Cosmic by Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Reasons for selection and synopsis

Liam is too big for his boots. And his football strip. And his school blazer. But being super-sized height-wise has its advantages: he's the only eleven-year-old to ever ride the G-force-defying Cosmic rollercoaster - or to be offered the chance to drive a Porsche. Long-legged Liam makes a giant leap for boy-kind by competing with a group of adults for the chance to go into space. Is Liam the best boy for the job? Sometimes being big isn't all about being a grown-up. Cosmic is a funny, engaging and warm space story. It will have children hooked and laughing along. Before reading…

Ask the children to look at the front cover. What do you think the book will be about? What things can you see on the front cover?

What sort of story will it be? Who might enjoy it?

Think of the title Cosmic. What might it tell you about the story?

Now read the blurb. What does this tell you about the story?

Make some predictions about what might happen in the story.

Look at the author Frank Cottrell-Boyce. Do you know any of his other stories? Which ones can you name?

The following questions are designed as prompts only – allow the children to come up with their own questions and ideas. They will be much more engaged this way.

I Am Not Exactly In The Lake District, Completely Doomed and My Favourite Gravity

Vocabulary What phrases on Page 3 show dishonesty?

What phrase on Page 8 shows that thinking of home soothes the main character?

Find phrases on Page 11 show that the main character enjoyed the ride.

Infer What impression do you get of the main character in the opening paragraphs?

Why does everyone think the main character is older than he is?

Why can’t the main character believe that everyone is napping?

What does the main character love about space?

Why was the man annoyed at dad for asking if anyone had died on the ride?

Predict Predict, at the end of the three chapters, how Liam might try to get back to Earth.

Explain Explain why the main character brought a mobile phone.

Explain why Liam doesn’t leave the theme park.

Explain why Liam hates the phrase ‘you should know better, a big lad like you’.

Retrieve Where did the main character say he was going?

What is the name of the ship?

How was all the communication equipment destroyed?

How many people are on the ship?

Where does the main character live?

Why can only the main character go on the ride?

What is the main character’s name?

Summarise Summarise how you think Liam may have ended up in space.

Summarise the impressions you get of Liam.

I Nearly Shaved Myself To Death

Vocabulary What phrase on Page 19 shows that mum doesn’t believe there’s nothing wrong with Liam?

What phrase on Page 24 shows that Lorraine isn’t pleased that everyone knows her name?

Infer Why did Liam cut himself so badly when shaving?

True or false: mum is an anxious woman. Give evidence.

What is wrong with Liam’s body?

Why did mum have to get a chair to mark Liam’s height?

Why didn’t Liam’s uniform fit any more?

Who does Lorraine think Liam is? Why?

Why doesn’t Liam correct Lorraine straight away?

Why does everyone start muttering when Liam says ‘Lorraine’?

Why do you think Liam chooses not to tell his mum about his day at school?

Predict Read up to ‘on the lower-school site’ on Page 20. Predict how Liam’s first day at school will go.

Read up to ‘don’t worry about being interesting’ on Page 24. Predict what will happen in the assembly.

Explain Explain why Liam decided to get rid of his facial hair.

Retrieve What nickname did people give Liam?

What does mum say when she wants people to shut up?

How much did Liam grow over the Summer?

Why didn’t the bus drivers believe Liam about his age?

What’s the headteacher’s name?

Summarise Summarise the events of the assembly.

My Visible Friend

Vocabulary What does ‘isolated’ mean?

What word on Page 34 shows that Liam would have liked better biscuits?

What phrase means that taxis can’t drive in space?

Infer Why do you think Liam’s behaviour was labelled ‘peculiar and disruptive’?

Why can’t Liam make friends?

What impression do you get of Florida? What about her dad?

‘That would be going too far, wouldn’t it?’ – what is Florida talking about?

What does Florida mean when she says ‘he definitely hasn’t’?

What impression do you get of the care salesman?

Why is Liam secretly pleased to see his dad?

Predict Read up to ‘the way to Level Two’ on Page 33. Predict what happens next.

Read up to ‘ “engineering perfection” he smiled.’ Predict what will happen next.

Explain Explain why the security guards aren’t bothered about Liam and Florida.

Retrieve How do mum and dad try and make Liam more social?

