There have been such huge advances in how we travel over the centuries and these three wonderful books are sure to entice the mechanically-minded or car curious. My sons certainly both enjoyed seeing how train travel has evolved and what a huge variety of boats there is.

“In this beautiful, gift-worthy hardback book on a unique and unusual topic, characterful felt-tip illustrations and curious, glint-in-the-eye facts combine!

From vast floating cities to tiny one-person water transporters, the boats celebrated here by Italian creator Luogo comune will have children dreaming of setting sail. An inspiring read!”

This is the must-have compendium for aspiring sailors. It features absolutely every kind of vessel you possibly imagine and lots more that you’ve probably never even heard of!

The numbered index on each page makes it easy for readers to identify which boat they’re looking at, and there’s just enough information to inform but not overwhelm. The felt-tip illustrations may well inspire children to design their own brilliant boats and create a compendium of their own. 6+

“From early steam engines through to the modern high-speed trains of today, Locomotion is a spectacular look at the history of trains throughout the world, and the wonder and escapism they evoke. Packed full of iconic trains including the famousFlying Scotsman and the grand Orient Express as well as encompassing scenic journeys like the majestic Trans-Siberian railway, Locomotion makes a stunning gift or reference book for train lovers of all ages.

Beautiful artwork by the award-winning artist Ryo Takemasa, makes this book one that can be enjoyed over and over again.”

This really was a beautiful book to pore over – I found myself imagining being whisked away on a luxury locomotive, watching some stunning scenery whizz by. There is also plenty of technical detail about cylinders, gauges, and pistons for those who are into the mechanics. 7+

“The first in a series of books explaining the history of modern technologies (upcoming titles will include computers and planes), introduced and explained by a helpful (if somewhat arrogant) dog called Professor Wooford McPaw.

In this title, Professor McPaw explores the history of the car, starting with the steam engine in the early 1800s, the advent of the combustion engine in 1872, the popularisation of the car by Henry Ford in the early 1900s, the evolution of motor racing, luxury cars of the 1950s, the Japanese innovations of the 1970s, and finally the new technologies of electric and self-driving cars today.”

My eldest son (aged 13) is obsessed with cars, and although this book is aimed at a younger readership, he thoroughly enjoyed reading about some rather unusual concept cars and exploring the history of motor racing.

The layouts vary in style – some like comic strips, some are labelled diagrams, and some are more traditional, but all are clearly laid out and extremely enticing. 7+

Happy reading!

Library Girl.