Update: This article was last updated on 15th October 2024 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
As a child, I imagined that by 2014, we’d be gliding through the skies in flying cars or even living on Mars. It feels a bit anticlimactic that I don’t have a robot butler yet. However, whenever I start to think the 21st century hasn’t quite met my sci-fi dreams, I remember my nine-year-old daughter programming robots in her LEGO Robotics class for kids at school. Suddenly, the future seems much closer, and maybe those flying cars aren’t so far off after all. The best part? Coding, once a complex concept, is now accessible to kids of all ages, making the future even more promising.
Now that you understand the many benefits children gain from learning coding skills through coding classes for kids, you, as a parent, play a crucial role in further supporting their development with a good coding book. Please continue reading to discover 12 excellent coding books that can serve as gentle introductions or additional inspiration as your child hones their skills.
So, whether your child is a budding tech enthusiast or just curious about coding, these books curated by Moonpreneur are sure to be their new best friends! Start your child’s coding journey today by choosing one of these recommended books.
Best Coding Books children should read
| Rank | Book Title | Author | Age Group | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HTML for Babies | John C Vanden-Heuvel Sr | 3 to 5 years | A fun, colorful introduction to web design basics for young children. |
| 2 | Scratch – Coding for Beginners | CodaKid Team | 6 to 12 years | Beginner-friendly, focuses on Scratch, clear instructions for coding basics. |
| 3 | 25 Scratch 3 Games for Kids | Not Specified | 6 to 12 years | Step-by-step guide to creating games with Scratch 3, no prior knowledge needed. |
| 4 | Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding | Linda Liukas | 4 to 7 years | Teaches computational thinking via puzzles and activities featuring Ruby. |
| 5 | Coding Projects in Python | DK (Dorling Kindersley) | 9 to 12 years | Step-by-step visual guide for creating Python projects, ideal after Scratch. |
| 6 | Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World | Reshma Saujani | 9+ years | Inspires girls to code through history and projects, fostering creativity. |
| 7 | CoderDojo Nano: Building a Website | Clyde Hatter | 8+ years | Guides kids through website building and starting coding clubs. |
| 8 | Ruby Wizardry: An Introduction to Programming for Kids | Eric Weinstein | 9 to 12 years | Introduces programming concepts in a magical adventure setting. |
| 9 | Hello Swift!: iOS App Programming for Kids | Tanmay Bakshi | 9+ years | Beginner-friendly guide to building iOS apps using Swift, written by a young coder. |
| 10 | Computational Fairy Tales | Jeremy Kubica | 9 to 12 years | Combines fantasy with programming concepts, ideal for children who enjoy stories. |
| 11 | Lift-the-Flap Computers and Coding | Rosie Dickins | 5+ years | Interactive book with flaps, introduces coding concepts through games and puzzles. |
| 12 | Getting Started with Coding | Camille McCue, Ph.D | 8+ years | Fun, story-driven challenges that teach coding principles, part of Dummies Jr. |
1. HTML for Babies
Author: John C Vanden-Heuvel Sr
Age: 3 to 5 years
Looking for a fun and engaging way to introduce your little ones to the world of web design? Look no further than this colorful book! The first volume in a three-part series, this 14-page book is perfect for little learners who are curious about the building blocks of the web. Written by NYC-based web designer Vanden-Heuvel Sr., this book was created for his child.
Through engaging visual patterns and symbols, this book effortlessly introduces children to the basics of web design, requiring no prior coding knowledge. So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just looking for a fun way to spark your child’s creativity, this book is the perfect way to get started!
2. Scratch – Coding for Beginners
Author: CodaKid Team
Age: 6-12 years
In the series of beginner-friendly coding books, Scratch-Coding for beginners is quite popular. With years of experience teaching coding to over 100,000 kids since 2014, this team, run by David Dodge, Marshall Cannon, and Matt Stinson, has created the perfect introduction to coding for young learners.
With its clear and easy-to-follow instructions, it provides a gentle introduction to the basics of coding through the popular Scratch programming language for kids. This book covers all the basics of coding and is ideal for children who are just getting started with programming.
