Early editions were titled On the Wind and you might find a library copy named that. Mystic Seaport, 1993. Boats, Oars and Rowing . International Marine 1978. He has oar plans and wonderful discussions of rowing and small boats.
Kids have wonderful abilities and imaginations.
Give them a fine piece of water and a good simple boat they can go out in, and good training, and then set them off on their own. They will be delighted. If you know of some good books about learning boat handling, please send me word and I will add them here. Retransmission and commercial reproduction prohibited. Limited reproduction for free public distribution permitted when in complete and unaltered form.