Why do they decide to do the Big Friendly Giant as a production?

Where do Liam and Florida decide to go when Lisa is ill?

Who says ‘You. Out. Now’?

How did dad find Liam?

Summarise Summarise the events of this chapter in a paragraph.

My Planet Panda Pop

Vocabulary What phrase on Page 44 shows that dad is embarrassed?

What is ‘Gifted and Talented’?

What is an ‘anti-climax’?

What is an ‘avatar’?

Infer What is dad’s solution to the family problems?

What shows you that Liam is clever?

Why does Liam deepen his voice?

Why was Liam so happy during the play?

Why do you think Liam chooses to have a very short character in Warcraft?

Why does Liam copy the number back into his phone?

Predict Predict why you think the woman called Liam.

Explain Explain why dad doesn’t want to enter the competition.

Explain why dad is annoyed that Liam won’t play Monopoly.

Retrieve Why doesn’t mum want to visit the Sahara Desert?

Why doesn’t mum want to visit Tenerefir?

What did they do instead of taking a holiday?

Why didn’t they ban Liam from being in the play?

Why doesn’t Liam want to play Monopoly?

Summarise What impressions do you get of mum from the travel agent scene?

I Am On Hold and Fathers Have Children

Vocabulary What does ‘cynical’ mean?

What does ‘blatantly’ mean?

What does ‘invariably’ mean?

What does Liam mean when he says he’s going to ‘skill up before levelling up’?

Infer Why does Anna want to go so badly?

Why does Liam believe that Anna cheated?

Why are there long silences in the maths lesson?

Why’s Liam annoyed about Samson Two’s win?

Why doesn’t the music stop?

Why does Liam decide to take his mobile down?

Why is Liam so shocked by the call?

Predict Read up to ‘got ready to speak’ on Page 63. Predict what will happen next.

Read up to ‘her name is Florida’ on Page 67. Predict what will happen next.

Explain Explain why Liam stayed on the phone for so long.

Retrieve How do the other children help Anna?

Why does Liam make so much noise in maths?

Who are the first three winners?

How does Hasan win the competition?

How does Liam try and get himself ready to be a dad?

Summarise Summarise these two chapters in a paragraph.

You’ll Like It When You Get There and Hello Lucky Winners

Vocabulary What does ‘coax’ mean?

What phrase on Page 76 shows that Florida knows what Liam is talking about?

Infer Why do you think Florida avoids Liam in school?

How does Liam get Florida’s interest?

Why does the acting seem so real to Lisa?

Why doesn’t Florida want to go?

What do you think about Florida’s relationship with her dad?

Why does Florida glare at the prospect of a minibus?

Why is the goody bag full of Drax products?

Predict Predict how you think Florida will react when she finds out the theme park is in China.

Read to the end of ‘Hello Lucky Winners’. Predict what will happen when Florida and Liam get on the plane.

Explain Explain why Liam doesn’t tell Florida that the theme park is in China.

Retrieve Where will Florida talk to Liam?

How does Lisa react to the acting?

What is Florida’s brother called and how old is he?

What is Liam’s plan to be able to go to the theme park?

What is dad’s reaction to a limousine turning up?

What is the name of the limo driver?

What does Florida think Hitler’s first name is?

Summarise Summarise the events of these chapters in a paragraph.

Summarise your impression of Florida.

Competitive Dadliness and InChinayouidiot

Vocabulary What does ‘complimentary’ mean?

What phrase on Page 90 shows that this is coming easily to Liam?

What does ‘indescribable’ mean?

Infer What evidence is there that Dinah Drax is intelligent?

How does Liam convince everyone he’s a dad?

True or false: the fathers are competitive. Give evidence.

Why doesn’t Liam want to read his manual in front of the other dads?

What is Florida’s reaction to being in China?

How does Liam calm Florida down?

Predict Read up to ‘Then we landed.’ on Page 94. Predict how Florida will react when she finds out they are in China.

Read up to ‘indescribable’ on Page 99. Predict what is inside the Possibility Building. Give reasons for your prediction.

Explain Explain why Liam isn’t as competitive as the other dads.

Explain why Florida doesn’t want Liam to act like her dad in the house.

Retrieve How does Liam react to meeting Dinah?