3. 25 Scratch 3 Games for Kids
It’s a step-by-step workbook recommended for beginners. Even for this one, no prerequisite knowledge is required. The author uses colorful graphics and accurate explanations to teach kids the basics of Scratch 3, a kid-friendly programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab.
With this book, kids can learn to create games, animations, and more, all while building their confidence and creativity in coding.
4. Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding
Author: Linda Liukas
Age: 4-7 years
This is a picture and activity workbook for kids. Computational thinking and problem-solving skills are taught in this book.
The book “Hello Ruby” introduces children to a girl named Ruby, who is trying to solve puzzles. Ruby is a determined problem solver who breaks down big problems into smaller ones. Children are encouraged to join Ruby on her quest and help her solve the puzzles, which require them to apply computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
5. Coding Projects in Python: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to creating your Python Projects
Publisher: DK
Age: 9-12 years
Published by DK (Dorling Kindersley Limited), a British multinational publishing company, this visual guide provides a step-by-step approach to creating python projects for kids.
Children can create exciting games, decipher tricky codes, and design quizzes using Python with the help of this book. It serves as a perfect introduction to Python tools for kids for those who have already gained some experience with Scratch and are ready to take the next step. Once they have downloaded Python 3, they are prepared to start coding!
6. Girls who code: Learn to Code and Change the World
Author: Reshma Saujani.
Age: 9+ years
This one teaches coding history and computational thinking to kids while encouraging young girls to develop their ideas, apps, games, etc.
7. CoderDojo Nano: Building a Website: create with code
Author: Clyde Hatter
Age: 8 years old
CoderDojo is a coding club where you can learn programming for kids, connect with fellow coders, and enjoy working with computers. This book provides guidance on creating your own website and starting a Dojo Nano club with just a computer and a few friends. It’s a perfect introduction for those seeking engaging coding books for kids.
8. Ruby Wizardry: An Introduction to Programming for Kids
Author: Eric Weinstein
Age: 9-12 years
Readers of this book meet two adorable lead characters, Ruben and Scarlet, who take them on an adventure through a magical land. Along the way, they introduce coding principles such as loops, files, strings, and more to the readers.
9. Hello Swift!: iOS App Programming for Kids and Other Beginners
Author: Tanmay Bakshi
Age: 9+ years
If your child is interested in writing apps for iPhones and iOS devices, this book provides a kid-friendly guide to get you started, beginning with your very first line of Swift code.
The author of this book was only around 4 years old when he started coding and published the book when he turned nine. A perfect solution for kids and other beginners who want to learn iOS app programming.
10. Computational Fairy Tales
Author: Jeremy Kubica.
Age: 9-12 years
Perfect for those who enjoy books with fantasy and magical elements and want to learn the fundamentals of computer programming and critical thinking. Children are encouraged to apply logic in the enchanting world of this book.
11 . Lift-the-Flap Computers and Coding
Author: Rosie Dickins
Age: 5+ years
In this chapter book, enhanced with engaging illustrations, children are invited to uncover the inner workings of computers by lifting flaps that reveal essential concepts. Dickens’ Coding Book delves into the principles of writing effective code, the mechanics of algorithms, and the basics of functions through interactive activities such as treasure hunts, games, and puzzles.
Programming examples are demonstrated using the child-friendly Scratch language, offering hands-on learning experiences. Each chapter also includes carefully curated internet links, providing access to coding tips, tricks, and project ideas, encouraging children to explore further in their coding journey with the Coding Book.
12. Getting Started with Coding
Author: Camille McCue, Ph.D
Age: 8+ years
Presented by the creators of the Dummies Jr. series, this engaging and educational Coding book invites children to dive into code-based problem-solving with ease. It guides readers through story-driven challenges that have been tested in classrooms around the world, making learning both fun and practical.
Designed with beginners in mind, this jargon-free guide starts by introducing fundamental coding principles before moving on to topics like functions, score-keeping, character creation, and animations—empowering kids to begin building their own projects right away.
Want to make your child future-ready with Robotics? Moonpreneur offers a tailor-made program. Reserve a spot in our free 60-minute workshop today and introduce them to the amazing world of robotics and innovations!
What is the best book to start coding?
The Self-Taught Programmer is the Definitive Guide to Programming Professionally by Cory Althoff.