How to Explain Robotics to a Grown-Up

by Ruth Spiro, Teresa Martínez (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

Ruth Spiro is the author of the Baby Loves Science series, published by Charlesbridge. These adorably illustrated board books contain expert-reviewed science, yet are simple enough for the very youngest readers. Another new picture book series, Made by Maxine, will be published by Dial in October, 2018.

Ruth is a frequent speaker at schools and conferences, and recent presentations include the Early Childhood STEM Conference at CalTech and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

Reviews

[Jessica Calaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming Soon!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching is the best way to solidify learning, and what better way than to reverse roles with a parent or other adult to maximize that effect! Sometime the kids have a better handle on something like robotics than their adults (my grands in Cleveland!) but both can learn something from this method which combines the knowledge of each to make a more memorable experience. I love the styling of this book as it is non-threatening to either party. Good job! Thanks, too, that the grown-up depicted uses a wheelchair for mobility.
The illustrations by Teresa Martinez are to delightful, imaginative, meaningful, and vividly colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!
Book 2 of How to Explain Science

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Explain Robotics to a Grown-Up is a cute resource for introductory robotics. Under the guise of "teaching the adults" this book explains what robots are, parts of a robot (sensor, microcontroller, circuits, actuator, end effector, and power supply), and the robotic process (sense, compute, act). There is also a helpful glossary at the end of the book. The information inside is great for giving students a very simplistic introduction to robotics.
As a STEAM teacher, this will be a great book to include in my classroom.



I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Charlesbridge through the SLJ Picture Book Palooza July 2024.
Same series as How to Explain Coding...
Spiro brings readers along as this young man explains how robots work to an adult in his life. The simple language doubles to explain to readers as well. I appreciate the illustrations that support and clarify the text. A glossary and other information is included at the end.
A definite purchase for school libraries.

[Bree Sotirovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really explains the basics of what makes a machine a robot. It doesn't go into specifics on how to get into robotics, teach robotics or work within STEM programs. I would love to see follow up books to this to teach people more about robotics, how they actually do help. It might make people less worried about the future of AI and robotics in our daily life.

[Aimee Ardonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute intro to robotics and AI for kids! And for their grownups too :)