Legend of Spud Murphy [Paperback]

Eoin Colfer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 4, 2004

During the hoidays, Will and his big brother Marty are packed off to the library, the home of the dreaded librarian Spud Murphy, who uses a spud gun on kids who put a foot wrong. Eventually, Will and Marty discover a love of books and that Mrs Murphy isn't so bad after all.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4–This hilarious offering is the first in a new chapter-book series. When their parents become fed up with their boisterous behavior during summer vacation, Will and Marty Woodman are forced to do something educational: "Reading. It's perfect. How can you get into trouble reading a book?" The brothers will spend time at the library, despite their worries about the librarian, Mrs. "Spud" Murphy, who is feared by all children. According to the rumors, she uses a gas-powered gun to shoot potatoes at kids who make too much noise. When Mom drops them off later that afternoon, Mrs. Murphy leads them to the children's section and warns them that they are not to venture off of the carpet. Readers will immediately pick up that Marty has a problem following the rules and trouble ensues when he steps off the rug to cause some mischief. However, he has met his match in Spud, who silently appears on the scene like a "ninja librarian." The cartoon illustrations enhance the funny mood of the story. Youngsters, especially reluctant readers, will laugh out loud at this clever book, which can also be read aloud. A good choice for fans of Dav Pilkey, Jon Scieszka, and Ian Whybrow.–Christine McGinty, Albany Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Eoin Colfer (pronounced "Owen") (born May 14, 1965) is an Irish author. Eoin Colfer grew up in Wexford, Ireland, along with his four brothers, Paul, Eamon, Donal, and Niall. He first developed a passion for writing in primary school, reading viking books inspired by his history lessons at the time. His father was a primary school teacher, as well as an artist and historian. His mother is a drama teacher. In 1986, Colfer became a Primary School teacher, but continued to write in his free time. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Childrens Hardbacks (March 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141380160
• ISBN-13: 978-0141380162
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,441,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) is the New York Times best-selling author
of the blockbuster Artemis Fowl series as well as Airman; Half Moon
Investigations; The Supernaturalist; Eoin Colfer's Legend of... books;
The Wish List; Benny and Omar; and Benny and Babe. He was born in
Wexford on the southeast coast of Ireland in 1965, where he and his four
brothers were brought up by his father (an elementary school teacher,
historian and artist of note) and mother (a drama teacher). He first
developed an interest in writing in primary (elementary) school with
gripping Viking stories inspired by history that he was learning in
school at the time.

Eoin got his degree from Dublin University and qualified as a primary
school teacher, returning to work in Wexford. He married in 1991 and he
and his wife spent about 4 years between 1992 and 1996 working in Saudi
Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. His first book, Benny and Omar, was published
in 1998, based on his experiences in Tunisia; it has since been
translated into many languages; a sequel followed in 1999. In 2001, the
first Artemis Fowl book was published worldwide to much success -
shortly thereafter he left teaching to concentrate fully on his writing.
To this day, Eoin has written 6 Artemis Fowl books which have sold over
12 million copies worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is Awesome, December 26, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Legend of Spud Murphy (Eoin Colfer's Legend Of...) (Hardcover)

I was looking on-line at the library webpage and my Dad requested this book and the other on about the pirate's teeth. I read the one about the teeth because I like Pirates of the Caribbean and other stories like that. I didn't care for it. Then I read this one and begged my Dad to let me stay up so I could finish it.My Mom is a librarian so it was funny to hear about Spud Murphy the librarain with the potato gunand is a sneaky librian.This book shows the readers and the two boys (in the book)that reading can be fun and don't believe evrything you hear. So if you're a girl with nothing to read try this book out!!! - Rachel Balzano

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a hilarious read, January 24, 2006

By 

F. Pabst (Washington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Legend of Spud Murphy (Eoin Colfer's Legend Of...) (Hardcover)

I have two boys - my oldest is in third grade and is a capable reader but just does not like to pick up a book! This one book is the exception - he loved it and could not stop laughing - I highly recommend it for any 8+ year old boy. Even as a parent I thought it was an enjoyable and funny book to read. We just ordered his sequel to this book and have high hopes for it.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super funny!, October 14, 2004

By 

Camille "at the BookMoot!" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Legend of Spud Murphy (Eoin Colfer's Legend Of...) (Hardcover)

What a funny book! Marty and Will have been sent to the library because it is educational. They are horrified because they have heard the stories of Mrs. "Spud" Murphy, the librarian and her gas-powered spud gun. Their worst fears are confirmed when Marty tests the library limits by moving off the carpet in the children's section. "She appeared without a sound, like a ninja librarian." Her revenge is total and she wields her library stamps with flair.

This will make a great read-aloud, I can hardly wait to hear the reaction to the stamp on Marty's arm.

Boys, especially will enjoy it. It sounds like this is the first of a new series.

Colfer is best know for his Artemis Fowl and fantasy books. His humor is always wonderful. It made me laugh out loud.