Is Drax, Dinah’s real surname? Why did she change it?

What is Samson Two’s dad’s name?

Who flies the plane?

How long does it take to get to China?

What is chronic obesity?

Why doesn’t Florida initially like the house?

Summarise What impression do you get of Dinah Drax?

Summarise the journey to China.

Thrill Ride Of The Century

Vocabulary What word on Page 106 shows that Florida was scared?

What is ‘forfeiting’?

Infer How is Liam keeping busy?

Why don’t the police arrest Liam?

Why is the rocket so important to Dr Drax?

Why do you think the mission is secret?

Why might it be surprisingly difficult to be insured to fly into space?

Predict Read up to ‘the car rolled forward, purring’ on Page 106. Predict what happens next.

Read up to ‘any questions?’ on Page 110. Predict what happens next.

Read to the end of the chapter and predict what happens next.

Explain Explain the conundrum Liam finds himself in, re: driving.

Explain why Liam resents the role of dad by the end of the chapter.

Retrieve What is a courtesy car?

What was the world’s biggest thrill ride? What colour was it?

What does Florida hope will come of the ride?

Summarise Summarise Liam’s experience of driving the car.

Summarise Dr Drax’s plan.

I Am The Space Daddy

Vocabulary What is a ‘motto’?

Find a phrase on Page 117 that shows that Liam is the only one that doesn’t want to play golf.

What is a ‘parabola’?

Infer How does Liam feel that Florida is going into space and not him?

Why is Dr Drax concerned that Liam doesn’t know Florida’s birthday?

Why won’t Max’s dad let Liam copy his form?

How does Liam convince Drax that a dad needs to go into space?

Why is Florida convinced that Liam won’t win the competition.

Predict Read up to ‘I knew it was going to be me’. Predict how Liam will ensure it’s him.

Explain Explain why the other dads laugh at Liam when he shouts ‘yes’

Explain how Liam cheats at golf. Explain why Samson One says it isn’t cheating.

Retrieve What does Liam say is the ‘Digby family motto’?

Name the different types of golf club mentioned.

What does Samson One refer to the buggy as?

How are they going to decide which dad goes into space?

What is Florida’s stipulation for calling Liam, dad?

Summarise What impression do you get of the other dads? Describe your impressions individually.

The Ice-Cream Man Of The Gobi Desert

Vocabulary What’s a ‘phoney’ smile and why does Florida employ one?

What phrase on Page 131 shows that the wind is hurting?

What does Monsieur Martinet mean when he calls Liam a child?

Infer Why do the dads decide it is important to set off sooner rather than later?

What mission was Liam referring to?

How did Liam know to get everyone to cover their face with a shirt and follow Florida?

How did everyone know when they’d stepped out of the shadow?

Why does Hasan start to cry?

Why do some of them want to go around the dune? Why do some of them think this is a bad idea?

What shows that Liam was more prepared than everyone else?

How does Eddie get everyone to vote for him?

Predict Read up to ‘all you have to do is follow the shadow.’ Predict what will happen in the first challenge.

Explain Explain why inside the shadow is cool.

Explain why Samson Two doesn’t want to advance to the building.

Explain the name of the chapter.

Retrieve What is the first taikonaut mission?

What does Drax give to Martinet?

Why won’t Florida give Max the glasses?

What is the name given to diving off the sand hills?

What colour was the flag?

Summarise Summarise the events of this chapter, in a few sentences.

I Can’t Work My Trousers

Vocabulary What do you think ‘extra-terrestrial colour coordination’ means?

What word on Page 151 shows that Drax is displeased?

What is ‘buoyancy’?

Infer What was in the flask?

Why can’t Liam get into his space suit?

Why does Liam lose his temper?

Why is Liam shocked by Florida’s knowledge of gravity et al?

Who do you think voted for Liam?

Predict Predict why you think Florida gets so angry when Liam talks about her dad.

Explain Explain why everyone felt sorry for Florida.

Retrieve Why are the suits always bright orange?

What was the drink in the flask made from?

What does Liam do as his suit deflates?

Why does Florida eventually come out of her room?

Summarise Summarise the events of China thus far.

The Vomit Comet and Astrogossip

Vocabulary What is a ‘hangover’?

