When I first heard that the book I would be doing a review on would be about computers, I have to admit that I wasn’t all that intrigued. I mean, I use a computer every day, but I just wondered how interesting a children’s book could be that is all about computers? Well, Udi Aharoni, Author of Zuto: The Adventures of a Computer Virus, has definitely proven me wrong! Even though the book is geared towards children, ages 9-12, I was just as eager to read through to find out what happened to Zuto and his recycling bin friends.
There was enough adventure to keep me flipping through page after page. And as if the adventure alone wasn’t enough, Udi goes a step further to include a “Zutopedia” in the back of the book. It’s like the encyclopedia for everything that goes on inside your computer! One word: genius. It is explained so clearly, that I can read it to my five-year old and I’m sure he’ll comprehend a lot of it. So regardless of your knowledge (or lack thereof) about computers, this book will give you a clear understanding, and eliminate any guesswork you might’ve otherwise had.
Who knew there was so much that goes on inside of the “world” of computers? From worms, to virus’, to firewalls and everything in between, it is all there. Now, every time I turn on my computer, I will think of Zuto and his friends. And now, I will never look at my recycle bin or anti-virus software the same again. This book is for children and adults alike, and will give you a glimpse into what goes on inside the little (and to most of us) unknown world of computers.
About the Author:
Udi Aharoni is a software engineer and Machine Learning expert with IBM Research. He holds an M.A. in Computer Science. He published short, original scientific videos on his YouTube channel “Udiprod,” which has over a million views, before writing his acclaimed children’s book Zuto: The Adventures of a Computer Virus (Rimonim, August 2009). Aharoni’s debut published first in Hebrew and was voted one of the nation’s favorite books for ages 9-12 in the Israeli Ministry of Education’s “Book Parade.” The English version followed in August 2012.
The computer whiz visits classrooms – both in person and via webcam – for discussions and lessons surrounding his educational book.
8 Comments
Rachee
November 14, 2012 at 2:02 AMThanks for the rec. I am always looking for book ideas for my tweens.
Christine St.Vil
November 14, 2012 at 5:16 AMMy pleasure Rachee! Thanks for chiming in, I’m sure the tweens would enjoy it! 🙂
Christine St.Vil
November 15, 2012 at 7:45 AMHi Rachee! YES! Your tweens will definitely get a kick out of this book. I will be getting two of my nieces copies of the book as well.
Pamela @ Still Dating My Spouse
November 14, 2012 at 4:21 AMAww cute book! I probably would have been eager to read this book as well.
Thanks for the review.
Pamela
Christine St.Vil
November 14, 2012 at 5:17 AMHi Pamela, It really is a cute book and I’m so glad I got to read it…thought it was just for fun but learned quite a few things in the process 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to share 🙂
Christine St.Vil
November 15, 2012 at 7:44 AMMy pleasure Pamela! It really is a cute book and I’m so glad I got a chance to read it. Definitely check it out when you get a chance. 🙂
DjRelAt7
November 15, 2012 at 4:13 AMthis sounds like a great book to give as a gift for the holiday; computers can be complex this sounds like it breaks it down in a fun way.
Christine St.Vil
November 15, 2012 at 7:25 AMI agree DJ, that’s a great idea! Thank you. It would definitely make a great holiday book, especially for anyone who doesn’t care for computers. LOL