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I am a Bug
"I am a Bug" is a picture book which explains some important aspects of sotware development using metaphors related to bugs! A parent working in the software business can read I am a Bug to a young child and explain what they do at work!
I am a Bug was written by Robert Sabourin and illustrated by his 12 year old daughter Catherine. It was written for parents to read with their young children (3 to 8) but it presents some important messages to software development professionals of all ages.
Each page of I am a Bug has large print text at the top which can be read by younger children, an illustration and text at the bottom of the page which the parent can read to the child.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 15, 2016
I don't think the book adequately communicates to any of the intended targets. It is certainly too complicated for children ages 3 to 8. Maybe not necessarily complicated, but it requires a certain background in software/computer knowledge that, having been provided by other means, leaves no further ground for this book to cover. Its definitions are either too abstract to make any kind of link to software development ("sometimes big nets don't catch small bugs") or too specific ("My friend, James, used a trick called ASSERTIONS to catch bugs whenever they passed by in his programs!"). It does not explain; at most, it provides clarity by comparison to more intuitive phenomena.
For the adult that has any familiarity with software development, it's useless.
Maybe there's a hidden audience in the friends and family of people in software development who want to get better acquainted with what said people do at work or on the computer all day. Maybe. If they don't feel insulted about being handed a book for 6-year-olds...
For the adult that has any familiarity with software development, it's useless.
Maybe there's a hidden audience in the friends and family of people in software development who want to get better acquainted with what said people do at work or on the computer all day. Maybe. If they don't feel insulted about being handed a book for 6-year-olds...
August 21, 2024
"I am a Bug" by Robert Sabourini, Illustrated in Whimsy and Fun by his Twelve-Year-Old Daughter Catherine Bravo represents the first of new genre on children's literature at that close intersection between education and technology with childhood storytelling. This picture book, ostensibly designed for 3-8yr olds probably looks like perfect innocent fun introducing the esoteric world of software development at first glance. But on closer inspection, it has a story with so many levels that this adult in the software world got meaning from just one read.
The author uses the metaphor of a "bug"—a term ingrained in software development vernacular—to elegantly explain complex ideas with great ease. The anthropomorphization of the bug is a smart pedagogical tool that presents software glitches at a level children can understand while also resonating with adults who have known nothing but all too well-resorted to frustrations and deceits. It is a metaphor that goes beyond mere storytelling to express some deep thoughts about what software engineering entails experiences about attention, and focus — reflected on very rarely part of our profession: the dumb insistence in debugging an issue or the obvious importance of precision.
Catherine has created the illustrations, and for such a young person they are vibrant. Her narrative is delivered not only through the text, but her illustrations are more than visual accompaniments. With big, legible text for the stuff that entices kids but smaller copy below aimed at engaging parents to read along too.
It's no mere picture book, rather it is a document bearing witness to the potential of metaphor in education and children literature as containers for deep professional understandings. With visuals inspired by his daughter, he has used pictures to narrate a heartwarming and educational story that finds the perfect sweet spot between entertainment & insight. It is a book that transcends age, providing valuable lessons for children and serving as a gentle reminder to professionals of the enduring importance of the basics in software development.
The author uses the metaphor of a "bug"—a term ingrained in software development vernacular—to elegantly explain complex ideas with great ease. The anthropomorphization of the bug is a smart pedagogical tool that presents software glitches at a level children can understand while also resonating with adults who have known nothing but all too well-resorted to frustrations and deceits. It is a metaphor that goes beyond mere storytelling to express some deep thoughts about what software engineering entails experiences about attention, and focus — reflected on very rarely part of our profession: the dumb insistence in debugging an issue or the obvious importance of precision.
Catherine has created the illustrations, and for such a young person they are vibrant. Her narrative is delivered not only through the text, but her illustrations are more than visual accompaniments. With big, legible text for the stuff that entices kids but smaller copy below aimed at engaging parents to read along too.
It's no mere picture book, rather it is a document bearing witness to the potential of metaphor in education and children literature as containers for deep professional understandings. With visuals inspired by his daughter, he has used pictures to narrate a heartwarming and educational story that finds the perfect sweet spot between entertainment & insight. It is a book that transcends age, providing valuable lessons for children and serving as a gentle reminder to professionals of the enduring importance of the basics in software development.
October 7, 2024
I am a Bug written by Robert Sabourin is basically a picture book based upon the important aspects of software development using metaphors related to bugs. It is very helpful and easy to understand for computer science students. It has an in depth knowledge for the bugs like how they can be helpful to us in software development and all.
The main interesting thing in this book is that the illustrations has been done by his 12 year old daughter Catherine. One can imagine that how talented she must be. Each page of the book is filled with intellectual information which can't get unnoticed. Basically the author has written this book in such a lucid manner that it is totally readable for adults as well as the young children. Even the parents can also read it to their children for their better understanding.
A totally fantastic recommendation for all who are curious to know about the bugs! Moreover for the children who are seem to be more interested in computer and I'm sure they will be able to make more of it!!!!
The main interesting thing in this book is that the illustrations has been done by his 12 year old daughter Catherine. One can imagine that how talented she must be. Each page of the book is filled with intellectual information which can't get unnoticed. Basically the author has written this book in such a lucid manner that it is totally readable for adults as well as the young children. Even the parents can also read it to their children for their better understanding.
A totally fantastic recommendation for all who are curious to know about the bugs! Moreover for the children who are seem to be more interested in computer and I'm sure they will be able to make more of it!!!!
