Every great adventure needs a companion.
From loyal sidekicks to wise guides, some of the most beloved characters in children’s literature are the ones who walk beside the hero, helping them navigate challenges, offering encouragement and occasionally causing a little chaos along the way.
When writing Ruben and the Curious Cosmonaut (The Great Disguise Series Book 1), A R Marchant knew that Ruben would need someone to accompany him on his journey into the mysterious world beyond the mirror.
What emerged was Sparky.
And Sparky turned out to be unlike anyone expected.
At first glance, Sparky seems difficult to describe. He isn’t quite an animal. He isn’t exactly a machine. He isn’t a traditional magical creature either. He is a small glowing being whose appearance shifts between light, movement and personality, making him feel as though he belongs entirely to the strange and beautiful world of the Yard.
Yet despite his unusual appearance, Sparky quickly becomes one of the most relatable characters in the story.
That is because his role goes far beyond comic relief or simple companionship.
Sparky represents something deeply human.
When Ruben first encounters him, Sparky is cautious. Curious. A little uncertain. He has spent a long time carrying hope in difficult circumstances, continuing to believe that things can be repaired even when evidence suggests otherwise.
In many ways, Sparky and Ruben are more alike than either of them initially realizes.
Both are thoughtful.
Both are observers.
Both are trying to find their place in a world that sometimes feels larger than they are.
Their friendship develops naturally through shared challenges rather than instant trust. As they work together to help restore the fading Cosmic Engine, they learn from one another in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of creating Sparky was avoiding the obvious.
Many children’s books feature companions who constantly provide answers. They know exactly what is happening, where to go and how every problem should be solved.
Sparky isn’t that character.
He doesn’t possess all the answers.
He makes assumptions.
He worries.
He hopes.
Sometimes he is just as uncertain as Ruben.
This makes their partnership feel more balanced and believable. Instead of one character leading while the other follows, both grow together. Both contribute. Both discover strengths they didn’t fully understand at the beginning of the story.
Sparky also brings warmth and heart to the adventure. His humor, loyalty and determination provide moments of lightness even when the stakes become serious. Yet beneath his glow lies something deeper: a longing for connection and a belief that things worth saving are worth fighting for.
Perhaps that is why readers connect with him so quickly.
Despite being one of the most unusual characters in the story, Sparky’s emotions feel familiar. His hopes feel familiar. His fears feel familiar.
At its core, Ruben and the Curious Cosmonaut is a story about courage, belonging and self-discovery. Sparky helps bring those themes to life in a way that is both magical and emotionally resonant.
A R Marchant has created a companion who is memorable not simply because he glows or comes from another world, but because he reflects something many readers understand: the desire to find your way, help others and keep believing that even fading lights can shine brightly again.
And once readers meet Sparky, they are unlikely to forget him anytime soon.
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