Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth

From the UK Children's Laureate 2024–2026

By: Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Steven Lenton

Narrated by: Peter Capaldi

Shortlisted for the 2017 Carnegie Medal, Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by the award-winning UK Children's Laureate 2024–2026 Frank Cottrell-Boyce is an funny out-of-this-world adventure. Perfect for children aged 8+ and illustrated throughout by Steven Lenton.

'Full of heart and emotion that might just bring a tear to your eye' - Tom Fletcher, author of The Creakers

Can a dog from outer space save the world?

When Prez meets Sputnik – a small, loud alien – he's shocked to hear that the world is about to be destroyed. Unless Prez can show Sputnik ten things worth seeing or doing on Earth . . .

But Prez's list of amazing things is not quite the same as Sputnik's – will it be enough to save the planet?

'A wonderful and exciting story about friendship and appreciating what you have' - Independent

Critic reviews

Comedy gold (Amanda Craig)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy for children

Full of heart and emotion that might just bring a tear to your eye (Tom Fletcher)

A wonderful and exciting story about friendship and appreciating what you have

The story is good and the narrator is also good

The book is good and the narrator is really good as well I give it 9/10👍

Chaotic Story with Sympathetic Characters

Frank Cottrell Boyce's "Cosmic" was a favorite so I was excited to see another of his books hit our state award nominee list. There is a lot... seriously A LOT of activity in this story. And Peter Capaldi kept the intensity high with his narration style (great accent not too hard for kids to understand). But I have to admit that around hour 3 I was tired of the mayhem and ready for it to end happily if possible. I was afraid at first that it was going to have a "too easy" ending with everyone living happily ever after but I shouldn't have been so worried. It was a realistic ending (as realistic as a shape shifting alien story line can be) but satisfying. And then I went and took a nap to recover. If you've never read Cottrell Boyce before start with "Cosmic" and maybe rest up before jumping in to Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth.

Rollicking ride with a surprisingly touching heart

I have to confess, when I originally chose this recording it was because it was read by Peter Capaldi, not for the story or author, and I was not disappointed...his animated reading was as delightful as ever, and the extra Scottish twinkle he brought to the story was no doubt the reason he was chosen for this book. What I did not expect , however, was what I thought was a kids book essentially when I started this was in fact, a phenomenally creative and surprisingly touching story to be enjoyed by grandkid and grandparent alike. Now I'm after more by this author and please please Mr Capaldi, I beg of you to please give us the pleasur of your voice and talent to more audio books!

Ok but not Boyce's best on audio

the Narrator has a good range of voices, but he didn't seem the best fit for this story.
if you like Boyce try Framed or Cosmic

A Fantastic Adventure Narrated with Panache!

I found myself laughing out loud at times, and actually shedding tears at other times because of this heartwarming story that was read with such amazing panache by the wonderful Peter Capaldi. He's made it even more entertaining, and his Scottish accent adds authenticity and flavor to the narration. It's a pleasure listening to him use different voices and bring life to the book's sympathetic characters.

The story is heartwarming but never sappy, cheeky but never rude. Your heart will go out to Prez, and sometimes, you can even imagine the irrepressible Sputnik as a Doctor Who-like character who wreaks mayhem wherever he goes but still manages to save the day.

The book was written for kids and tweens but it strikes a chord even with adults.