The Children’s Book Review | April 2, 2018
As someone who admittedly does not have much knowledge about coding, I have compiled a small group of children’s books that can guide the wannabe programmer in all of us!
Even though there are given age ranges for these books, their simplicity and illustrations undoubtedly help the adults who are trying to navigate coding for the first time. These books also provide extensive vocabulary as they introduce various coding languages such as Scratch and Python. The visually stimulating and interactive books break down the process of coding and illustrate how images and sounds can be created. Once the reader has mastered the basic steps, they can take it further to create various games like spy missions, building droids, talking to animals, and dance games.
These books are the springboard to help children to bring their ideas to reality by creating apps and games. Coding is the future.
Recommended Books for all Ages!
The Story of Coding
Written by James Floyd Kelly
What to Expect: History, Computers, Vocabulary, Tips
Publisher’s Synopsis: Discover the history of computers and coding, from Ada Lovelace’s initial idea of computer programming to today’s coding languages like Scratch, Python, Javascript, and more, in this Level 2 nonfiction reader featuring photographs, diagrams, fun facts, and strong visual clues.
What exactly is a computer? How do they work? What is a code? What are the different coding languages and how are the used today? The Story of Coding, written by GeekDad’s James Floyd Kelly, will explore it all, while also building reading skills and teaching exciting vocabulary.
Perfect for 5–7 year olds beginning to read fluently with support, Level 2 titles contain carefully selected photographic images to complement the text, providing strong visual clues to build vocabulary and confidence. Additional information spreads are full of extra fun facts, developing the topics through a range of nonfiction presentation styles such as diagrams and activities.
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ages 5-7 | Publisher: DK Children | 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1-4654-6242-8
My First Coding Book
Written by Kiki Prottsman
What to Expect: Interactive flaps, Vocabulary, Basic concepts of code
Publisher’s Synopsis: Teach kids as young as 5 years old the basic programming skills necessary to code, including sequencing and loops, without a computer.
It’s never too early to learn computer coding. With innovative, interactive paper engineering, My First Coding Book is a playful, hands-on introduction to offline coding and programming that will give young children a head start. Filled with puzzles, mazes, and games to teach the basic concepts of sequences, algorithms, and debugging, this book will help children develop critical thinking, logic, and other skills to cement lifelong computer literacy.
With its unique approach and colorful and creative imagery, My First Coding Book makes learning and fun one and the same and will have children playing their way to programming proficiency.
Supporting STEM and STEAM education initiatives, computer coding teaches kids how to think creatively, work collaboratively, and reason systematically, and is quickly becoming a necessary and sought-after skill. DK’s computer coding for kids books are full of fun exercises with step-by-step guidance, making them the perfect introductory tools for building vital skills in computer programming.
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Ages 5-7 | Publisher: DK Children | 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1465459732
A Beginner’s Guide to Coding
Written by Marc Scott
Illustrated by Mick Marston
What to Expect: Visual instructions, Vocabulary, Navigating coding languages, Games
Publisher’s Synopsis: Ever wondered how to make a computer follow instructions? If so, then it is time to get coding!
A Beginner’s Guide to Coding is an easy-to-follow guide to the basics of coding, using the free programming languages of Scratch and Python. These step-by-step projects will have young coders talking to their own chatbots or making their own computer games in no time. Accessible, engaging, and fun, this book is bursting with eye-catching illustrations and fantastic projects to introduce aspiring young programmers to the world of coding.
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
8-12 | Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens | 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1681195407
Star Wars Coding Projects
Written by Jon Woodcock
Illustrated by Jon Hall
What to Expect: Visual instructions, Games, Simulations, Vocabulary
Publisher’s Synopsis: Learn to design and code games using Scratch, inspired by the Star Wars™ universe!
Star Wars Coding Projects is a step-by-step visual guide to designing and coding in Scratch. The setting is as big as your imagination. Your favorite Star Wars characters will guide you through fun projects, animations, and games as you learn how to create and code. Draw your own Star Wars inspired sprites to use in the projects. You’re the director as you navigate the spaceship you’ve designed through the asteroid belt you imagined as you go on the jetpack adventures you brought to life. Learn essential coding skills, share the sprites you drew with friends, and even challenge your pals to beat your high scores in the games you designed. Each project lists the sprites you’ll have fun creating through simple, numbered steps that are fully illustrated and easy to follow. Coding games have never been so fun, with Star Wars characters to guide you.
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Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
8-12 | Publisher: DK Children | 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1681195407
The books listed here in ‘Get the Download on Coding: Easy-to-Read Books for Kids of all Ages’ were curated by Bianca Schulze. Discover more articles on The Children’s Book Review tagged with Coding Books, Computer Programming Books, Computer Science Books, and Non-Fiction.
