Last week, I received a Google Alert for “Gentle Sci-Fi.” As an Australian author who writes and advocates for this emerging genre, I was curious. But instead of leading me to an article about my work—or another speculative writer exploring softer futures—it took me to Mighty MonsterWheelies, a preschool animated series now in its second season on Netflix.
After reading the article, I was glad that the term Gentle Sci Fi was becoming more mainstream and how closely the Mighty MonsterWheelies mirrored the tone, themes, and values of my own writing.
What Is Gentle Sci-Fi?
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s clarify the term. Gentle Sci-Fi is a subgenre of science fiction that embraces wonder, connection, and optimism. It avoids the grim tropes of dystopia and violence, instead favouring quiet, thoughtful storytelling. If you’ve ever wished for sci-fi that feels like a warm hug instead of a battle cry, this genre is for you.
I was genuinely excited to see Gentle Sci-Fi mentioned in a Google Alert—not because it led to my own work, but because it meant the term is starting to gain traction. For years, I’ve been writing the kinds of stories I wished existed: ones that are rich in imagination but gentle in tone. Seeing that others are also beginning to explore this space—whether in children’s television or elsewhere—gives me hope. It suggests that there’s a growing appetite for storytelling that doesn’t rely on violence or despair, but instead leans into curiosity, empathy, and connection. These are the stories I love to read, and the ones I’m proud to write.
3 Ways Mighty MonsterWheelies Reflects Gentle Sci-Fi and my Own Values
1. Empathy as the Driving Force
In Mighty MonsterWheelies, classic monsters like werewolves, zombies, and mummies are reimagined not as threats, but as rescue vehicles with personalities, feelings, and purpose. These characters don’t just drive fast or lift heavy things—they care deeply for one another and work together to support their community in Motorvania. The show reframes our perception of the “other” through kindness and inclusion. That same shift underpins my own work, particularly in Cupid’s Kiss, where a mosquito—normally seen as an annoyance—becomes the driver of a story that’s funny, thoughtful, and emotionally sincere. Both the show and my stories ask audiences to connect with unlikely characters, and in doing so, expand their sense of empathy beyond the expected.
2. Challenges Resolved with Kindness
Every episode of Mighty MonsterWheelies presents a challenge—whether it’s a runaway object, a natural event, or a small misunderstanding—and these are never met with hostility or brute force. Instead, the MonsterWheelies respond with patience, teamwork, and inventive thinking. The stakes are manageable, the tone is calm, and the resolution is always constructive. This non-violent, cooperative approach mirrors the tone in my novella Get Off My Lawn!, where intergenerational misunderstandings are resolved not through drama, but through dialogue, humour, and small acts of grace. It’s a model of speculative fiction that values the process of solving problems gently—an antidote to the crisis-driven narratives that dominate much of mainstream sci-fi.
3. Celebrating Uniqueness and Teamwork
The characters in Mighty MonsterWheelies all bring something different to their team—whether it’s physical strength, clever thinking, or sheer enthusiasm—and those differences are essential to their success. Their quirks aren’t smoothed over or hidden; they’re what make the group dynamic work. This emphasis on collaboration through diversity is something I explore often in my own stories. In Cupid’s Kiss, for instance, the insect protagonist’s peculiar perspective is not just tolerated but embraced as a strength. In Get Off My Lawn!, a misfit mix of personalities becomes the source of unexpected community. I love writing characters who don’t fit a traditional hero mould—characters who are odd, overlooked, or underestimated—and showing how their individuality becomes their superpower. Both the show and my fiction treat uniqueness not as a challenge to overcome, but as a foundation for connection and growth.
Is Gentle Sci-Fi Just for Children?
It’s a valid question. With shows like Mighty MonsterWheelies leading the way, it’s easy to assume Gentle Sci-Fi is only for kids. But the truth is, these themes—empathy, curiosity, community—resonate just as strongly with adults.
Gentle Sci-Fi is a warm cup of tea in space. It’s a quiet conversation between a human and an AI. It’s what happens when science fiction explores hope instead of fear, connection instead of conflict. These stories are rooted in wonder, discovery, and human (or not-quite-human) relationships. They’re immersive without being intense, thoughtful without being dark.
If this kind of storytelling speaks to you, I encourage you to read my Gentle Sci-Fi Manifesto. It’s a call for stories that make room for hope, humour and humanity.
If you’ve ever loved the spirit of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the introspection of Arrival, or the kindness of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet—you’ll feel at home here. Gentle Sci-Fi is sci-fi with a soft landing. And at A Whim Away, it’s what we do best.
Let’s build better futures one gentle story at a time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A Whim Away is more than just a pen name or a website—it’s a refuge for readers who crave imagination without intensity. I created it as a space for those who love sci-fi but don’t always feel at home in mainstream genres.
I’m a writer, artist, composer, ex-programmer, and former scientist—now fully immersed in exploring the rich, imaginative space where science meets creativity. I didn’t set out to invent a genre; I just started writing what I wanted to read: soft, emotionally resonant stories that spark wonder and curiosity—without violence, explicit content, or emotional heaviness.
As a neurodivergent creative and a former busy professional, I know what it’s like to want a meaningful story that doesn’t feel like work. Whether I’m painting, composing, or writing novellas, my work is always rooted in curiosity, care, and playfulness.
With ChatGPT and Pinch Studios.