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Ned the Nuclear Submarine
Ned the Nuclear Submarine is a story about overcoming fears, both real and imagined, to enable discovery and growth. Seldom featured in a children's book, the fascinating world of a submarine is introduced in a way that is both realistic and yet accessible, drawing upon my personal experiences as a U.S. Navy Submarine Officer. We journey with Ned on an epic voyage around the world that unfurls in rhyme, with true-to-life images and events taken from history.
36 pages, Hardcover
Published December 18, 2018
3 people want to read
About the author
Demetri Capetanopoulos
8 books2 followersLike many boys of a certain age, Demetri discovered Jules Verne and was captivated—not just by the tales of scientific adventure—but by the example of the power of imagination to shape what might be possible with the creative application of technology. Who can say with surety what influence it had, but he became qualified as a nuclear submarine engineer and deep submersible pilot.
With a career spent in technical realms, Demetri has found in this project a delightful synthesis of his passion for science, history, and the creative arts, all while rediscovering a boyhood inspiration. Surely Verne would approve. He dedicates this labor of love to his son, Leo, and to all those for whom submarine dreams stir the child within.
With a career spent in technical realms, Demetri has found in this project a delightful synthesis of his passion for science, history, and the creative arts, all while rediscovering a boyhood inspiration. Surely Verne would approve. He dedicates this labor of love to his son, Leo, and to all those for whom submarine dreams stir the child within.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 31, 2020
This adorable young children's book written and illustrated by Demetri Capetanopoulos has such a cute and courageous message for young readers!
"Ships are safe in harbors, but that's not what ships are for." (This quote is commonly held in sentiment within the sea services and is often accredited to John A. Shedd)
Ned the Nuclear Submarine is about a little submarine planning, preparing, and exploring the world for the first time. On his way to the North Pole, he sees people as well as polar bears. It takes a lot of courage and support to try new things and go to new places!
I loved this. Everything about it is great for the children. The rhyming and style were extremely fun! The kids will laugh when one of the ships go toot! The colored pencil drawings were cute and may inspire children to try to draw their own submarines. The messages of conquering fear and being brave were perfect for growing brains!
Added bonus- at the end of the short story, historical endnotes are included sharing actual pictures of submarines breaching through the ice at the North Pole, what the first submarines looked like, and the special captain dubbed with the nickname 'Ned'. It gives you an idea of whom and what inspired this story.
After reading Demetri Capetanopoulos' first book "The Design and Construction of the Nautilus", I sincerely appreciate his efforts to continue sharing history with our young readers in a form that is understandable to them. This was too cute. If you have little ones that you love to read to, this is a fun one. PS- The back of the book cover is hilarious!
Thank you to Elizabeth from Precise Imagination, author Demetri Capetanopoulos, Publishers Proving Press, and Columbus Publishing Lab for sending me a paperback copy. All reviews are my own and voluntary.
"Ships are safe in harbors, but that's not what ships are for." (This quote is commonly held in sentiment within the sea services and is often accredited to John A. Shedd)
Ned the Nuclear Submarine is about a little submarine planning, preparing, and exploring the world for the first time. On his way to the North Pole, he sees people as well as polar bears. It takes a lot of courage and support to try new things and go to new places!
I loved this. Everything about it is great for the children. The rhyming and style were extremely fun! The kids will laugh when one of the ships go toot! The colored pencil drawings were cute and may inspire children to try to draw their own submarines. The messages of conquering fear and being brave were perfect for growing brains!
Added bonus- at the end of the short story, historical endnotes are included sharing actual pictures of submarines breaching through the ice at the North Pole, what the first submarines looked like, and the special captain dubbed with the nickname 'Ned'. It gives you an idea of whom and what inspired this story.
After reading Demetri Capetanopoulos' first book "The Design and Construction of the Nautilus", I sincerely appreciate his efforts to continue sharing history with our young readers in a form that is understandable to them. This was too cute. If you have little ones that you love to read to, this is a fun one. PS- The back of the book cover is hilarious!
Thank you to Elizabeth from Precise Imagination, author Demetri Capetanopoulos, Publishers Proving Press, and Columbus Publishing Lab for sending me a paperback copy. All reviews are my own and voluntary.
October 1, 2019
This has been a really hard review to write, I’ve chopped and changed it numerous times as I wasn’t sure what to write. Ned the Nuclear Submarine is an interesting short children’s book however, I have failed to work out what age it is for. Younger children won’t understand the information, nor want to read all the text (there is a lot) in the book. Older children may find that the book looks too young for them, especially with bright colourful large illustrations on each page, hence I can’t place it.
The book is about a nuclear submarine that is nervous as he is planning and getting ready to travel the world for the first time. It’s a book about overcoming your fears and embracing life. The story is written in a rhyming style that mainly works, the odd section didn’t, and I know lots of children love books that rhyme. The illustrations are also beautifully drawn, they look like crayon drawings.
One of my biggest fears for this book is how well it will work in the UK. I’m not up on how much the children in the USA are taught about nuclear submarines, but in the UK, as far as I’m aware (I have three sons) young children are not taught about nuclear submarines, in fact, all serving UK nuclear submarines are based in Scotland and I doubt if you ask a young child in the UK they would know what a “nuclear” submarine is.
