Things That Go Boom or Fly

If you like making things, the 18 machines featured in this book cover a wide range of interests and skill levels, and every one does something when it's completed--whether it's flying, floating, walking, or talking.

From a tiny balloon-powered boat that will entrance a toddler to a light-following robot, there's something here to cover every mood and all abilities. There are simple projects that you can make with children, and more complex ones that you can take on yourself; machines that call for team effort and others that are definitely for days when you want to embark on a solitary enterprise. Most have elements that you can show off to an admiring audience when they're completed, like the huge hot-air balloon that you can send floating up into an evening sky, or Stomper, the tiny dancing robot. The detailed step-by-step instructions hold your hand along the way, whether you're sawing wood or putting a circuit board together, ensuring that every project reaches a successful and enjoyable conclusion.

--Inventive ideas that really work, from an electronic music box to a lemon cannon
--With fully-illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions and back-up advice on any technique that may be unfamiliar
--Affordable components combined with flair and imagination guarantee some truly impressive results