Review by Booklist Review
Ruby can do just about anything she sets her mind to, including beating her own boredom by playing on her father's computer. But when the mouse fails to work, Ruby and the computer mouse (transformed into an actual mouse) make themselves smaller à la Alice in Wonderland and fall down the mouse holes into the computer in a journey reminiscent of The Magic School Bus. Ruby then introduces readers to the inner workings of a computer with anthropomorphized versions of bits, logic gates, and software. In the second half of the book, activities and games expand on Ruby's journey by offering further explanations of computer components and inviting readers to make their own computers (albeit pretend ones made of paper and cardboard). Liukas' whimsical multimedia illustrations nicely balance entertaining storytelling with informative images. The entire package is incredibly accessible, interesting, and kid-friendly, and, since it focuses primarily on the fundamentals of what makes a computer rather than coding, it fills a much-needed niche in the world of computer-science books for children.--Linsenmeyer, Erin Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-Liukas combines the picture book format with an activity book to introduce young readers to computers and programming. In the first half, main character Ruby shrinks and enters her dad's computer to see why the cursor isn't responding, tumbling into an Alice in Wonderland-esque adventure. In her quest, Ruby encounters bits, logic gates, the CPU and GPU, RAM, ROM, and software; she learns what part each of them play in the operation of the computer, and a little about their nature (the fact that bits "only talk in ones and zeroes"). Illustrations, done in Adobe Photoshop, depict the scenes inside the computer. Backgrounds in the areas Ruby explores resemble circuit boards or rows of binary code. Processors, memory cards, and other hardware scurry about on stick legs following CPU's orders. Activities in the book's second half prompt readers to assemble a paper model of a computer, go on a safari to identify computers, and even design their own operating system. An introduction to the characters at the front of the book explains basic functions and a glossary in the back defines useful terms. Sidebars offer advice for parents and educators. VERDICT A gentle introduction to the world of computers and associated vocabulary. Recommended for elementary libraries, STEM programs, and -computer labs.-Suzanne Costner, Fairview -Elementary School, Maryville, TN © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Simple chapters and whimsical color drawings relate Ruby's (Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding) attempt to use her father's computer. With help from the computer's talking mouse, she shrinks and explores the computer's components and finally locates the (fast asleep) missing cursor. The lengthy appended activity book contains instructive exercises that are often too complex for the intended audience--even with parental assistance. Glos. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
