Lauren and the Jargonauts

Real-world computer science concepts come to life in this whimsically illustrated adventure story that teaches kids how the internet works.

Lauren Ipsum is back for another high-tech adventure! Follow Lauren as she helps captain Calvin Kelvin set up a telegraph network to unite all of Userland, learning how the internet works along the way. 

Lauren and the Jargonauts plunges our fictional hero into a thrilling new storyline that teaches children real computer science and engineering concepts, minus the technical jargon – and the computer! Over the course of 20 chapters, young readers learn fundamental concepts about the global internet and the rules that make it possible, as well as the secrets of algorithms, cracking codes, how vast undersea cables are laid out, and the perils of  sharks messing up your internet connection. By intertwining CS lessons with a fun narrative, this whimsically illustrated book provides a unique educational experience that makes complex technological ideas highly accessible.

Each chapter has a corresponding technical section that further explores the content and its real-world applications, including programming concepts like modulo and duck-typing, simple algorithms, and useful problem-solving techniques.

Carlos Bueno has worked in tech for over 25 years, on everything from self-driving cars to optimising pictures of cats. His first book, Lauren Ipsum (No Starch Press, 2014), has the curious distinction of appearing in academic journals of theoretical computer science, university-level courses, and the young adult section of your local library.