Alex T. Smith has drawn and written stories since he could hold a pencil. After considering several career options (space traveller, cake maker, professional rabbit), Alex decided to train to do the job he’d wanted to do since he was five – an illustrator specializing in the world of children’s publishing.

Alex graduated with a first-class degree in Illustration in 2006 and also won second place in the Macmillan Prize for Illustration. Since then Alex has gone on to work for a wide variety of clients as well as writing and illustrating his own picture books, many of which have won prizes and have been read on TV during the Bedtime Hour on the CBeebies channel. Alex is also the creator of the bestselling Claude series for early readers, which appear in their own TV series on Disney Junior. When not working, Alex enjoys doodling in his sketchbook, reading, people-watching and eavesdropping. He is also a big fan of cake and a nice cup of tea. He lives with and under the constant ‘supervision’ of his canine companions.

EVENTS

Astrid & The Space Cadets Planetarium | Workshop

12.30 p.m. | The Red Hall | €10 (Carers free) | for age 5-8

5,4,3,2,1…are you ready for lift off with author illustrator Alex T. Smith and his brand new series Astrid and the Space Cadets? Get ready to visit the Towers and Tales Planetarium with Alex as he introduces Astrid Atomic, a 6 year old, who goes to bed every night just like every other 6 year old. But unlike other 6 year olds she doesn’t stay there. As soon as the Space Cadet siren goes off, WHOOSH she blasts off on board the spaceship Stardust. Alex will lead an out of this world art adventure to create your own aliens and will tell us all about Astrid and her pals Beryl, Professor Quackers and Zoink and their crazy, adventurous missions!

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note access to the planetarium is for children only, chairs will be provided for adults to relax in the venue .

Astrid & The Space Cadets | Event

4 p.m. | Lismore Heritage Centre | €7.50/€2.50 | for age 5-8

5,4,3,2,1…are you ready for lift off with author illustrator Alex T. Smith and his brand new series Astrid and the Space Cadets? Join Alex as he introduces Astrid Atomic, a 6 year old, who goes to bed every night just like every other 6 year old. But unlike other 6 year olds she doesn’t stay there. As soon as the Space Cadet siren goes off, WHOOSH she blasts off on board the spaceship Stardust. Alex will lead an out of this world draw along and tell us all about Astrid and her pals Beryl, Professor Quackers and Zoink and their crazy, adventurous missions!

Please note this event is repeat event of the smaller Planetarium event at 12.30 p.m.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, tickets are required for adults & children.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

Astrid and the Space Cadets: Attack of the Snailiens! (Macmillan, 2024) for age 5-8 years

Mr. Penguin Series Book 1-3 (Hodder Children’s Books, 2020-2021) for age 8-12 years

Claude Series Book 1-7 (Hodder Children’s Books, 2015-2020) for age 7-9 years

RECENT AWARDS / NOMINATIONS:

Highly Commended: Macmillan Prize for Children’s Picture Book Illustration 2005

2nd Prize: Macmillan Prize for Children’s Picture Book Illustration 2006

Shortlisted: Best Emerging Illustrator - The Book Trust 2008

Longlisted: The Greenaway Medal, 2009

Nominated: Blue Spruce Award (Canada)

Winner: Picture Book Category - Coventry Inspiration Book Awards

Winner: Dundee Children’s Book Award 2011

Winner: Stockport Children’s Book Award 2011

Shortlisted: Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2011

Longlisted: The Greenaway Medal, 20013 (Two Books)

Shortlisted: AOI Illustration Awards 2013 (Children’s Book category)