Marc Scott (text), Mick Marston (illus.), A Beginner’s Guide to Coding, Bloomsbury/ Allen & Unwin, Sept 2016, 64pp., $18.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781472928641
This colourful book is a step-by-step guide to using two computer programming languages, Scratch (blocks of code designed for children) and Python (which is text-based). It takes the reader carefully through basic illustrated instructions in preparation for making simple games. Along the way, it gives tips about online safety and advises when parental consent should be sought, as well as providing definitions and a glossary of terms. The pages at the end suggest where an interested reader could find out more about computer programming or try out more challenging coding. For a young person following the steps, this is a sound introduction in two different types of coding language. Recommended for beginner coders.
Reviewed by Pam Harvey
