Dreams can be anything you want them to be, but imagine flying through space doing cartwheels, flying past a giant floating doggy biscuit, or realizing that planet Mars, was in fact a giant chocolate bar. But this is just part of the story.
Connor used to be such a happy little boy, but world events had made him sad and confused. Despite the best efforts of his mum and dad, and all the people who loved him, to cheer him up, nothing seemed to work.
A new plan was needed, but would it work?
It didn’t take long for Connor and his new dog, Sparky, to become the best of friends. At night-time, sleeping soundly, the pair would begin to have the wildest of adventures together. Join them on their first as they race aliens around Saturn and try to beat the current intergalactic champion.
Starting from the back, the dynamic duo would need all their skills, determination, and resilience, to cross the ‘Slime Line’ first, but could they, do it?
In “The Adventures of Connor and Sparky” by David Armitage Connor’s life is turned upside down when a global pandemic sweeps the world. The familiar outdoor activities and school routines that once brought him joy and excitement are abruptly interrupted. The virus, infecting people worldwide, has imposed a new, challenging reality on him. He could not interact with his friends, participate in sports, or attend school. This sudden change leads him into a state of deep sadness and depression. Despite the efforts of his parents and teachers to help him, nothing they try seems to lift his spirits.
One memorable day, Connor’s parents decided to surprise him with a delightful, ebony-colored, four-legged friend named Sparky! From that moment on, Connor and Sparky became inseparable best friends, and their bond was heartwarming. Connor’s excitement knew no bounds as he pondered the thrilling adventures that awaited them. The duo’s first grand mission was to journey into space, and the mere thought of this awe-inspiring expedition filled him with anticipation and exhilaration.
Step aboard their futuristic spacecraft and join them in exploring the wondrous planets of the galaxy. You’re also invited to participate in the Intergalactic Space Race, joining Connor and Sparky on an extraordinary journey to meet new extraterrestrial friends and traverse uncharted galaxies. Navigate through colossal glaciers, traverse blazing flames, and even witness the eruption of a mighty volcano. Will they outmaneuver the alien contenders and emerge victorious in this enthralling race across the cosmos? The adventures of Connor and Sparky are not just thrilling but also filled with joy and excitement, making it a delightful read for children.
David Armitage has skillfully crafted a children’s book that delves into the challenging emotions of sadness and depression, offering valuable coping mechanisms for young readers. The characters of Connor and Sparky are not just endearing but also highly relatable. Sparky, in particular, embodies adorableness, lovability, and unwavering friendship that children can easily connect with. Armitage also provides insightful guidance on the responsibilities of pet ownership and the importance of caring for a pet, making the book a valuable resource for parents, educators, and counselors.
This book is well-suited for children between the ages of eight and eleven, especially those who may be coping with feelings of sadness or depression. It would be a valuable asset to a counselor’s library, as it conveys that they are not alone in their struggles. Additionally, it would make a great addition to school, home, and classroom libraries. The illustrations in the book are particularly noteworthy, as they are full-page, vibrant, and eye-catching. Children will be captivated by these illustrations and inclined to revisit the book multiple times, finding comfort and reassurance in the story of “The Adventures of Connor and Sparky.”
Connor, like many kids, is struggling because world events are isolating him from much of what he used to love. His parents try many things to cheer him up, but they only seem to work temporarily. Determined to find a longer-lasting solution, Connor’s parents let him pick out a puppy to take home. Connor locks eyes with Sparky and the two grow to become best friends. As Sparky grows, he is able to snuggle Connor as he sleeps and even share in Connor’s fantastical dreams. One night, the two embark on a journey through space featuring a surprising chocolate bar, a race, and slime. When the two awaken not only are they well rested, but they are happy.
“The Adventures of Connor and Sparky” by David Armitage is a delightful tale that works best as a bedtime story for children. While a little longer than some bedtime stories, its content is perfect for whisking a child away into a dream world since the most dynamic portions take place in a dream. However, “The Adventures of Connor and Sparky” is more than a bedtime story.
A particular highlight of “The Adventures of Connor and Sparky” is how it addresses the ways news can affect children. It does a good job of being relatable to kids who may have struggled during the lockdown associated with COVID-19 or other world events that have affected them. It lets a child reading the book (or hearing it) know they are not alone and that it is okay to struggle when things get tough—it doesn’t mean being sad will last forever.
Author and illustrator David Armitage has a distinct artistic style. Armitage’s illustrations are quite cute and charming. The style works quite well for the intended audience of young readers. Armitage’s flexibility in being able to draw different portions of the story (some of which are based on Earth and some of which are in dreamland space) is to be admired.
David Armitage’s “The Adventures of Connor and Sparky” is a creative bedtime tale that manages to both ground readers in reality and easily relatable feelings as well as carry them into fantastical dream elements and a space race.