August 30, 2024
I Am a Bug" is a simple and charming picture book by Robert Sabourin, with illustrations by his 12-year-old daughter Catherine. This book cleverly uses the metaphor of bugs to explain the complex world of software development. It's designed for young children, especially those aged 3 to 8, to help them understand their parent's job in a fun and engaging way.
Here’s why you should read it:
- Educational: It introduces basic concepts of software development in an easy-to-understand manner.
- Engaging Illustrations: The colorful pictures make learning enjoyable for kids.
- Parent-Child Interaction: It fosters meaningful conversations between parents and children about their work.
- Simple Text: The large print and dual-layer text make it accessible for young readers.
"I Am a Bug" falls into the children's educational genre. It’s perfect for parents looking to bridge the gap between their professional life and their child's understanding.
Here’s why you should read it:
- Educational: It introduces basic concepts of software development in an easy-to-understand manner.
- Engaging Illustrations: The colorful pictures make learning enjoyable for kids.
- Parent-Child Interaction: It fosters meaningful conversations between parents and children about their work.
- Simple Text: The large print and dual-layer text make it accessible for young readers.
"I Am a Bug" falls into the children's educational genre. It’s perfect for parents looking to bridge the gap between their professional life and their child's understanding.
July 15, 2024
" I am a Bug" is a delightful picture book that explains software development concepts through bug-themed metaphors, making it a great read for parents in the software industry to share with their young children. Written by Robert Sabourin and illustrated by his 12-year-old daughter Catherine, this book is a treasure trove for both kids and adults. The simple yet engaging text and illustrations effectively convey complex ideas, making it an excellent tool for teaching software testing and quality assurance. As a person who is clueless about software programs, I find it info-taining and easy to understand! The beautiful illustrations and easy language ensure a captivating experience for kids, while adults will appreciate the nuanced exploration of software development challenges. A must-have addition to your library!
October 5, 2024
I am a Bug by Robert Sabourin is a charming and highly effective book that makes the complex world of software engineering approachable for children. Through its playful metaphors and delightful illustrations, it teaches valuable lessons about problem-solving, and software development in a way that both entertains and educates. This book is perfect for parents working in software testing and development to educate and share their field of work with their kids in a digestible and easy manner. I loved the fact the the author's 12-year old daughter created the illustrations making this a wonderful book with the information provided by an adult while making it fun for the kids.
August 8, 2024
I am a Bug by Robert Sabourin offers fascinating insights into the world of bugs in software development. The author provides an entertaining and informative perspective on the presence of bugs during the development of software and programs. He discusses the positive and negative aspects of bugs and explores how to effectively address them using bug-themed metaphors.
The illustrations in the book perfectly complement the lighthearted tone and content.
Overall, it is an accessible and enjoyable read. The author's approach makes the book humorous and insightful.
The illustrations in the book perfectly complement the lighthearted tone and content.
Overall, it is an accessible and enjoyable read. The author's approach makes the book humorous and insightful.
August 14, 2024
The book includes illustrations and drawings that elucidate the complexities of software development flaws. It is an enjoyable read, and as someone with an IT background, I found the straightforward explanation to be significant.
The pictorial representation is suitable for children. In general, the book is both insightful and amusing. Check it out if you wish to educate your children about computer technology or development.
The pictorial representation is suitable for children. In general, the book is both insightful and amusing. Check it out if you wish to educate your children about computer technology or development.
August 25, 2024
3.5 stars
I found this one as a great concept to introduce and explain a software bug to people. I am a bug is a very sweet but a useful book.
In this book we come across the software problems in the form of bug. The illustrations are very nice and the author has written it in a very simple language. The illustration of bug is really good.
How some bugs are good while others are bad. What can we do in case it is a bad bug or a good bug. Bug review meeting, zapper, Feature and many more. The simplified version is very simple and easy to understand even for young kids.
I found this one as a great concept to introduce and explain a software bug to people. I am a bug is a very sweet but a useful book.
In this book we come across the software problems in the form of bug. The illustrations are very nice and the author has written it in a very simple language. The illustration of bug is really good.
How some bugs are good while others are bad. What can we do in case it is a bad bug or a good bug. Bug review meeting, zapper, Feature and many more. The simplified version is very simple and easy to understand even for young kids.
August 19, 2024
I AM A BUG - ROBERT SABOURIN
" I am a Big is a picture book which explains some important aspects of software development using metaphors related to bugs.
If you are in field of computer software developing this book will make it very easy to explain.
Each page has a very simple illustration done by the authors 12 yr old daughter where simple concepts like what is a big ( problem in a software), how it can be good or bad and how much damage it can cause amd how to tackle them ..all these amd more are explained simply with an analogy used when we tackle real life insect situation.
This book can also be really beneficial to kids who are interested in computers and want to make a career in it and can understand the basics of work that they will have to do.
Such a cool book!
" I am a Big is a picture book which explains some important aspects of software development using metaphors related to bugs.
If you are in field of computer software developing this book will make it very easy to explain.
Each page has a very simple illustration done by the authors 12 yr old daughter where simple concepts like what is a big ( problem in a software), how it can be good or bad and how much damage it can cause amd how to tackle them ..all these amd more are explained simply with an analogy used when we tackle real life insect situation.
This book can also be really beneficial to kids who are interested in computers and want to make a career in it and can understand the basics of work that they will have to do.
Such a cool book!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews