Josh Funk has had a slew of book launches lately! I missed his Albie Newton at Blue Bunny Books so I was determined to make How To Code a Sandcastle since it was right in my town at Newtonville Books.
His event was well attended and I saw Jacqueline Davies again this week (last week we were both at Newtonville Books again for Susan Tan’s Cilla Lee-Jenkins: This Is A Classic). I joked that we have to stop meeting this way, but she said, “Oh no, we absolutely have to KEEP meeting this way.”
She made the Albie Newton book launch as well last week. I asked her how many book events she attended, and she said, “As many as possible.” Josh Funk says that he subscribes to the events at all the independent bookstores in Massachusetts to track the KidLit ones. Hmm… I was thinking that I was doing pretty well to make all the children’s book events at Newtonville Books, my latest goal. I also saw illustrator and author Jannie Ho there. I had been wanting to attend an event for her first picture book that she wrote and illustrated, Bear and Chicken. It turns out that she has a group illustration exhibit the next day in my town, so I felt very “Jacqueline Davies-like” by attending two events in one weekend! What can I say? She inspires me!
It is fun to see how each author structures a book event. Josh has so many picture books out that he can fill the time simply by reading his latest picture books and provide a little backstory. Here’s the backstory on How To Code A Sandcastle:
I think his latest picture book is the perfect match since he is a software engineer at MIT’s Media Lab. I don’t know any other picture book author who also programs for a living! His day job sounds fun too. MIT’s Media Lab is a dream job for most programmers that I know!
His book is in collaboration with Girls Who Code. I personally believe in these types of STEM introductions. My two daughters were introduced to coding in elementary and middle school through Hour of Code. It made my arty daughter declare, “I’m good at coding!” My middle daughter is now taking Honors Computer Science in 10th grade. (My son, in 8th grade, had learned Scratch and Java through gaming.)
Josh’s picture book is the perfect introduction to computer programming concepts in a concrete and relatable way: building a sandcastle. I love how the robot is named “Pascale” like the computer programming language! These small details really make the book perfect!
I have a short video of his book launch here:
I’ll try to attend more author/illustrator events and report back on my blog. I hope that it makes you feel like you were there too!
HOW TO CODE A SANDCASTLE Giveaway!
We are giving away a copy of How To Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk. Please fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter. We can only mail to U.S. addresses.
p.s. Here are all of Josh Funk’s books:
It all started with Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast. Josh was inspired by his two kids at the breakfast table. There are now three books in this fun, rhyming series.
His first non-rhyming picture book is It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk, a hilarious fractured fairy tale.
How To Code a Sandcastle is also not rhyming.
Albie Newton is also newly minted. It’s about a boy who is a great inventor but also disrupts the kids around him.
Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale is one of his most well-known picture books.
There’s also Pirasaurs!
Finally, look for the upcoming Lost in the Library which is about the lion statues in front of the New York Public Library which is celebrating its 100 year birthday!
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award longlist
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
This book looks amazing. I think there is a real need for accessible books about coding for the younger ages.
Hi Deckled Edges,
There recently has been a slew of coding related picture books but I think HOW TO CODE A SANDCASTLE is the best one because it really shows in a concrete way how to program and think like a programmer. Josh Funk does this in a really fun and engaging way.
I had the pleasure of seeing Josh at the Hudson, NY Children’s Literature festival this past spring & meeting him at several SCBWI NE conferences. I love How to Code a Sandcastle – such a wonderful resource & fun story to introduce young kids to coding.
Hi Patricia,
It’s such a pleasure to interact with Josh! He’s such a warm and supportive person. I’m lucky that I live near him so I have seen him several times.
This book is amazing. My kiddo would have a blast reading this. I also like Baby Loves Coding.
Thanks for entering Olga!
I’m a big fan of Josh Funk’s books. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for entering Nancy!
Would love to add this to our elementary school library!
Thanks for entering Tammi. It would be a great addition to an elementary school library!
I don’t have (or know of) any books on computers or coding. This book sounds important and needed!
Thanks for entering Danielle! It’s such a great and informative book!
Every where I turn, I am seeing coding books. Great shares!
Hi Pat,
Yes, definitely a new trend which is weird because Hour of Code has been happening for years at my kids’ schools. This is not a new trend!
I’m not aware of books on coding for kids. My dad would have loved this–he was a very early adopter and delighted in teaching us about computers and their possibilities.
Hi Beth,
It sounds perfect as a legacy from your dad to your children!
Fun! Can’t wait to read this book!
Thanks for entering Suzie!
I am in love with Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code
Hi Jen,
I like that book a lot too! I gifted it to my daughters’ science teacher for his little girl who is very interested in STEM.
I met Josh at a NerdCamp session on Skyping. He really inspired me, and I hope to really connect my students with authors this year!
Hi Ms. S.
I hope you get to Skype with Josh! He’s awesome!
I can’t wait to read this book!
Thanks for entering Andrea!
My favorite book about coding is Unplugged!
Hi BreAnn,
That one sounds fun!
My son is totally in to sandcastles and coding! Thanks for sharing this book!
Hi Anne,
Sounds like the perfect combination for your son! Thanks for entering!
My 5th graders love Josh Funk books! Looking forward to adding to our collection. 😊
Thanks for entering Amanda!
Josh Funk and coding! Wow! Hooray for sharing 21st century skills with kids in a fun way!
Hi Carmela,
Yes! You absolutely nailed it! It’s what makes this book so special!
This book looks and sounds so good. I would like to give it to my grandkids.
Thanks for entering Donna!
This book looks great. Any coding books that incorporate real world activities or concepts is awesome.
Thanks for entering Amy!
Java Programming for Kids Learn Java Step By Step and Build Your Own Interactive Calculator for Fun.
Thanks for entering Leela! These sound great for more advanced programmers like my son!
would love to win this
Thanks for entering Frances!
I do Hour of Code with all of my computer students in December, and I would LOVE to share this book with them.
Hi Heather,
It would be so perfect for Hour of Code! Thanks for entering!
The friendship Code is a good one.
Hi Jana,
That one sounds great!
I don’t have favorites, but it would be a great time to start a list of them.
Thanks for entering Christian!
Looks like another great book!
Thanks Jennifer!
Really looking forward to reading this one!
It’s a great picture book. I hope you enjoy it too Jennifer!
Literature AND coding! What’s not to love??!
I agree! Thanks for entering Karen!