This is an up-to-date companion book showing us how to get the computer to follow directions. There are free programming languages that have step-by-step projects perfect for youth interested in coding. You might have heard of Scratch and Python. This book helps young coders learn how to create illustrations and projects using these programming languages. It is a book that is user friendly for the coder and their parents to learn what they need to create what they want and is designed to do so quickly with easy to follow directions. If you have a youth in your life interested in this is great to add to your STEM or coding library. It has colorful illustrations and well done guides to help introduce coding. It is good for coders of any age that are learning — elementary to teens they will appreciate this book’s approach to coding education.

This book certainly isn't written for me, since my programming, while far from stellar is a bit more advanced than is taught here, but guess what? This isn't aimed at me. Who knew?! Seriously, it's written for any young children (or even adults who want to learn) who've never programmed in their life, and for that purpose, it's perfect.

Written clearly by Scott, and colorfully (and amusingly!) illustrated by Marston, it starts out with an explanation of what coding is and why it's important, before introducing users to the Internet-accessible MIT programming language called 'Scratch'. It advises how to log in (don't use your own name and do pick a pass phrase that's easy for you to remember rather than a complicated password). From then on, the child can assemble easy, but effective and entertaining programs like putting together a jigsaw - but simpler!

The programs can ask questions and provide answers, and even do some animation. Later the book talks about a next-level programming language called Python which is actually a professional language, but available for free and quite simple to learn especially if you've used Scratch beforehand, and got a feel for how programs are put together.

Python (which was named after the BBC TV show Monty Python's Flying Circus, but don't let that scare you!) is quickly installed on your computer so no web access or login is required once it's installed, and it's also quite simple - as long as you follow the step-by-step instructions given here. It can do a lot more than can Scratch and is perfect for young programmers wanting to spread their wings.

The book is bright, easy, and helpful, with lots of good advice, hints, and tips, and it even has a few words about web page programming too, which is a fun and useful thing to learn. I loved this book and commend it as a useful tool and a worthy read.

This one is going directly into my STEM/Makerspace library! Kids, tweens and even teens will find this well illustrated, step-by-step guide very helpful for getting started with coding. The projects are fun, clearly outlined and create a solid foundation for SCRATCH and Python. This book, and the free software, will have young patrons doing real coding in no time.

Perhaps most importantly, this books is parent-friendly. A significant obstacle in introducing my young patrons to coding software is getting the adults in charge on board with the idea. Many find the idea of downloading software fraught, the basics of web navigating too challenging and the idea of helping kids work in a “foreign language” just plain overwhelming. Being able to hand this book over so adults can work alongside kids through guided practice would be a huge boon to our STEM/Makerspace program.

This book is a perfect addition to any STEM library and I can't wait to fire up the Raspberry Pi computers and let my curious patrons explore.

A great, kid (and parent!) friendly resource for budding coders in elementary and middle grades. Colorful illustrations complement text and helpful screenshots! Lessons are based on free-coding software that is easily accessible by everyone (open-source) and build logically from one coding skills to the next. Have coders that are past the introductory or "Scratch" phase? No problem, as this book includes explanations and challenges using the Python coding language, too! I foresee many happy parents and educators introducing this text to their coders!

This is a colorfully illustrated beginner's guide to coding for kids that walks them through making very basic programs primarily by using the free coding websites/software Scratch and Python. Scott takes kids step by step through doing very basic programming and then provides a little additional information with other suggested resources to learn more advanced coding.

Temporary digital ARC provided by Netgalley.