Gabi's If/Then Garden (Code Play)

Arrived on time! Exactly as described on Amazon.

Gabi's If/Then Garden by Caroline Karanja is really an unusual book. I thought that the book was a gardening book explaining the process of things growing. It is that in the introduction, but this is not the main purpose of this book. It is written to explain how computers work. If the command is this, then this would happen.I am not sure if this is how I would have explained it. Having been an educator for thirty years, I thought I was on top of ways to illustrate a concept. For me this book only sort of work at best. However, I asked a fifth grader to read the digital copy with me to see if he thought it makes clear simple computer programming, debugging commands and computer responses especially for younger children. He gave me a resounding yes when he had finished this quick reading book. He thought the book clearly and interestingly described the topic. For him it was 5 Stars but for me it was 3 Stars, averaging out this would make the rating 4 Stars. Please remember the intended audience is the younger crowd.The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

If you combine great characters and illustrations with child-friendly computer language, then you’ll have a great beginning coder book! Caroline Karanja has created an accessible and fun way for children to learn the basics of coding.Gabi and Adi spend an afternoon in the garden learning about if/then statements. “If it doesn’t rain, then they water the plants.”The girls use those statements to change “Simon Says” to Computer and Programmer. “If the Programmer does a jumping jack, then the Computer does a cartwheel.”Using child-friendly language and experiences, the girls discover that coding concepts are all around them.Beautifully done book!