star system.

Read the torn-out headlines announcing an unexplained radio signal from outer space, then learn all about the electromagnetic spectrum and how we use it to communicate. Come face to face with the flying drones that emerge from the spacecraft, then delve into how dragonflies have mastered the art of flight. And as the mystery of who or what lies within the spaceship unfolds, discover the animals on Earth – including glowing squid and photosynthetic sea slugs – that are so strange as to be almost alien.

Every beat of the story is supported by clear, concise explanations of mind-blowing science for 9–12-year-olds, as well as out-of-this-world illustrations by Weston Wei.

Other topics include:

• Nuclear fusion and clean energy

• Using AI to decode an unknown language

• Exoplanets, stars and astronomy

• The Fermi paradox and the likelihood of alien life

• How rockets fly

• Many, many more

The UFO Files is not just a compelling sci-fi story or a primer on core STEM subjects – it's both at once! Above all, it is a celebration of scientific curiosity, tolerance and the awe that comes when we open our minds to the stars and wonder whether we are not alone.

Welcome to the Future: Robot Friends, Fusion Energy, Pet Dinosaurs, and More! (Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2021)

Have you ever wondered what the future may look like? In this book, you'll explore 10 ways technology could alter our way of life. The challenge for you is to decide which changes you want for yourself and the world.

In the future, will we teleport from place to place, keep dinosaurs as pets, or 3D-print our dinner? Will we live on Mars or upload our brains to computers? Could we solve climate change by making all our energy from mini stars we build here on earth? In this book, you'll meet the scientists working to bring science fiction to life and learn how soon we might have amazing new technology. You'll also delve deep into questions about right and wrong. Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. How can we build the best possible future for everyone on Earth?

Praise

"Welcome to the Future is an exciting journey through the technologies of tomorrow, tackling fun questions like "will we live on Mars in homes made of fungus?". The book lays out the possible promises and perils of future tech, encouraging the next generation to consider what is at stake and the role they play in how technologies will impact us in the future."
―Kelly Weinersmith, author of The New York Times bestseller Soonish

"Welcome to the Future is an entertaining exploration of what lies ahead. It's a cool visit to tomorrow from where you are today!"
―E. Paul Zehr, PhD, author of Chasing Captain America & Project Superhero