What is a ‘tannoy’?

What phrases on Page 166 show you that Monsieur Martinet was scared?

What phrase in ‘Astrogossip’ shows that Florida has developed a thirst for knowledge?

Infer Why were they not allowed to eat breakfast?

How does Liam calm Florida down?

Why does Liam have the metabolism of a 12-year-old?

Why was Liam annoyed that Florida voted for Monsieur Martinet?

Predict Look at the title ‘The Vomit Comet’. Predict what might happen in this chapter.

Explain Explain why everyone is shocked that Shenjian is the pilot.

Retrieve Where are the sick bags in the vomit comet?

What does Liam start a game of, during the zero gravity?

Who is sick?

Who did Florida vote for and why?

Summarise Summarise the experience on the vomit comet.

Gravity Is Not A Trivial Monster and Last Chance To Vote

Vocabulary What is the proper name for the vortex?

What does Mr Bean mean by ‘You start to malfunction’?

Where do you think ‘Penultima’ gets its name from?

What phrase on Page 193 shows you that Liam really wants to have a go on the Penultima?

Infer Why is everyone surprised that Shenjian isn’t dizzy?

Why wouldn’t Max get in first?

How do you think the others felt when Florida was the first to get on the vortex? Why?

Why do you think Liam couldn’t move his arms at 5g?

Why has Max been voting for Liam?

Why did everyone vote for Liam?

Why do you think Max failed to guide the ship back in?

Why is Samson Two impressed that Liam has a Playstation?

Predict Read up to ‘I came second with six’. Predict why everyone has voted for Eddie.

At the end of ‘Last Chance To Vote’, predict how it comes to be that Liam ends up in space.

Explain Explain why the adults always laugh at Florida’s questions.

Retrieve Who is in the vortex?

How much gravity are they going to experience in the vortex?

What is the only ride Samson Two has ever been on?

How does Liam convince Samson Two to go on the vortex?

Why is Liam so good at the Penultima?

Summarise

I Am Half A World Away, If Anything Goes

Wrong and You Don’t Get Extra Lives In Space

Vocabulary What word on Page 202 means healthy?

What is ‘innate luminescence’?

What does ‘expendable’ mean?

Infer Why do the children need to get used to living together?

Why is Liam worried about Florida?

Why does Liam’s phone call concern mum?

Why do you think Drax isn’t sending Shenjian into space?

Why can’t Liam withdraw his permission?

Why could Liam barely finish his drink?

What has Eddie been doing? Why doesn’t he get away with it?

Predict Read up to ‘has totally betrayed me’ on Page 212. Predict what has happened.

Read to the end of ‘You Don’t Get Extra Lives In Space’. Predict what will happen next.

Explain Explain why it’s the middle of the night where mum is.

Retrieve What drinks do the dads order?

What drink does Liam order?

What excuse does Drax give for Shenjian not going to space?

What slogan does Liam give to Drax?

Summarise Summarise these three chapters in a paragraph.

The Real Thing, Quest Orange and Launch Minus 48

Vocabulary Which phrase on Page 218 means ‘react angrily’?

What does ‘asphyxiated’ mean?

What does ‘monotonous’ mean?

Infer Why does Liam want to give Florida her present in private?

Where is Florida’s dad?

Why is Florida obsessed with fame?

Why do the children all huddle together?

Why does Liam want his dad?

Predict Read up to ‘the thing that went wrong was us’ and predict what goes wrong,

Explain Explain why Florida pretended she had a really good dad.

Retrieve How did everyone know it was Florida’s birthday?

What did Eddie get for Florida?

Where did Florida’s name come from?

What presents does Liam get for Florida?

What is the Dandelion?

Why did they need to start eating space food early?

What is the latest Draxation games console called?

Summarise Summarise Liam and Florida’s pre-flight feelings.

Some Kind Of Lovely, I Want My Daddy and The Moon You Idiot

Vocabulary Liam was ‘insanely hoping’ his dad would turn up. Explain the use of this adverb.

What does ‘beguiled’ mean?

What word on Page 242 means ‘start’?

What are ‘permanent fatal errors’?

Infer Why does Liam dread talking to Mr Bean?

Why does Eddie have security guards with him?

