Summary:
The Pirate and R is a simple introduction to the statistical software R, specifically aimed at future data scientists.
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Information about the Book
Title: The Pirate and R
Author: Daniele Forni
Genre: Picture Book
Publication Date: 2nd June 2020
Page Count: 30
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53666365-the-pirate-and-r
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pirate-R-Daniele-Forni/dp/1913340686/
My Review
The Rosie Synopsis
This little picture book is an introduction to coding and data science. Using a programme called R, it runs through a basic series of examples to teach the use of this statistical software. It is illustrated using a pirate with his treasures and food.
The Good
The book is aimed at a young audience and uses easily understandable examples, and brightly coloured images to attract the reader. It comes with links to a couple of websites and the reader has to download the R programme and follow the instructions to get the full experience, but I think as a start it is perfectly usable to read through. This is not a story book. it’s a learning aid in the format of a picture book. I quite like the idea of getting children into science and data early. Knowing how to properly analyse information is the best way to sift the wheat from the chaff of social noise. Start them young, and Gods help us we might get out of the mess we’re in eventually.
The Not-So-Good
I think there’s a bit of a mismatch between the intended audience and the aesthetic of the book. I also don’t know many parent who’d let their under five-year-old (aesthetic) download software or go online (intended audience, maybe 8 or 9?). But I might be naive. I’ll ask my cousin, he’s got little kids.
Verdict
It’s a good start if you’re kids are already interested in computers. I know some schools teach coding from an early age so this book could supplement and extend that learning.
Author Information
Daniele Forni works as a data scientist and risk manager in banking in London. He has degrees in Economics, International Relations and Languages (English and Mandarin) from universities in the UK and Italy. He has been working in finance for 10 years in Italy, China and the UK. As a data scientist, he is a keen innovation, data and coding enthusiast, and he loves spreading his passions to the younger generations through books and talks. He lives in East London with his beautiful wife and lovely daughter.
Website: https://www.thelittledatascientist.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieleforni/
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