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Merlin Raj #1
merlin raj and the santa algorithm
My name is Merlin Raj. Usually, I only have to worry about being the best service dog. I help my boy, Matthew, walk at school. But when my human Mom has to go away for winter break, getting ready for the holiday becomes a mess. I might be a super-smart golden retriever who wears glasses, but could I help my best friend with more than a disability?
Gulp.
Will a class on algorithms get me barking up the right Christmas tree?
Merlin Raj, The Santa Algorithm is the first installment in the Merlin Raj, Computer Science Service Dog chapter-book series. With a Computer Science degree and a passion for preparing kids for the future, author D. G. Priya blends technology with animal stories to stimulate a desire to read. Each book in the series introduces a new programming skill, complete with study guides for educators. If you or your child like delightful dog tales, practical examples, and accessible learning tools, then you’ll love D. G. Priya’s tail-wagging adventure.
Gulp.
Will a class on algorithms get me barking up the right Christmas tree?
Merlin Raj, The Santa Algorithm is the first installment in the Merlin Raj, Computer Science Service Dog chapter-book series. With a Computer Science degree and a passion for preparing kids for the future, author D. G. Priya blends technology with animal stories to stimulate a desire to read. Each book in the series introduces a new programming skill, complete with study guides for educators. If you or your child like delightful dog tales, practical examples, and accessible learning tools, then you’ll love D. G. Priya’s tail-wagging adventure.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2020
55 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
D.G. Priya
3 books113 followersD. G. Priya is the bestselling author Priya Ardis. She obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin, #6 in the world (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2014) and #8 (US News, 2020) in Computer Science.
About Merlin Raj: '…the more conceptual discussion of algorithms is well done, and the story is satisfying and emotionally resonant… Hampe’s black-and-white illustrations add depth to the story, giving readers another window into Merlin’s determination and creativity. …enjoyable STEM-centered novel for young readers' -- Kirkus Reviews
Read the latest new release: Merlin Raj and the Drones of Sleepy Hollow
D.G. Priya's advocacy of early education in computing and the challenges of childhood disabilities come from her experience as a parent and volunteer. Her love of dog stories comes from the antics of her own golden retriever.
About Merlin Raj: '…the more conceptual discussion of algorithms is well done, and the story is satisfying and emotionally resonant… Hampe’s black-and-white illustrations add depth to the story, giving readers another window into Merlin’s determination and creativity. …enjoyable STEM-centered novel for young readers' -- Kirkus Reviews
Read the latest new release: Merlin Raj and the Drones of Sleepy Hollow
D.G. Priya's advocacy of early education in computing and the challenges of childhood disabilities come from her experience as a parent and volunteer. Her love of dog stories comes from the antics of her own golden retriever.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 1, 2020
Have you ever wondered how to get children excited about STEM-fields?
Well, one of the possible answers to this algorithm is: reading the adventures of golden retriever Merlin Raj.
One year ago Merlin Raj joined the Raj-family: mother, father and their two boys Stephen and Matthew.
Merlin is the service dog of 9-year-old Matthew who has difficulties to walk and keep his balance.
Following classes with Matthew makes him even smarter than he already is (at least, most of the time).
'Merlin Raj and the Santa Algorithm' is the first book in a series to learn children some specific STEM-terminology in a playful way. For those who don't know what STEM means, it's the abbreviation for four closely connected areas of study: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
As the title already suggests, this book is perfect to read around Christmas-time. The whole story centers around creating the 'perfect' christmas, even though Matthews mother won't be there this year because she has to travel for work.
The story is entertaining and educational at the same time. But there are a few details that are less logical, which isn't in line with the thought behind this book. A few examples: , , , …
There are already three books in the Merlin Raj-series:
- book 1: Merlin Raj and the Santa Algorithm (about algorithms)
- book 2: Merlin Raj and the Love Me Not Race (about Boolean math)
- book 3: Merlin Raj and the Drones of Sleepy Hollow (about conditional logic)
The books are written by D.G. Priya (= bestselling author Priya Ardis).
She obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin.
Her website can be viewed here.
The nice black and white illustrations throughout the book are from Shelley Hampe.
You can see more of her work on her website.
Well, one of the possible answers to this algorithm is: reading the adventures of golden retriever Merlin Raj.
One year ago Merlin Raj joined the Raj-family: mother, father and their two boys Stephen and Matthew.
Merlin is the service dog of 9-year-old Matthew who has difficulties to walk and keep his balance.
Following classes with Matthew makes him even smarter than he already is (at least, most of the time).
'Merlin Raj and the Santa Algorithm' is the first book in a series to learn children some specific STEM-terminology in a playful way. For those who don't know what STEM means, it's the abbreviation for four closely connected areas of study: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
As the title already suggests, this book is perfect to read around Christmas-time. The whole story centers around creating the 'perfect' christmas, even though Matthews mother won't be there this year because she has to travel for work.
The story is entertaining and educational at the same time. But there are a few details that are less logical, which isn't in line with the thought behind this book. A few examples: , , , …
There are already three books in the Merlin Raj-series:
- book 1: Merlin Raj and the Santa Algorithm (about algorithms)
- book 2: Merlin Raj and the Love Me Not Race (about Boolean math)
- book 3: Merlin Raj and the Drones of Sleepy Hollow (about conditional logic)
The books are written by D.G. Priya (= bestselling author Priya Ardis).
She obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin.
Her website can be viewed here.
The nice black and white illustrations throughout the book are from Shelley Hampe.
You can see more of her work on her website.
