Books with author Paul Murdin

'A deft, frequently dramatic tour'Nature'A highly readable distillation of humankind's knowledge of our solar system, gleaned over many centuries, with surprisingly many mysteries yet to be solved'Daily Mail'The Secret Lives of Planetsaims to be a "user's guide to the Solar System", but it also turns out to be an inspiration to look at the Solar System as a long cosmic journey and find our place in it.'BBC Sky at Night'A wonderfully clear and readable book . . . Gives a splendid overview of our Sun's planetary system, including its history and exploration'Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell*We have the impression that the solar systemis perfectly regular like a clock, or a planetarium instrument. On a short timescale it is. But, seen in a longer perspective, the planets, and their satellites, have exciting lives, full of events - for example, did you know that Saturn's moon, Titan, boasts lakes which contain liquid methane surrounded by soaring hills and valleys, exactly as the earth did before life evolved on our fragile planet? Or that Mercury is the shyest planet? Or, that Mars' biggest volcano is 100 times the size of Earth's, or that its biggest canyon is 10 times the depth of the Grand Canyon, or that it wasn't always red, but blue?The culmination of a lifetime of astronomy and wonder, Paul Murdin's enchanting new book reveals everything you ever wanted to know about the planets, their satellites, and our place in the solar system.

BBC Sky At Night Best Astronomy and Space Books of 2019'A deft, frequently dramatic tour'Nature'A highly readable distillation of humankind's knowledge of our solar system, gleaned over many centuries, with surprisingly many mysteries yet to be solved'Daily Mail'The Secret Lives of Planets aims to be a "user's guide to the Solar System", but it also turns out to be an inspiration to look at the Solar System as a long cosmic journey and find our place in it.'BBC Sky at Night'A wonderfully clear and readable book . . . Gives a splendid overview of our Sun's planetary system, including its history and exploration'Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell*We have the impression that the solar system is perfectly regular like a clock, or a planetarium instrument. On a short timescale it is. But, seen in a longer perspective, the planets, and their satellites, have exciting lives, full of events - for example, did you know that Saturn's moon, Titan, boasts lakes which contain liquid methane surrounded by soaring hills and valleys, exactly as the earth did before life evolved on our fragile planet? Or that Mercury is the shyest planet? Or, that Mars' biggest volcano is 100 times the size of Earth's, or that its biggest canyon is 10 times the depth of the Grand Canyon, or that it wasn't always red, but blue? The culmination of a lifetime of astronomy and wonder, Paul Murdin's enchanting new book reveals everything you ever wanted to know about the planets, their satellites, and our place in the solar system.

Young Jenny MacLeod and her friend, Pavel, are caught up in an exciting adventure on the western isles of Scotland. While caretaking her uncle’s farm on the island of Barra, Jenny and Pavel are embroiled in a plot to steal some very precious sea eagle eggs from the cliffs of Mull. Caught up in the 'Arab Spring', a young Arabian Prince is set to pay a fortune to an egg thief in an attempt to save his family and will stop at nothing. Jenny and Pavel try to do the right thing, but soon end up in a dangerous chase that could risk their lives and those of the eagles'. Can they save the sea eagle eggs in time? Will Jenny and the Arabian Prince manage to keep their families safe? Who is the mysterious egg thief?Review'Set in Scotland's wild west, Paul Murdoch's new children's book - THE EGG THIEF , lets kids read about and discuss international politics and conservation... and all wrapped up in one of the best mystery adventure stories I've read for years!' - Gordon Wallace

A story of determination, courage and family. James Peck stands alone on a hillside, staring at a massive, three-toed footprint...and the crushed animal within it. He can t help wondering if there is a link between the print and the recent unexplained disappearance of his father. Within hours James meets Mendel, a wizard from another world - Denthan - who is trapped in a body that is not his own. Soon they do a deal: James will help Mendel back to Denthan before disaster befalls it; in return, Mendel will help James search for his father. But Denthan is a dangerous place, full of hideous beasts and monsters. And it is about to be consumed by a battle for supremacy...and survival. If James is to stand any chance of saving Denthan - and his family - he must locate a powerful talisman. Except that no-one knows what it looks like. Certainly not James, and not even Mendel. So fast-paced that your heart will pound long after you turn the final page.

Young Jenny MacLeod and her friend, Pavel, are caught up in an exciting adventure on the western isles of Scotland. While caretaking her uncle’s farm on the island of Barra, Jenny and Pavel are embroiled in a plot to steal some very precious sea eagle eggs from the cliffs of Mull. Caught up in the 'Arab Spring', a young Arabian Prince is set to pay a fortune to an egg thief in an attempt to save his family and will stop at nothing. Jenny and Pavel try to do the right thing, but soon end up in a dangerous chase that could risk their lives and those of the eagles'. Can they save the sea eagle eggs in time? Will Jenny and the Arabian Prince manage to keep their families safe? Who is the mysterious egg thief?