Cosmic Cadets and the Universal Uni-korn

By Author / Illustrator

Ryan Crawford, illus Rochelle Falconer

Genre

Science Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

OUP Children's Books

ISBN

9781382054348

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

04-09-2025

Synopsis

Gloria is the first ever human to get into the Cosmic Cadet Academy and she's determined to make a splash. But she quickly realizes it might be harder than she was expecting . . . On her first day, Gloria goes to class with the headteacher stuck to her shoe (it turns out some aliens are small and squishy) and then learns that no one in the universe, except humans, eats with their mouth anymore.

Partnered up with Razz, a cat-like alien who is way too keen on following the rules, Gloria is desperate for real adventure. She decides they will ignore instructions and go off on their own mission . . . to find a uni-korn. Little does she know that uni-korns are some of the most dangerous and foul-tempered creatures in the universe . . . capable of swallowing galaxies whole. Gloria just might get her wish for adventure . . . if she doesn't accidentally destroy the universe first.

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Reviews

Amanda

We have all been in those situations where we have been paired with people that we do not feel that we can work with. Well, that is exactly what happens to Gloria, the only human at the cosmic cadet academy, in Cosmic Cadets and the Universal Uni-korn.

This hilarious early chapter book is filled with topics that will appeal to the young reader, from the headteacher getting stuck on a show to looking for a UNI-Korn. The full colour illustrations add depth and detail to the story which is welcomed. The text is well sized and chunked to encourage a young reader.

I will definitely add it to our reading for pleasure collection and I can already imagine those pupils who will be making themselves comfy, cuddled in a corner reading this book with a grin on their face which is only removed when they are told that they need to pause their reading! Such a fun and imaginative story. An absolute joy to read.

Cosmic Cadets is also a great introduction to science fiction, and I look forward to finding out about their further adventures in space.

176 pages / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher.