Not the best programming book I've read. It's just too simplistic. It doesn't actually teach any usable programming language. At best, its helping young reader recognize the cause and effect and pattern elements of programming.

The process of programming games and simple animation is clearly explained in a manner similar to the Scratch gaming process in this book. The descriptions and illustrations are straight-forward; however, there is little "wow" factor. Overall, the information in this book would probably come across better as a web interactive rather than a print book.

I love finding coding books that appeal to different age groups and that get kids interested in coding. I had a lot of hope for Programming Games and Animation from the Kids Get Coding series, but this book fell flat.

First, the web address in the book takes you to a page where the links associated with this book say, "Sorry... There's nothing here!" so any of the activities the book describes can't actually be completed. If I was a kid, I would be devastated.

Second, the book does do a good job of helping kids plan out a maze-type game and thinking through different scenarios, but the "coding" they show doesn't translate into other commonly used types of coding I've seen. Perhaps it is exactly what kids need for the maze-building website that has a broken link and is thus inaccessible? But as it currently is, if kids read this book, they would not be able to apply their knowledge to other coding formats.

Last, the book covers several coding topics but uses a rubber duck called "Data Duck" as its mascot. Even when the duck wears sunglasses, it's still too juvenile for the target audience. Upper Elementary kids who are excited to learn to code want to be challenged, not infantilized. Again, I had a lot of hope for this book, but your money would be better spent elsewhere.

Thank you for this book. Unfortunately, I think it misses the mark. I will not post a negative review online though.

I was looking for some books to help my elementary students with coding. This one feels like its written for non-readers (the first introduction is to Data Duck, which looks like a rubber ducky). I think my bigger kids would be offended by how babyish the pictures and information is written and the amount of text would be overwhelming for the little kids. I don't think this one is a good fit for my library.

Kids Get Coding by Heather Lyons is a short introductory book that would work well as a companion to other coding books. Basic terminology and tips are highlighted by a cute Data Duck throughout the book. There are quiz activities with answers given in the back of the book, as well as a Words To Remember list. With bright, active illustrations, the reader stays engaged. However, it seems like you need to already have an introduction to scratch. While basic, this book doesn't give you the absolute starting point of where to input your newly learned code. My 8 year old son read this book and said he liked it. When asked to show something, he said, "I can't code".