Getting started in Pinewood Derby Step-by-step workbook to building your first car!

For the uninitiated, Pinewood Derby is a Cub Scouting event in which participants use the same kit (a small block of pine wood, four wheels, and four nails/axels) to build their own gravity-powered cars, which they decorate and race on long, downhill tracks. With a background in visual arts and woodworking as well as plenty of Pinewood Derby experience, Thorne has lots of useful information to share in this sturdy, colorfully illustrated paperback. Sometimes addressing parents and sometimes kids, the book breaks down the car-building process into manageable chunks (shaping, painting, axle prep, weighting, etc.) and provides detailed information and excellent, small photos to guide readers through each part. Parents are advised to start early and encouraged to make this a fun, shared experience. The appended patterns for car shapes can easily be photocopied. Bringing sound advice and attractive book design to a process that can be overwhelming, this book is a welcome resource for parents and Cub Scouts alike.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist

Pinewood Derby-the Boy Scout project where children build and race wooden model cars-is a popular activity in a variety of youth groups. Model enthusiast and Boy Scout leader Thorne (Pinewood Derby Designs & Patterns) shares his extensive knowledge in this accessible guide. Thorne covers all aspects of Pinewood Derby racing, from designing and decorating the car to what to expect on race day. The comic book-style illustrations add appeal for children, and the step-by-step instructions eliminate the intimidation factor for parents who aren't woodworkers but want to share in their children's excitement about Pinewood Derby racing. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.