Dr Mike Goldsmith studied the philosophy of time and space at Keele University, UK, where he also obtained his PhD in astrophysics. He was formerly the head of Acoustics at the UK's National Physical Laboratory and is now an author of non-fiction books for children, including the Kingfisher Space Encyclopaedia.

Steve Martin is a writer, former English teacher, and author of numerous children's books on a wide range of subjects, including The Boys' Book of Adventure, Numberland, and Ivy Kids' Academy series.

Marianne Taylor (California, USA) is a freelance writer, illustrator, photographer and editor.

She worked for seven years in natural history publishing, and her particular interest in owls was sparked by a period in 2005 working with bird ringers studying Ural, Tengmalm’s and Eagle Owls in the forests of Sweden.

She has written on a range of natural history subjects and her er previous books include the RSPB British Birds of Prey.