Best Python Books for Kids (2026): First Code Picks

For a kid ready to move past block coding, the best python books for kids turn a first programming language into games, graphics and puzzles. This list compares Python books for young readers, from visual DK guides to a playful introduction.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Python for Kids 2nd by Briggs	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Python Crash Course, 3rd Ed.	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Coding Projects in Python by DK	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Coding Games in Python by DK	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Python for Kids by Briggs	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Python for Kids 2nd by Briggs

Jason R. Briggs·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 368 page Python 3 introduction for ages 10 to 12, with games and puzzles.

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Pros

• Python 3 practices throughout
• Two complete games built by the end
• New puzzles and two new appendices

Cons

• No puzzle answer key stated
• 368 pages, the longest book here
• Python 3 only, no earlier version covered

2

Python Crash Course, 3rd Ed.

Eric Matthes·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 552-page Python intro with exercises and three projects: a game, visualizations and a Django app.

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Pros

• 552 pages, 3rd edition
• pytest to Django coverage
• Best-selling Python guide

Cons

• No warranty stated
• Long 552-page commitment
• Assumes modern setup

3

Coding Projects in Python by DK

DK·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A visual, step-by-step Python guide after Scratch, with graphics, games and apps.

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Pros

• Step-by-step visual guidance with pixel art
• Loops and conditionals taught through projects
• For kids ready to move on from Scratch

Cons

• 2017 edition, the oldest DK title here
• Needs a desktop or laptop
• For Ages 8 to 12 differs from reading age 9 to 12

4

Coding Games in Python by DK

DK·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A game-building Python guide using Pygame, for beginners and seasoned programmers alike.

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Pros

• Each chapter builds one complete game
• Pygame and Pygame Zero resources named
• Teaches bugs, loops, flags, strings and turtles

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers only
• 2018 edition, older than the 2022 books
• Needs Pygame and sound and image packs

5

Python for Kids by Briggs

Jason R. Briggs·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A playful 2012 Python introduction with monsters, secret agents and two games.

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Pros

• Monsters, secret agents and thieving ravens in examples
• Code colored, dissected and explained
• Two complete games by the end

Cons

• 2012 edition, with a 2nd edition from 2022 also listed
• Reading age marked as from customers only
• Ages 10 plus against reading age 8 to 12

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• Python Workbook for Kids by MatherWorkbook with 150 small Python programs for kidsCheck on Amazon
• Python for Young Coders by Pandey16 chapters of project-based Python for kids and teensCheck on Amazon
• Coding with Python by WainewrightGraphics projects in Python for younger kidsCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Most picks list a reading age and grade level; one title-only pick states neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best python books for kids

Match the age and grade to the reader

The DK guides list ages 7 to 12 and 9 to 12, while the Briggs second edition lists 10 to 12. Grade 5 to 6 suits a different reader than grade 4 to 7, so check both figures. See the kids and teens books lists.

Pick the edition, not just the title

Two editions of Python for Kids appear here: the 2012 edition and the 2022 second edition for Python 3. The second edition adds new puzzles and appendices, so prefer it unless the older edition is the one wanted. See the science books for kids who love experiments for more STEM reading.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age and grade level, and whether the age is marked as from customers.
• Check the edition year: the 2012 Python for Kids edition differs from the 2022 second edition.
• Check whether the book needs downloads, such as Python 3 or Pygame resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a kid start with Python?

With a visual guide after Scratch, such as Coding Projects in Python.

What age are these books for?

Listed reading ages run 7 to 12 years, with grade levels 4 to 7.

Which edition of Python for Kids should I buy?

The 2022 second edition, updated for Python 3 with new puzzles and appendices.

Still deciding? Our top pickPython for Kids 2nd by Briggs

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Related lists

See every Kids and Teens list.

More lists: educational book bundles for kids, typing workbook for kids, chess books for kids.