Dockmanship, according to author Bell, is "the art, skill, and practice of safely berthing and unberthing a vessel." Anyone who's ever spent time observing the action at a marina or boat ramp will concede that the way the docking skill is practiced by many recreational boaters today can hardly be considered an "art."

Here, finally, is a book that provides the needed information to turn any skipper -- even a novice -- into a master of the docking art. Captains who feel they already perform well behind the helm will enjoy reviewing the standard and advanced techniques contained in this easily understood manual.

The basics of rudders, propellers, lines, and fenders used on small to medium-sized boats are completely explored. For each type of propulsion (inboard, outboard, single-screw, double-screw, and sail), techniques are described for maneuvering port side to, starboard side to, stern in, and bow in, as well as for getting away and handling the boat in close quarters. For each of these situations, the author also clarifies the effects of wind and current.

Chesapeake Bay Walk is an introduction to some of the interesting plants and animals young readers can find in and around the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. With outstanding illustrations and concise text geared for children ages four through nine, the book beckons youngsters and their parents to go out and learn by exploring the estuarine environment. On a stroll through its pages, they can see soft-bellied bullies, birds once hunted for their feathers, crabs older than dinosaurs, and "bald" five-year-olds.

Chesapeake Bay Walk guides readers along the Bay's different shoreline habitats: beach, mudflat, pier, marsh, and shallows. It features an explanation of the food chain that is easy for this age group to understand, a tour of the changing seasons, and a checklist for youngsters to use to keep track of their discoveries.

The Chesapeake Bay is an amazing body of water-the largest estuary in North America. The first of its kind, this book stimulates elementary- and middle-school children's interest in the Bay by exposing them to the fascinating creatures and plants found in and around the Bay's 2,500 square miles. Concepts such as watershed, airshed, and food web are explained in concise, understandable terms. This is an effective means for children to discover the interesting traits of some of the plants, animals, birds, and fish they are likely to find in and around the Bay. A new "Citizen Science" guide to water quality empowers children and adults to monitor the health of local streams and creeks.