December 5, 2020
The author creates a unique plot that will engage middle-grade and young teens. She does a good job of explaining how algorithms work, while creating a heart-warming tale of family devotion and holiday spirit.
Peter has a service dog named Merlin who accompanies him to school. His Golden Retriever friend tries hard to serve his master but often winds up in trouble instead. Readers are treated to a Christmas tale in while the family struggles to maintain traditions like baking and cutting down the Christmas tree while mom is traveling for work.
Along the way, readers learn how algorithms work, enjoy a bit of humor, and empathize with a close family who just want to get things right.
The black and while illustrations are charming. They enhance the feeling of identification with both human and animal characters. Recommended for ages eight and older.
Peter has a service dog named Merlin who accompanies him to school. His Golden Retriever friend tries hard to serve his master but often winds up in trouble instead. Readers are treated to a Christmas tale in while the family struggles to maintain traditions like baking and cutting down the Christmas tree while mom is traveling for work.
Along the way, readers learn how algorithms work, enjoy a bit of humor, and empathize with a close family who just want to get things right.
The black and while illustrations are charming. They enhance the feeling of identification with both human and animal characters. Recommended for ages eight and older.
November 22, 2020
Charming Christmas story about a service dog who wants to make the holidays the best they can be for his family. Little backstory is provided so readers don't know why Matthew needs Merlin as a service dog but they've been together for some time. Merlin tells the story from his perspective. After a few disasters, the happy ending occurs when the mom makes it home on Christmas Day despite obstacles. Priya slips information about algorithms into the story to introduce readers to this concept. It's done well though the story itself has a few plot holes. The information provided at the end - glossaries, coding example, brief bio of Babbage and Lovelace, and the recipe for the special Christmas cake, let readers explore further.
June 1, 2020
D.G. Priya has touched upon a unique topic in this book--coding. Not many children would pick up a book about algorithms, so she has cleverly woven a beautiful story about a 10-year-old boy, Matthew, who has a cute service dog, Merlin.
Matthew and Merlin learn about algorithms at school and are required to create an algorithm for a school competition. Merlin helps Matthew through many challenges by working out algorithms of his own in his doggy mind. Merlin also seemingly works miracles by reuniting Matthew with his mother in time for Christmas.
The book has a glossary of coding terms at the end, a recipe for Mom Raj's special Christmas Cake, a brief bio of Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace, and another glossary of difficult words used in the book. Matthew's code is also given.
I admire the author's effort to present a complex subject like coding to young readers. I'm not quite convinced that the oversimplification works well, especially since I had some trouble understanding Matthew's code. On the other hand, I enjoyed the story immensely.
It is heartwarming and teaches children a thing or two about facing up to difficulties and finding solutions. Plus, a book with a handsome and enterprising golden retriever will always find a place in children's hearts!
The illustrations are beautiful and convey the emotions of Merlin and Matthew well. I recommend this story for 8-10-year-olds as an introduction to computers and what it means to create code and break down tasks into steps.
(I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.)
Matthew and Merlin learn about algorithms at school and are required to create an algorithm for a school competition. Merlin helps Matthew through many challenges by working out algorithms of his own in his doggy mind. Merlin also seemingly works miracles by reuniting Matthew with his mother in time for Christmas.
The book has a glossary of coding terms at the end, a recipe for Mom Raj's special Christmas Cake, a brief bio of Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace, and another glossary of difficult words used in the book. Matthew's code is also given.
I admire the author's effort to present a complex subject like coding to young readers. I'm not quite convinced that the oversimplification works well, especially since I had some trouble understanding Matthew's code. On the other hand, I enjoyed the story immensely.
It is heartwarming and teaches children a thing or two about facing up to difficulties and finding solutions. Plus, a book with a handsome and enterprising golden retriever will always find a place in children's hearts!
The illustrations are beautiful and convey the emotions of Merlin and Matthew well. I recommend this story for 8-10-year-olds as an introduction to computers and what it means to create code and break down tasks into steps.
(I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.)
March 27, 2020
The book is okay. If the objective is to teach readers what an algorithm is and other computer science terms, it succeeded on that. But I found the plot lacking. The main character is a dog named Merlin. He is the service dog to an 8 year old, Matthew and he helps Matthew by providing balance. But why? What is Matthew's diagnosis? The lack of back story on the family was frustrating to this reader.
May 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read it with my girls. They’ll love this cute little Christmas story with a loving, sock-stealing, service dog as the main character. They might even learn some computer science terms along the way. I think if you have a child interested in STEM, this would be a great book for them to read. I wish I had books like this to read when I was growing up.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
July 15, 2020
Merlon Raj and the Santa Algorithm is a great introduction to algorithms for kids. The story is relatable and the explanation is broken down thoroughly enough that tweens and teens will have no trouble understanding it. I definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to the future books in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 6, 2021
It was fine. This was a read aloud for my son. There were parts of it that didn't read well. There were some clunky sentence structures and grammar flaws that interfered with the flow of the story. I would have to go back and read sentences again for the passage to make sense. I liked that the book was intended to act as an intro to coding. I love that it included the vocabulary and examples.
May 5, 2020
I received this book via an ARC group that I belong to, the concept piqued my curiosity. I sincerely wish that Id had a book like this to read when I was younger as its just a DELIGHTFUL concept. I wish the author tons of luck with his endeavor in this wonderful series, highly recommended.
March 27, 2020
Cute little xmas story about a very good boye teaching kids the early building blocks of logic and coding.
March 24, 2025
Tämä oli piristävä yllätys, sillä en aiemmin ole törmännyt samanlaiseen lastenkirjaan. Myös lapset innostuivat, etenkin kun pääosassa oli koira!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews