My First Coding Book

by Kiki Prottsman

Overview

Teach young children the basic programming skills and concepts 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 children ages 5 to 7 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781465459732
Publisher:	DK
Publication date:	07/04/2017
Series:	My First Board Books Series
Pages:	24
Sales rank:	391,390
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Kiki Prottsman is Education Program Manager at Code.org and a former computer science instructor at the University of Oregon. As a champion for responsible computing and equity in both CS employment and education, Kiki works with many organizations to improve the experience of girls and women in STEM. She currently sits on the Advisory Board for Wonder Workshop Robotics, and is a member of the Leadership team for the Oregon Girls Collaborative Project. Kiki is based in Eugene, Oregon.

Editorial Reviews

"Clear, age-appropriate, and durable—the best way to get a young coder started—without screen time." — Kirkus Reviews

"[T]his book will help children develop critical thinking, logic, and other skills to cement lifelong computer literacy, which is extremely valuable and sought-after in today's world." — San Diego Family Magazine

From the Publisher

10/01/2017
PreS-Gr 1—Kids are introduced to computer programming language through large text and succinct definitions. The title explores very basic coding processes for young coders so they can learn about finding patterns, repeating loops, and storing data. The book will have kids, as well as parents, using words such as algorithm, flowchart, and variable in a very simple context. The board book format results in an interactive, easy to maneuver volume, filled with lift-the-flap and pull-tab activities. Each spread is organized like a lesson plan—new vocabulary words, definitions, and an interactive game are included. Each game is accompanied by colorful illustrations with clear directions and a quick assessment at the end of each activity. VERDICT A great introduction to the behind-the-scenes world of computer programming for independent or group use. A fine addition to any board book collection.—Christina Pesiri, Michael F. Stokes Elementary School, Island Trees-Levittown, NY

School Library Journal

2017-08-07
Coding principles are gamified with tabs and flaps.Topic by topic in double-page spreads, this book tackles the fundamental concepts and logic of computer programing, with playful interactions that vary appropriately. The game for "decomposing," an essential skill, has durable flaps with answers for questions posed about what steps are needed for a task. The "algorithm" spread explains the way computers interpret commands with comical illustrations of what happens when there are missing steps or insufficient detail. A cupcake-making machine with flaps that reveal whether a part in the illustration is functioning or buggy explains "debugging," and so on. Each interaction suits its given topic remarkably well. An IF- and ELSE-statement explains conditionals with a treasure-hunt flap game that has surprising replayability. In the variables game, the book's most complicated, readers time themselves counting up objects worth different point values via a spinning wheel and lift a tab to see if they were correct. Throughout, "Code Word" sidebars and other explanations are provided by pixelated humans of all genders and skin tones, and the game art is a bubbly cartoon style. Clear, age-appropriate, and durable—the best way to get a young coder started—without screen time. (glossary, index) (Informational novelty. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews