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How to Code with Pearl & Pascal
How to Code a Rollercoaster
Pearl and her trusty robot, Pascal, are in for a treat: a day at the amusement park! They’re excited to play games, eat ice cream, and, of course, ride all the rollercoasters. There’s just one problem: the Python Coaster, the biggest and best ride in the park, also has the longest line. Can Pearl and Pascal use CODE to help them get a seat on the giant coaster? By mastering the use of variables, sequences, loops, conditionals, and more, this duo just might get the ride of their dreams—while having the time of their lives.
With renowned computer science nonprofit Girls Who Code, Josh Funk and Sara Palacios use giggle-worthy humor and bright artwork to introduce kids to the fun of coding.
With renowned computer science nonprofit Girls Who Code, Josh Funk and Sara Palacios use giggle-worthy humor and bright artwork to introduce kids to the fun of coding.
44 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2019
5 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Josh Funk
28 books657 followersJosh Funk is the author of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, the How to Code with Pearl and Pascal series, Dear Unicorn, Dear Dragon, My Pet Feet, the It's Not a Fairy Tale series, Lost in the Library and more. His books have sold more than half a million copies worldwide and been translated into a dozen languages.
New in 2026: A Celebration of You (3.17) and The Dino Door (5.5).
Josh grew up in New England and studied Computer Science in school. Today, he still lives in New England and when not writing Java code or Python scripts, he drinks Java coffee and writes manuscripts. Since the fall of 2015, Josh has presented (or virtually presented) at over 950 schools, classrooms, and libraries.
Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys _______ during ________ and has always loved __________. He has played ____________ since age __ and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a __________.
For more about Josh Funk, visit joshfunkbooks.com and at @joshfunkbooks on socials.
New in 2026: A Celebration of You (3.17) and The Dino Door (5.5).
Josh grew up in New England and studied Computer Science in school. Today, he still lives in New England and when not writing Java code or Python scripts, he drinks Java coffee and writes manuscripts. Since the fall of 2015, Josh has presented (or virtually presented) at over 950 schools, classrooms, and libraries.
Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys _______ during ________ and has always loved __________. He has played ____________ since age __ and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a __________.
For more about Josh Funk, visit joshfunkbooks.com and at @joshfunkbooks on socials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 23, 2019
Three of my kiddos are really into coding, so I'm delighted to keep up with the How to Code with Pear & Pascal series. In book #2, Pearl and Pascal are going to an amusement park where there are a number of rides like the ferris wheel, log fume, a train, a roller coaster, etc. Pearl starts out the day with only 10 tokens that must last the entire day. So, using the map, she and Pascal plan out how to have fun while waiting for the line to the Python Coaster to shorten. While reading the story, kids will learn what code is, what a variable is, how to create a loop, and how to use an if-then-else. When it finally comes time to ride the Python Coaster, Pearl and Pascal encounter an unexpected glitch in their plans and must quickly problem solve. But no worries, they use their sequencing skills to save the day! It's so cute how Pascal takes some of Pearl's instructions quite literally. For example, when Pearl says to "swing over to the Python Coaster," Pascal literally hops on the swings. So be sure to watch for these funny little misunderstandings. The back matter has a section titled Pearl and Pascal’s Guide to Coding where the vocabulary is discussed in more detail, with references back to the story.
The illustrations in this book were rendered digitally in combination with gouache and acrylic paintings. Some pages have several different scenes back-to-back while others showcase one scene in a large page spread. My thanks to Edelweiss Plus and Viking / Penguin for the digital copy of this ARC so I could provide an honest review.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
The illustrations in this book were rendered digitally in combination with gouache and acrylic paintings. Some pages have several different scenes back-to-back while others showcase one scene in a large page spread. My thanks to Edelweiss Plus and Viking / Penguin for the digital copy of this ARC so I could provide an honest review.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
June 14, 2019
An adorable and fun addition to the growing number of Girls Who Code books, this time reaching an even younger audience with a picture book. Pearl and her robot go around a carnival with their variable, MyTokens, as they wait for the line of the Python Rollercoaster to shorten. How to Code a Rollercoaster is a wonderful way to encourage STEM activities to children, as well as an enjoyable read.
October 10, 2019
This picture book is a fun, adorable, and brightly coloured way to introduce wee ones to the world of coding.
January 7, 2024
This series continues to be a great introduction to coding with easy to understand explanations.
December 29, 2019
Elementary school and up; cheerful, approachable story to help teach young kids (and adults!) aspects of coding. Setting the story in an amusement park naturally leads to lots of creative follow-up activities to put readers’ new knowledge into action. Recommended.
