Mary Umstot, and her husband Denis, have owned TEKA III, an ocean-going trawler for over fifteen years; their 60,000 nautical mile experience equals more than twice around the Equator. Mary belongs to a special group of women who traveled every mile of this journey. There have been many women going great distances on sailboats, but few have experienced the unique adventure on a powerboat. How Boats Work, aimed at a younger reader, is her third book about her adventures at sea, including Voyaging to the Mediterranean Under Power. She has also published thirteen articles in PassageMaker Magazine, and participated as co-speaker at numerous TrawlerFest events. Some dream of running away to sea; she lived that dream in her sixties and learned it is never too late to try new challenges. They live in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in her life she lived in England, Thailand and Hong Kong, seizing any opportunity to do land travel from each location. With TEKA III, the oceans opened up as a new avenue of exploration. She lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, where they have enjoyed boating on the waters of Washington and British Columbia for over twenty-five years. The Illustrator, Penny Talbot, has spent almost 35 years in and around boats, living and raising a family aboard, and cruising the British Columbia Coast. She and her husband Lawrence recently purchased a Nordhavn 46 and plan much more extensive cruising in the future. Illustrating How Boats Work gave her an opportunity to really dig deep into her artistic vaults, create images of the world that has given her much joy over the years, and will give children a glimpse into the wonderful world of boats and all that goes with them! They live in Richmond, British Columbia, near Vancouver.