Like many parents, you would like to find the right books to teach your kids to code but don’t know where to start. There is a lot of information, courses and books about coding. So today, we decided to create a list of the 7 best books that will enable children and parents to join the world of coding. This includes books on Scratch programming, an illustrated guide to the Python language, and books on JavaScript programming for kids.
The books included in the list are written in an accessible and understandable language, and colourful illustrations and photographs help to understand the material better.
1. “Hello Ruby. Adventures in coding ” by Linda Liukas
Reading age: 3-8 years
Ruby is a small girl with a huge imagination and the determination to solve any puzzle. With Ruby and her friends, kids will be introduced to computing thinking fundamentals, like breaking big problems into small ones, creating step-by-step plans, looking for patterns and thinking outside the box through storytelling. Next, these basic concepts at the core of coding and programming will be reinforced through fun, playful activities that encourage exploration and creativity.
2. “Build Your Own Website: A Comic Guide to HTML, CSS, and WordPress” by Nate Cooper
Reading age: 10-14
Join Kim and her little dog Tofu as she learns HTML, the language of web pages, and CSS, the language used to style web pages, from the Web Guru and Glinda, the Good Witch of CSS.
Once she figures out the basics, Kim travels to WordPress City to build her first website with Wendy, the WordPress Maven, at her side. They take control of WordPress® themes, install useful plugins, and more.
3. “Computer Coding for Kids” by Carol Volderman
Reading age: 9-11
Computer Coding for Kids is a unique step-by-step guide, perfect for kids interested in computer programming and how computers work. Avoiding computer jargon, this book guides children through creating computer programs starting with the very basics. Computer Coding for Kids is the only programming book that teaches both Scratch and Python programming languages, with illustrated, simple, step-by-step explanations that make the complex art of computer programming clear for the complete beginner. Starting with simple explanations of programming basics, it progresses to more advanced projects where children can build their own games.
4. “JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming” by Nick Morgan
Reading age: 10+
JavaScript for Kids is a lighthearted introduction that teaches programming essentials through patient, step-by-step examples paired with funny illustrations. You’ll begin with the basics, like working with strings, arrays, and loops, and then move on to more advanced topics, like building interactivity with jQuery and drawing graphics with Canvas.
With visual examples like bouncing balls, animated bees, and racing cars, you can really see what you’re programming.
5. “Python for Kids, 2nd Edition: A Playful Introduction to Programming” by Jason R. Briggs
Reading age: 10+
Python for Kids brings kids (and their parents) into the wonderful world of programming. Jason R. Briggs guides you through the basics, experimenting with unique (and hilarious) example programs featuring ravenous monsters, secret agents, thieving ravens, and more. New terms are defined; code is colored and explained; puzzles stretch the brain and strengthen understanding; and full-color illustrations keep you engaged throughout.
By the end of the book, you’ll have programmed two games: a clone of the famous Pong, and “Mr. Stick Man Races for the Exit”—a platform game with jumps and animation.
6. “Learn to Program with Minecraft: Transform Your World with the Power of Python” by Craig Richardson
Reading age: 10+
You’ve bested creepers, traveled deep into caves, and maybe even gone to The End and back—but have you ever transformed a sword into a magic wand? Built a palace in the blink of an eye? Designed your own color-changing disco dance floor?
In Learn to Program with Minecraft®, you’ll do all this and more with the power of Python, a free language used by millions of professional and first-time programmers!
Begin with some short, simple Python lessons and then use your new skills to modify Minecraft to produce instant and totally awesome results. Learn how to customize Minecraft to make mini-games, duplicate entire buildings, and turn boring blocks into gold.
7. “Coding iPhone Apps for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Swift” by Gloria Winquist and Matt McCarthy
Reading age: 10+
Apple’s Swift is a powerful, beginner-friendly programming language that anyone can use to make cool apps for the iPhone or iPad. In Coding iPhone Apps for Kids, you’ll learn how to use Swift to write programs, even if you’ve never programmed before.
You’ll work in the Xcode playground, an interactive environment where you can play with your code and see the results of your work immediately! You’ll learn the fundamentals of programming too, like how to store data in arrays, use conditional statements to make decisions, and create functions to organize your code—all with the help of clear and patient explanations.
Once you master the basics, you’ll build a birthday tracker app so that you won’t forget anyone’s birthday and a platform game called Schoolhouse Skateboarder with animation, jumps, and more!