December 26, 2019
About a 10 min. read-aloud. It would probably work really well for 2nd -4th, not sure if there would be too many definitions for K-1.
Incorporates coding vocabulary into a story format - a day at the amusement park.
Definitions of words used at end of story.
Incorporates coding vocabulary into a story format - a day at the amusement park.
Definitions of words used at end of story.
December 20, 2019
Loved it!
August 19, 2019
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
I love that on the very first page, Pearl has her robot say "Hello, World." I don't know that much about computer programming but I do know that this is commonly the first thing a computer programmer programs and seeing the reference made me squee!
A friend who has young kids (3 and 5 years old) showed me the first in this series, How to Code a Sandcastle. When I told her that this sequel was coming out, she was concerned that young kids, like her own, would not be able to relate as well because they have built sandcastles but have never been on a roller coaster. This sequel does go a little bit above the level of the code in How to Code a Sandcastle so I think it's intended for a slightly older audience. Also, the characters spend more time doing other rides so I think that younger kids might still be able to relate to the activity.
In How to Code a Rollercoaster, the reader is introduced to Variables, Loops (although I wasn't a huge fan of the loop explanation. I think Funk could have actually shown the code instead of just telling what a loop is), If-Then-Else, and Sequence (again, I wasn't a huge fan of how sequence was explained within the story). Luckily, there is a "Pearl and Pascal's Guide to Coding" at the end of the book that explains all those concepts that were covered within the story.
I liked how the robot was constantly taking everything Pearl said literally (like having fun ON the map and SWINGING over to the coaster), as that is what computer programs do so you have to get used to it.
Overall, a great book to introduce younger kids to coding. A perfect follow up to How to Code a Sandcastle!
I love that on the very first page, Pearl has her robot say "Hello, World." I don't know that much about computer programming but I do know that this is commonly the first thing a computer programmer programs and seeing the reference made me squee!
A friend who has young kids (3 and 5 years old) showed me the first in this series, How to Code a Sandcastle. When I told her that this sequel was coming out, she was concerned that young kids, like her own, would not be able to relate as well because they have built sandcastles but have never been on a roller coaster. This sequel does go a little bit above the level of the code in How to Code a Sandcastle so I think it's intended for a slightly older audience. Also, the characters spend more time doing other rides so I think that younger kids might still be able to relate to the activity.
In How to Code a Rollercoaster, the reader is introduced to Variables, Loops (although I wasn't a huge fan of the loop explanation. I think Funk could have actually shown the code instead of just telling what a loop is), If-Then-Else, and Sequence (again, I wasn't a huge fan of how sequence was explained within the story). Luckily, there is a "Pearl and Pascal's Guide to Coding" at the end of the book that explains all those concepts that were covered within the story.
I liked how the robot was constantly taking everything Pearl said literally (like having fun ON the map and SWINGING over to the coaster), as that is what computer programs do so you have to get used to it.
Overall, a great book to introduce younger kids to coding. A perfect follow up to How to Code a Sandcastle!
September 27, 2019
I received a review copy of this awesome picture book, which uses a fun story about a trip to an amusement park to teach basic concepts of coding. This book, along with How to Code a Sandcastle, is part of the publishing program Girls Who Code. According to Reshma Saujani, the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, "by introducing core concepts of coding to children now, we're helping prepare them for a future of changing the world through code." These books are definitely good choices to have on the STEM shelf in an elementary classroom, and great resources to share with all children.
October 20, 2019
Thank you to Josh Funk for providing How to Code a Rollercoaster to #collaBookation!
This books finds Pearl and her robot, Pascal, using coding to have the best day possible at the amusement park. Pearl REALLY wants to ride the Python coaster. So to ensure that she can, she and Pascal use code to track line lengths at the Python, token usage at all other attractions, and even to choose ice cream flavors during a well-deserved snack break.
This book ends with "Pearl and Pascal's Guide to Coding". All in all a quick and fun way to learn about coding!
This books finds Pearl and her robot, Pascal, using coding to have the best day possible at the amusement park. Pearl REALLY wants to ride the Python coaster. So to ensure that she can, she and Pascal use code to track line lengths at the Python, token usage at all other attractions, and even to choose ice cream flavors during a well-deserved snack break.
This book ends with "Pearl and Pascal's Guide to Coding". All in all a quick and fun way to learn about coding!