Why do the children start to want their dads?

Why is Liam enjoying the weightlessness so much?

Why does everyone look to Liam for guidance?

Predict Read to the end of Page 243. Predict what has happened and what will happen next.

Explain Explain why it’s important for Liam to take on a dadly role at this point.

Explain what happened when the buttons were pressed in the wrong order.

Retrieve Why did Liam have to have his chest waxed?

Who does Mr Bean turn out to be?

Why does Liam pack his phone?

What has Florida packed?

Why do they have to hand over their Draxphones?

How does Liam decide to settle who will press the buttons? Do you think this is a good decision?

How does Liam realise the earth must be close?

Summarise Summarise what goes wrong on the space mission.

An Unscheduled Diversion

Vocabulary What do ‘unscheduled’ and ‘diversion’ mean?

What are ‘delegation’ and ‘affirmation’?

What phrase on Page 260 shows that Max is annoyed?

What is a ‘simulation?’

What phrases on Page 266 show that Liam was terrified?

Infer Why is Liam so panicked about seeing the moon?

Why is Liam shocked that Florida may have the solution?

Why do the children not actually believe that they are in space?

How does Liam know where to find the space manual?

Why does Samson Two believe the moon landing was faked?

Why is Liam worried about ripping the suit?

Why is Hasan pleased with himself?

Predict Read to the end of Page 261. Predict where Hasan has gone.

Read to the end of Page 265. Predict what happens next.

Explain Explain the plan to get back to Earth.

Explain why Hasan was so good at hide and seek.

Retrieve What does Max think will solve the problems?

Who does Max blame the issues on?

Why is Monopoly so hard to play in space?

Why is hide and seek difficult in space?

Why does Liam say driving in space will be easier?

Why do you need a safety harness to go out into space?

Where was Hasan?

What does Samson Two think Liam did when he got off the rocket?

Summarise Summarise the emotional journeys of both Liam and Max so far.

Summarise this chapter in a 6 sentences.

Dark Side Of The Moon and Logic Says

Vocabulary What phrase on Page 274 shows that Liam has some doubts?

What word on Page 280 shows that Max is frightened?

Infer Why do all the children press against Liam?

Why does Samson Two say it is ‘ridiculous’ when Liam points out that someone has walked on the moon?

Why doesn’t Samson Two ever panic?

Predict Read to the end of Page 282. Predict why the other children are on the moon.

Explain Explain why they do another lap of the moon.

Retrieve What was the brightness that they started to see?

How does the Dandelion power itself?

Why are the children so quiet?

Why does Liam need one of the children’s Wristations?

Summarise Summarise the plan to get back to Earth so far.

Logic Says and This Is Not A Simulation

Vocabulary What word on Page 285 means ‘supposedly’ or ‘apparently’?

Find a phrase on Page 291 that shows that Liam needs to focus.

What is a ‘coincidence’?

What does ‘illogical’ mean?

Infer Why does Liam decide to take the children to the moon?

Why does Liam offer to stay on the ship?

Why is the signal so good?

How did Samson glean that it wasn’t a simulation?

Predict Read to the end of Page 291. Predict whether the children will get home.

Read to the end of Page 297. Predict what happens next.

Explain Explain how you think Liam felt when his dad rang him?

Retrieve What will Hasan finally get to do?

Why does Liam give Florida some rocket water bottles?

What movie starts playing in the Dandelion?

Why do the children smell?

What does Max give to Liam?

Why won’t the children’s footprints on the moon go anywhere?

Summarise Summarise the childrens’ time on the moon.

We Got A Bit Lost and Special Gravity

Vocabulary Define the word precise.

Infer Why can’t Liam ring his dad?

How does Liam’s dad know he isn’t in the Lake District?

Why was Dr Drax looking for the children?

Why does Dr Drax want Liam’s phone?

Why is Liam still able to listen to his space diary?

Predict Predict what will happen for Liam and Florida now they are back on earth.

Explain Explain how Liam’s dad helped to find the children.

Explain why Dr Drax sent the children into space.

Retrieve What does Florida think the wolves are?

What does Florida throw at the wolves?

Who saved the children?

Who is going into space now?

What was Florida’s surprise?

Summarise Summarise the whole book in 12 sentences.