
On Board
The epic history of ships, sailors and the voyages they made
Tom Adams(Author)
Wide Eyed Editions (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 8. October 2026
Book
Hardback
96 pages
978-1-83600-469-1 (ISBN)
Description
Set sail for a journey through time and around the world . . .
Packed with exciting, real-life stories and detailed illustrations, this is the fascinating story of how boats and ships have transformed our world.
For thousands of years, the only way to cross the oceans was by boat. How must those first voyagers have felt, first hugging the shorelines and eventually venturing out across open seas?
On Board charts water transport through history, exploring:
Early seafarers and the great journeys that carried people across the globe.
How boats and ships have changed over time, from simple craft to modern engineering.
Famous voyages, including circumnavigations and groundbreaking expeditions.
Life at sea, from navigation and safety to daily routines on board.
Remarkable vessels from history, including iconic ships and ancient discoveries.
Inspiring figures who changed maritime history, such as lighthouse keeper Grace Darling, who saved lives at sea and Hugh Mulzac, the first Black US shipmaster.
Surprising facts, record-breaking ships and unusual designs from around the world.
Brought to life with rich, detailed illustrations, On Board takes readers deep into the world of seafaring, past and present. From dramatic adventures to quiet moments of discovery, every page reveals something new about how humans have explored and connected across water.
Perfect for curious readers who love history, technology and adventure - step aboard and start your journey today!
Packed with exciting, real-life stories and detailed illustrations, this is the fascinating story of how boats and ships have transformed our world.
For thousands of years, the only way to cross the oceans was by boat. How must those first voyagers have felt, first hugging the shorelines and eventually venturing out across open seas?
On Board charts water transport through history, exploring:
Early seafarers and the great journeys that carried people across the globe.
How boats and ships have changed over time, from simple craft to modern engineering.
Famous voyages, including circumnavigations and groundbreaking expeditions.
Life at sea, from navigation and safety to daily routines on board.
Remarkable vessels from history, including iconic ships and ancient discoveries.
Inspiring figures who changed maritime history, such as lighthouse keeper Grace Darling, who saved lives at sea and Hugh Mulzac, the first Black US shipmaster.
Surprising facts, record-breaking ships and unusual designs from around the world.
Brought to life with rich, detailed illustrations, On Board takes readers deep into the world of seafaring, past and present. From dramatic adventures to quiet moments of discovery, every page reveals something new about how humans have explored and connected across water.
Perfect for curious readers who love history, technology and adventure - step aboard and start your journey today!
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Quarto Publishing PLC
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Fourth Grade to Seventh Grade, Interest Age: From 7 to 11 years
Dimensions
Height: 310 mm
Width: 256 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
950 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83600-469-1 (9781836004691)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Tom Adams is an award-winning television producer and author. He was born in Yorkshire but now lives in Kent, UK. With a science background, he was inspired to turn his hand to writing children's books once his eldest son, then 5, started asking questions about how the world worked. He won the Society of Authors/ ALCS Award for Educational Writing for his book Molecule Mayhem.
Content
Ship Ahoy!
CHAPTER 1:
The Origins of Boatbuilding
The Earliest Boats
Boats and Ships in Ancient Times
The Middle Ages
SAIL HERO: Grace Darling
CHAPTER 2:
Around the World
Skin Boats
Shipbuilding in Asia
CLASSIC SHIP: The Khufu Ship
CHAPTER 3:
Changes
Moving People
Trade and Colonization
Women on the Water
Gone Fishing
SAIL HERO: Robert Foulis
CHAPTER 4:
Maritime Matters
Finding Your Way
Goods Across Oceans
Shipping Lanes
Lighthouses
CLASSIC SHIP: The Turtle Ship
CHAPTER 5:
Ship Power
Sail Power
Steam Power - Early Steamships
Steam Power - Bigger and Better
SAIL HERO: John Harrison
CHAPTER 6:
Classic Voyages
The Ming Voyages
Magellan's Circumnavigation of the Globe
Darwin and the Beagle
Bligh's Mutiny on the Bounty
CLASSIC SHIP: The Mayflower
CHAPTER 7:
Danger at Sea Pirates Ahoy!
Life on Board
Safety at Sea
Shipwrecks
The Perfect Storm
SAIL HERO: Hugh Mulzac
CHAPTER 8:
Ships at War Ancient Naval Battles
Ironclads
Battleships and Aircraft Carriers
CLASSIC SHIP: RMS Titanic
CHAPTER 9:
Oddballs Submarines
Hovercraft and Amphibious Craft
Narrowboats and Barges
Record Breakers
SAIL HERO: Ellen MacArthur
CHAPTER 10:
The Future
Timeline
Glossary
Index
CHAPTER 1:
The Origins of Boatbuilding
The Earliest Boats
Boats and Ships in Ancient Times
The Middle Ages
SAIL HERO: Grace Darling
CHAPTER 2:
Around the World
Skin Boats
Shipbuilding in Asia
CLASSIC SHIP: The Khufu Ship
CHAPTER 3:
Changes
Moving People
Trade and Colonization
Women on the Water
Gone Fishing
SAIL HERO: Robert Foulis
CHAPTER 4:
Maritime Matters
Finding Your Way
Goods Across Oceans
Shipping Lanes
Lighthouses
CLASSIC SHIP: The Turtle Ship
CHAPTER 5:
Ship Power
Sail Power
Steam Power - Early Steamships
Steam Power - Bigger and Better
SAIL HERO: John Harrison
CHAPTER 6:
Classic Voyages
The Ming Voyages
Magellan's Circumnavigation of the Globe
Darwin and the Beagle
Bligh's Mutiny on the Bounty
CLASSIC SHIP: The Mayflower
CHAPTER 7:
Danger at Sea Pirates Ahoy!
Life on Board
Safety at Sea
Shipwrecks
The Perfect Storm
SAIL HERO: Hugh Mulzac
CHAPTER 8:
Ships at War Ancient Naval Battles
Ironclads
Battleships and Aircraft Carriers
CLASSIC SHIP: RMS Titanic
CHAPTER 9:
Oddballs Submarines
Hovercraft and Amphibious Craft
Narrowboats and Barges
Record Breakers
SAIL HERO: Ellen MacArthur
CHAPTER 10:
The Future
Timeline
Glossary
Index