Patrick came upon the children’s book ideas while researching and writing his first book Chicago River Bridges and is currently working with Johanna Kim on the illustrated PTM Werks Series. The first picture books in the PTM Werks Series, Drawbridges Open and Close (Oct. 2014), Airplanes Take off and Land (April 2015), and City Railways Go Above and Below (mid-2016) are designed to introduce kids to STEM topics by answering the "why" questions they often ask, that adults often struggle to completely answer. Through fanciful animal characters, vehicles, air and watercraft these books reveal the behind-the-scenes, mechanics, and steps of operating drawbridges, airplanes, trains, and more. Patrick McBriarty, a former business person and SAP consultant, over a decade ago discovered a new focus and fascination for Chicago bridges. The result was his first, (triple) award-winning book Chicago River Bridges published by the University of Illinois Press in October 2013. For a review checkout Chicago Book Review. In partnership with filmmaker Stephen Hatch in 2011-12, they co-produced the documentary Chicago Drawbridges, which was released in early 2013 and shown on Chicago and Milwaukee Public Television. For more details and to see the film trailer checkout Chicago Drawbridges. For more details checkout his author website PTM Werks Inc. where autographed copies of all his books maybe purchased. Patrick holds a bachelors in business administration and a masters in economics from Miami University. He discovered much too late he should have been an engineer. However, combining his desire to understand how things work, a strong sense of fun, history, and enjoyment of storytelling has provided a unique perspective toward making engineering, architecture, and mechanical equipment and machines COOL. By sharing the behind the scenes and inner workings of bridges, airplanes, and other vehicles or equipment it is hoped to inspire future generations of engineers, manufacturers, builders, pilots, and trades folks. It is hoped all kids can discover occupations they will fall in love with to truly find a career.