Astronaut
Alex
and the
Big Pop
"Howlett & Johnson are the two brightest stars shining in the literary sky at the moment" MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK
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"They should make a film. And I'm going to play Alex. Me!!" TOM CRUISE
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"Almost book worthy in its approach" STING
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"What gender are the dodecahedrons!?" JK ROWLING
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"I wish I was alive to read this" STEPHEN HAWKING
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"Me too" PRINCESS DIANA
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"It will change the way you think about popcorn and the universe" BRIAN COX
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"Keeeep writing" TESS DAILY
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"I quite fancy Grandad" CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN
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"Alex seems like a really nice lad. He is welcome round for tea whenever he like" KERMIT THE FROG
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"Have you come about the banister?" ROGER MOORE
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"Why are all the words upside down?" LIZ TRUSS
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"Hope you are out soon lads" JUDGE GRAHAME
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"I'm just going to read one book at a time" HARRY KANE
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"I review a lot of books" JEREMY VINE
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"Howlett & Johnson are the two brightest stars shining in the literary sky at the moment" MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK 〰️ "They should make a film. And I'm going to play Alex. Me!!" TOM CRUISE 〰️ "Almost book worthy in its approach" STING 〰️ "What gender are the dodecahedrons!?" JK ROWLING 〰️ "I wish I was alive to read this" STEPHEN HAWKING 〰️ "Me too" PRINCESS DIANA 〰️ "It will change the way you think about popcorn and the universe" BRIAN COX 〰️ "Keeeep writing" TESS DAILY 〰️ "I quite fancy Grandad" CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN 〰️ "Alex seems like a really nice lad. He is welcome round for tea whenever he like" KERMIT THE FROG 〰️ "Have you come about the banister?" ROGER MOORE 〰️ "Why are all the words upside down?" LIZ TRUSS 〰️ "Hope you are out soon lads" JUDGE GRAHAME 〰️ "I'm just going to read one book at a time" HARRY KANE 〰️ "I review a lot of books" JEREMY VINE 〰️
Hi, I'm Sam..
A little about me.. I wrote Astronaut Alex and the Big Pop whilst in prison. I was sentenced to 18 months for digging and occupying tunnels blockading oil terminals in Essex as part of the Just Stop Oil campaign.
My nephew Alex who was 9 at the time sent me this wonderful story called ‘Sammy the Explorer’ that he wrote and illustrated. Straight away it came to me! I am going to write Alex a story. And Alex is going to be an Astronaut! It has been such a joy writing this story for you Alex. And when I came out of prison just in time for Christmas 2024, and sat on the bed with you reading the final chapter together, you reading your part, well that was magic!
The book is in its original form, unedited since I left prison. There are spelling mistakes, different grammar and a few new words too. I hope this book could inspire others to just write and be silly.
I would like to dedicate this book to my friend Xavi Gonzalez Trimmer, who I dug the tunnel with and who tragically took his own life in 2023. You are missed x
The story behind Astronaut Alex..
All profits for the Big Pop book & merch for 2026 go to Rebels in Prison
Rebels in Prison have been incredible to me. They gave me much needed support as I was preparing for my time in prison and continued to be there for me whilst I was inside.
Love you guys!
Rebels in Prison [RIPS] is a UK-based volunteer group supporting non-violent environmental and social activists imprisoned for protest.
bookshop
merch
Coming soon..
Also happening this solar rotation
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The Big Pop Storytelling & Book Launch
13th February 19:30-22:00
The Plasterers Arms, Norwich
All donations go to Rebels in Prison.
Popcorn is included.
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The Big Pop Storytelling at The People's Forum
22nd - 26th May
Small World Festival, Kent
Small World Festival is a 100% solar-powered, intimate, and family friendly festival focused on music, sustainability, and community.
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Uncanny Valley (TBC)
22nd April
Woodbridge, Suffolk
The Uncanny Valley is a small independent, 499-capacity music and arts festival in Woodbridge Suffolk. Known as an immersive ‘DIY’ experience.
Frequently Asked Questions,
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No single person “invented” popcorn; people in the Americas were popping corn thousands of years before written history, so its exact origin is unknown.
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Yes. It is always advisable to inform your next of kin before attempting any interstellar activities.
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No, not currently, but it is worth sending JellyCat a strongly worded email highlighting your frustration. If that fails, you and your little sister could try blockading one of their main UK depots until your demands are met. Link below to find the depot nearest to you.
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Yes, he is.
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Yes, yes they have.