This nonfiction text explains that a seemingly ordinary toy can have a lot of science and engineering behind it.

A toy boat gets separated from its owner and has an adventure on the high seas.

A young child leaves the bathtub behind, setting forth on an imaginary ocean voyage filled with dolphins and whales and thrilling storms at sea.

There's more than one way to power a toy boat. Electric motors, balloons, gears, water jets, belt drives, chemical reactions, steam, and even gravity can be used to propel a small ship across a pool. Also, the boats' propellers and paddles can be side-mounted or at the stern, or even sit above the waterline, like a fan-powered swamp boat. The Motorboat Book will show children how to build more than 20 different models through step-by-step instructions with clear photos. And if they'd rather travel under the water than over it, the book has 6 different submarine projects. In addition to the boatbuilding activities, author Ed Sobey includes instructions on how to build an &“ocean&” to test the boats, as well as accessories such as four different water pumps, waterproof battery and motor cases, and a working foghorn. Most of the boats are built from recycled and easy-to-find materials, but an appendix lists local and online sources for wire, plastic propellers, small motors, and more. Educators will appreciate the Meeting Science Standards summary at the end of the book.

A first book of boats for the youngest enthusiasts, featuring 15 different boats and a bonus nautical flag per vessel From sailboats to ferry boats, tankers to clippers, young readers will learn to identify and define a range of floating crafts. Each of 15 boats and ships are presented by name, illustration, and simple description, written as engaging, read-aloud text. In addition, each is adorned with a different nautical flag whose message is decoded as secondary text for the extra curious. Printed in four stunning Pantone colors, this refreshingly stylish and informative introduction to boats will pop off the shelf in the "things that go" section!

Surveys trends in yacht design, discusses safety, modern construction techniques, spars, rigging, sails, and auxiliary equipment, and describes five good boats.