November 11, 2019
Pearl and Pascal are back at it again in this sequel in the Girls Who Code series. Together, Pearl and Pascal work together to write code to help them determine which ride to go on throughout the amusement park. Their code will tell them when lines are short, what kind of ice cream to have, and to keep track of how many tokens they have. This book is a fun way to introduce coding to young children. Thank you to Josh Funk for providing #collabookation with a copy of this to read and share.
October 22, 2019
This is a fun story for young readers as it follows two children as they explore an amusement park. It will also appeal to older students wanting to learn about coding. Just as you would give a computer instructions to do a task, Pearl and Pascal come up with a plan to avoid long lines, and make the best use of their time and money. Bright illustrations and bold text explain how coding applies to real life. This is a fun introduction to problem solving for young and old.
November 19, 2019
An elementary picture book about a girl and her robot going to a fair and budgeting their tickets using coding methods.
October 7, 2019
A further introduction into programming that is a great follow-up to Funk's How to Code a Sand Castle picture book. Good back matter with basic definitions of the terms used throughout the book. Received a copy on a temporary basis from my local library. Support your local library!
October 12, 2019
Not as good as How to Code a Sandcastle. For starters, they don't actually code a rollercoaster. This deals almost exclusively with variables. I feel like the parameters could have been more specific. It's not bad, but the first book was better.
May 12, 2019
A book for ALL ages! Simple and sweet...a great way to introduce coding to kiddos. Thanks again Josh Funk. This is a must for your library!
May 30, 2019
I absolutely LOVE this series! These books are a great introduction to the world of coding.
Want to read
July 4, 2019Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
July 10, 2019
The latest How to Code book by Josh Funk was just as good as the first. I love how Roller Coaster built on the ideas and concepts discussed in Sandcastle, but could also be used as a stand alone.
September 11, 2019
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the review copy.
November 2, 2019
3 stars for this coding story
November 12, 2019
Good resource for teaching kids about basic coding, but not great as a read aloud.
November 11, 2020
It is true that the subject of roller coasters is one of the most popular in elementary libraries, so picking it for this "how to code" title is a real draw. Collaborating with a forward from the Girls Who Code founder for this title immediately focuses the reader to think in coding terms. Pearl who is brown, along with her robot Pascal enjoys a fun day at the amusement park. But the usual problem arises, her favorite ride the Python Rollercoaster has too long a line, a perfect reason to CODE so she can have the "best day." The story uses real examples to explain the concepts of coding in an easy to understand text with attractive illustrations and code terms printed in colorful bold letters. What a fun and effective introduction to the world of coding!
February 1, 2020
I was thrilled the library bought this at my request. Miss 5 loves coding and enjoyed this book where coding terms and concepts are applied to a day at an amusement park. The story includes concepts such as: function, value, IF - THEN - ELSE, and sequencing.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
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February 10, 2021Do you want to support the mission of Girls Who Code? This is a great way to introduce both boys and girls to coding at a very young age. Coding terms are introduced in the context of a young girl and her robot's trip through a theme park. The words that are specific to coding are bolded in a different color and font. The story is supported with colorful illustrations that holds the attention of a younger reader that is being read to by an adult or older sibling. This book includes a forward from the founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma Sayoni and coding guide at the end.
January 28, 2020
Second book in this series. This time they're at an amusement park and need to figure out how to keep track of the tokens. Further coding terms are introduced and seamlessly meshed in the story.
Readers see how coding can be done in real life.
Funk has created two fun characters - Pearl and Pascal - who draw readers in to share the adventures.
Readers see how coding can be done in real life.
Funk has created two fun characters - Pearl and Pascal - who draw readers in to share the adventures.
August 25, 2020
I recommend this book (for ages 4-8) as a way to introduce coding terminology. It is pretty cool the way that Josh integrates the language of coding into the story. I also like that there is a guide to coding in the backmatter of this book that explains what code is as well as detailing some of the specific uses of terms used throughout the book.
September 28, 2020
How to code a roller coaster is a great introduction to coding with real life examples. Join pearl and her robot friend pascal as they have fun at the amusement park. Using the coding concept of variables they have a great time at the park, but they need to watch their spending. This is a great bedtime book or for a simple way to introduce your children to coding.
- Librarian Jeff
- Librarian Jeff
October 15, 2020
A girl and her robot head to the amusement park. They use coding skills like variables to keep track of their tokens and keep an eye on the roller coaster's line length.
A fun intro to coding for kids. The illustrations are attractive, and the concept is one that kids can get into. Even kids not into coding, can do some problem solving and get some simple subtraction practice.
A fun intro to coding for kids. The illustrations are attractive, and the concept is one that kids can get into. Even kids not into coding, can do some problem solving and get some simple subtraction practice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews