Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming

Python is a powerful, expressive programming language that's easy to learn and fun to use! But books about learning to program in Python can be kind of dull, gray, and boring, and that's no fun for anyone.

Python for Kids brings Python to life and brings you (and your parents) into the world of programming. The ever-patient Jason R. Briggs will guide you through the basics as you experiment with unique (and often hilarious) example programs that feature ravenous monsters, secret agents, thieving ravens, and more. New terms are defined; code is colored, dissected, and explained; and quirky, full-color illustrations keep things on the lighter side.

Chapters end with programming puzzles designed to stretch your brain and strengthen your understanding. By the end of the book you'll have programmed two complete games: a clone of the famous Pong and "Mr. Stick Man Races for the Exit"—a platform game with jumps, animation, and much more.

Why should serious adults have all the fun? Python for Kids is your ticket into the amazing world of computer programming.

Info:

  • Author: Jason R. Briggs
  • Publisher: No Starch Press
  • Paperback: 344 pages
  • ISBN 10: 1-5932-7407-6
  • ISBN 13: 978-1-5932-7407-8
  • Learn to use fundamental data structures like lists, tuples, and maps
  • Organize and reuse your code with functions and modules
  • Use control structures like loops and conditional statements
  • Draw shapes and patterns with Python's turtle module
  • Create games, animations, and other graphical wonders with tkinter

Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming Product Help and Resources

Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

2 Programming

Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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  • Member #42616 / about 12 years ago / 2

    Under $20 on Amazon, why $35 here ????

  • gruvin / about 11 years ago / 1

    The book focusses on Python v3.2.2, according to the Amazon preview. I guess buying it at the full MSR price here could work out about the same, if you're buying other stuff as well, due to shipping costs. Besides, last I checked, Sparkfun don't have a "donate" button. So we have to do it by giving them well deserved profit, instead. ;-)

    • Besides, last I checked, Sparkfun don’t have a “donate” button.

      Why did I never think of this.

  • GeorgeGrimes / about 11 years ago / 1

    Barns and Noble has it for: Paperback $20.97 NOOK Book $15.49

  • does any one know what version of python this book covers? 2.x? 3.x? does it cover any of the more popular modules like pygame or anything like that?

    • Sleepwalker3 / about 12 years ago / 1

      Um... What's MSRP?

      • Google is your best friend, right from the top of the search wiki says "manufacturer's suggested retail price"

        • Sleepwalker3 / about 12 years ago / 1

          Ah, I see, I was thinking more along the lines of some technical aspect. Around these parts that's RRP.

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