Artificial intelligence is all around us and it’s becoming a bigger and more important part of our lives every day. Is My Phone Reading My Mind? provides valuable insights into this technological juggernaut. Photos: Supplied.
This brilliantly illustrated selection of books from Allen & Unwin is a medium for knowledge acquisition, personal growth, self-discovery and some festive cheer for young readers, inspired by a true adventure.
If you have a love of robotics or are keen on anything to do with science, then turn your attention to Is My Phone Reading My Mind? as you enter the world of artificial intelligence (AI).
Dr Matt Agnew, who has a doctorate in astrophysics and a master’s in AI, explains everything there is to know about AI and why you don’t need to be afraid!
One of Australia’s leading ”edutainers” admits his love of robotics and explains he was “fortunate enough to eventually study and work within the world of artificial intelligence (not the actual robots, more the ‘brain’ that could eventually direct robots)”.
“By being involved in this exciting world, I learned a lot about not just how it works, but also, and maybe more importantly, how it can influence us in interesting and unknown ways,” Dr Agnew said.
When you think of AI, you might imagine a walking, talking robot or a giant computer that wants to take over the world. The reality, however, is AI is a brilliant human invention that can be found in nearly every modern device, from our computers to our cars.
AI can seem scary at times, so working out where we use it and why is an important part of making the best of this exciting technology. Many questions about AI are answered in a fun, funny and engaging way.
Dr Agnew is more than a scientist and a confessed nerd. He is a passionate and engaging scientist who has worn many hats – as an engineer, an astrophysicist and an AI expert.
While AI is complex and you don’t need to understand how all the clever AI around you works, it is important to know that it does exist and is influencing your life, maybe in ways you didn’t even realise!
Is My Phone Reading My Mind?: The real facts about artificial intelligence, by Dr Matt Agnew, Allen & Unwin, $19.99
Young readers will be hooked to the last page in Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria: Bravepaw 1.
An engaging adventure full of magic and prophecy, quests, heroism and loyal friendship can be found in Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria: Bravepaw 1.
Being the smallest mouse in her family, Titch has always longed for adventure – just like the gallant mouse hero Bravepaw in all her favourite stories. She lives in a peaceful little village where nothing exciting ever happens … that is, until terrible trouble comes to the Plateau.
Titch and her best friend, Huckleberry, must set out on a dangerous quest to take the Heartstone to repair the crack in the heart of Alluria before the whole world breaks apart.
The Bravepaw series is L.M. Wilkinson’s introduction to high fantasy for junior fiction readers. It has all the tropes, and all the adventure, but is packaged in an easy-to-read, early chapter book format, complete with Lavanya Naidu’s striking illustrations.
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria: Bravepaw 1, by L.M. Wilkinson, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu, Albert Street Books, $16.99
South with the Seabirds centres on the first female scientists to join an Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition, and highlights their incredible legacy.
In South with the Seabirds, award-winning author and illustrator Jess McGeachin brings to ‘’life’’ the captivating true story of four remarkable scientists and their incredible journey to the sub-Antarctic.
In 1959, the scientists – Hope Black, Mary Gillham, Susan Ingham and Isobel Bennett – travelled to an island at the edge of the world. They were the first female scientists to join an Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition. They were greeted by giant seabirds, snorting seals and penguins as far as the eye could see.
McGeachin has published nine books. Deep won the 2023 CBCA Eve Pownall Award.
South with the Seabirds, by Jess McGeachin, Allen & Unwin, $29.99
Inspired by a true adventure, Waiting for Santa is a relatable Christmas story worth waiting for!
Waiting for Santa is a hilarious and relatable festive family story because waiting in line to meet Santa and having your photo taken with him is the best part of Christmas!
However, what do you do if the line is looooong, you only have little legs and you are not good at waiting? Luckily, it’s Christmas time and magic is in the air.
Chances are you might just end up with the best family photo you’ve ever had!
Waiting for Santa, by Lucy Cochran, illustrated by Heidi McKinnon, Albert Street Books, $19.99
Dot! Scribble! Go! highlights some of the amazing things you can create.
French author Hervé Tullet, the internationally best-selling creator of Press Here and Mix it Up!, makes a valid statement: “Children need to play. It’s their job. It’s a fact. My job is to make kids play.”
Dot! Scribble! Go! is a liberating and exhilarating tour de force. Step by step, Tullet uses dots, lines, smudges and scribbles to open up an amazing world of drawing where anything is possible.
All you need is a magic hand, some colours on a palette, and off you go!
Dot! Scribble! Go!, by Hervé Tullet, Allen & Unwin, $24.99