At the back is a double page with information on three different US submarines and also about Captain Edward Beach, nicknamed ‘Ned’ – Apologies I’d never heard of him so it was nice to gain some knowledge. I would have expected some information on what a nuclear submarine are and possibly a glossary of terms too.
Personally, I think this book is intelligently written and eye-catching, I’m just not sure it fully works as well in the UK as it would in countries that embraces their nuclear power and teaches children at primary school level about it. In all walks of life, there are little children who love learning about vehicles or the armed services so I am sure that there will be some children who will love it.
It is certainly one of a kind and I congratulate Demetri Capetanopoulos on both his imaginative writing and his wonderful illustrations too.
The book is about a nuclear submarine that is nervous as he is planning and getting ready to travel the world for the first time. It’s a book about overcoming your fears and embracing life. The story is written in a rhyming style that mainly works, the odd section didn’t, and I know lots of children love books that rhyme. The illustrations are also beautifully drawn, they look like crayon drawings.
One of my biggest fears for this book is how well it will work in the UK. I’m not up on how much the children in the USA are taught about nuclear submarines, but in the UK, as far as I’m aware (I have three sons) young children are not taught about nuclear submarines, in fact, all serving UK nuclear submarines are based in Scotland and I doubt if you ask a young child in the UK they would know what a “nuclear” submarine is.
At the back is a double page with information on three different US submarines and also about Captain Edward Beach, nicknamed ‘Ned’ – Apologies I’d never heard of him so it was nice to gain some knowledge. I would have expected some information on what a nuclear submarine are and possibly a glossary of terms too.
Personally, I think this book is intelligently written and eye-catching, I’m just not sure it fully works as well in the UK as it would in countries that embraces their nuclear power and teaches children at primary school level about it. In all walks of life, there are little children who love learning about vehicles or the armed services so I am sure that there will be some children who will love it.
It is certainly one of a kind and I congratulate Demetri Capetanopoulos on both his imaginative writing and his wonderful illustrations too.
November 4, 2019
Learning to conquer fear sails along with fun moments, an exciting adventure and tons to learn as well as a little history. It's a great mix and includes a theme not often seen.
Lovingly illustrated with colored pencils, this book packs more than expected. First, there's the story about Ned. He's fun to root for as he heads out his first time into the huge ocean and discovers things he's never seen before. This entire big adventure scares him a bit too. Young listeners and readers will have no problem connecting with him as he explores the world and discovers animals and so much more. The fun tale alone makes it a great read...especially since there's enough fun sprinkled in that readers are sure to smile (and even giggle) every now and then.
There are several great messages in this book, which young readers can never hear enough about. Everyone is nervous about doing something new at one time or another, and this story hits upon this fear in an inspiring way. It also shows how exciting new things can be.
The writing in the book is done in a beautiful, more free-style poetic form. This was fun to read, and although sometimes unexpected in flow, works nicely. The words are clearly written—a plus when using it as a read-aloud. While some of the concepts might be a bit high for the younger end of the age group, older ones are sure to learn something too. The illustrations not only add to the story, but also help out on the technical end. These are well done, and it's clear the author not only knows what he's talking about but does it from the heart. As an added bonus, there are real photos of submarines at the back of the book as well as short glimpses into the historical events the book weaves around.
This is a lovely mix which takes fiction, fun and brings in history and the workings of nuclear submarines too. For the right reader, it's a great read.
I received a complimentary copy and was surprised at how wonderful this book is. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Lovingly illustrated with colored pencils, this book packs more than expected. First, there's the story about Ned. He's fun to root for as he heads out his first time into the huge ocean and discovers things he's never seen before. This entire big adventure scares him a bit too. Young listeners and readers will have no problem connecting with him as he explores the world and discovers animals and so much more. The fun tale alone makes it a great read...especially since there's enough fun sprinkled in that readers are sure to smile (and even giggle) every now and then.
There are several great messages in this book, which young readers can never hear enough about. Everyone is nervous about doing something new at one time or another, and this story hits upon this fear in an inspiring way. It also shows how exciting new things can be.
The writing in the book is done in a beautiful, more free-style poetic form. This was fun to read, and although sometimes unexpected in flow, works nicely. The words are clearly written—a plus when using it as a read-aloud. While some of the concepts might be a bit high for the younger end of the age group, older ones are sure to learn something too. The illustrations not only add to the story, but also help out on the technical end. These are well done, and it's clear the author not only knows what he's talking about but does it from the heart. As an added bonus, there are real photos of submarines at the back of the book as well as short glimpses into the historical events the book weaves around.
This is a lovely mix which takes fiction, fun and brings in history and the workings of nuclear submarines too. For the right reader, it's a great read.
I received a complimentary copy and was surprised at how wonderful this book is. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
March 11, 2019
The perfect STEM/STEAM companion book for science units on energy and every classroom library. This unique picture book written in rhyme will delight K-5 students and inspire future submariners, nuclear engineers and artists as it explains what a submarine and crew experience while underway at sea. Written and illustrated by a Naval Officer, this book is one-of-a-kind.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews