A storybook designed to teach kids about how computers work
I’ve been working on a unique storybook designed to teach kids about how computers work, and I would love to get your feedback. Set 500 years in the future, the story follows two kids – one a robot, the other a human – as they explore the workings of what to them is ancient technology: our present-day computers. I’ve aimed to keep each story short and engaging, sprinkling in humor and illustrations to captivate young readers. As an open-source project, you’re also welcome to check out the source here: https://github.com/yong/lostlanguageofthemachines
A storybook designed to teach kids about how computers work launched on April 19, 2024 with 132 votes, #405 of 4,347 launches that month and more than 95% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 2 years on.
In plain words
This is an open-source storybook that teaches children how computers work through a narrative set 500 years in the future. Two young protagonists—a robot and a human—discover and explore how present-day computers function as ancient technology. Each story is short and engaging, featuring illustrations and humor designed to hold young readers' attention while introducing computer science concepts in an accessible way.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
Discover 'Lost Language of the Machines,' an interactive storybook where kids learn about computing with friends from the future. Start the adventure now!
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