Steve and the Steam Engine by Sara Ware Bassett is an educational and adventurous tale aimed at young readers, introducing them to the world of steam power and engineering. The story follows a young boy named Steve, who becomes fascinated by the new steam engine technology that is transforming industries and transportation. Through Steve’s curiosity, readers are taken on a journey to explore how steam engines work, their historical significance, and how they revolutionized the way people traveled and conducted business.
As Steve learns more about steam engines, the book delves into the science behind the steam-powered machinery, explaining how heat and water are used to create the steam that powers engines. Bassett also touches on the history of steam engines, including their invention by pioneers like James Watt and their impact on the Industrial Revolution. Throughout the story, Steve has the opportunity to witness the operation of steam engines in factories, trains, and boats, providing an exciting, hands-on learning experience for both Steve and the readers.
Steve and the Steam Engine serves as a fun and informative introduction to the technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution, especially the role of steam power in shaping modern society. Through the character of Steve, Bassett makes complex scientific principles and historical events accessible to children, fostering an appreciation for the innovations that have changed the world. The book is both an adventure and a valuable lesson in the importance of technology and innovation.
Sara Ware Bassett (1872 – 1968) was a prolific American author of fiction and nonfiction. Her novels primarily deal with New England characters, and most of them are set in two fictional Cape Cod villages she created, Belleport and Wilton. (Source: en.wikipedia.org)
The story-line of this novel is not as well constructed and interesting as others in the series. Having said that the narrator provided by Librivox (Brian Keenan) is excellent.