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Knowledge Is Power
Where Did Computers Come From? follows two young brothers who find themselves on a time-traveling adventure after they discover a sentient technological construct in their garage. Where did the idea for this story come from?
Ever since my first son, Jacob, was born, I’ve had the desire to teach him all I have grown to know and love about computers. I could not find any STEM-related books for children that taught them about the origins and future of technology.
Growing up in the late 80’s to early 2000’s, technology has seen a tremendous growth and transformation, from payphones to cellular smart phones, from Ataris to Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation, from cassette (mix) tapes and Walkman to Pandora and Spotify. The growth has not stopped, nor do I feel like it will in the foreseeable future, with the continued injection of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and future Quantum technology; however, to grow is also to know the past. My intent was to create a fun, interactive book series to teach the children of today, those that are born with technology at their fingertips, where this all started, so that they can create love and respect for it and also build the technology of the future.
Did you base Jake and Eli on real children or experiences?
I have fond memories as a child, growing up and going to early computer shows at the local racetrack with my father to buy individual computer parts, from RAM, floppy drives, CPUs and coming home to put together what was essentially my LEGO, taking all of those parts and building my own computers. Since that early age I have been taking technology apart and putting it back together. I’ve had a successful career building large computer systems from concept to operations and now focused on the cybersecurity protections of them. I apply all of the knowledge I have gained over the years as the basis of accuracy for these books. The hardest part is putting them in terms kids would understand and enjoy and that is where the magic occurs. My co-conspirators and inspiration for this series are Jacob and Elijah, my two sons (9 and 7 respectively), who I talk through my imaginary concept to ensure it makes sense and is fun.
As a child, I excelled in math and science but struggled with reading and specifically comprehension and retention of information I read. This was the driver for the interactive nature of the book series. Each book has a QR code where parents, teachers and kids can open a webpage with additional supplementary information tailored to the specific story they read to reinforce the concepts. The page content ranges from fun facts, to interactive knowledge check games, and downloadable content such as connect the dots, spot the difference, etc. The play aspect of this makes it not only fun but will hopefully help retain the overall topic taught in the stories.
Techtor is a memorable addition to the story. How did you design this character to feel friendly and approachable for young readers?
The vast majority of us have a fascination with traveling through space and time. It captivates us as we watch super hero adventures or movies that challenge our thinking of moving particles through space. In the first book adventure, we see Jake and Eli traveling through time and going into the past to meet a mainframe computer. In the second adventure, they travel into the innermost parts of a computer to learn how the parts work together. In the third adventure, not yet released, we will see Jake and Eli enter into the world of coding to learn the language of computers. These concepts were drawn from great movies like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids or even Willy Wonka where humans were transported through time and space, transformed to particles and reassembled in a different location and/or size.
Can you give us a glimpse inside the next book in the Jake and Eli’s Adventures series?
As such I strive to teach my children that the boom of technology could be used to achieve great things; however, it can also be used for harm. Each book released in the series is intended to build on the previous story. As such, a future book is focused on ensuring that everyone knows how to safeguard themselves while taking advantage of the wonderful benefits we get from technology. This protection would include knowing how to avoid cyber bullies and being aware of what scary “digital” roads not to go down. It will also highlight that protection is not the job of one individual but more of the entire family. Knowledge is power. If you know what you need to be cautious of, the better equipped you’ll be to avoid them.
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Have you ever wondered where computers came from? In Jake and Eli’s Adventures: Where Did Computers Come From?, brothers Jake and Eli embark on a thrilling journey through time to uncover the secrets of technology! When their dad encourages them to explore the garage, they meet Techtor—a friendly guide who opens the door to the past. Together, they discover Max the Mainframe, a giant octopus-like computer that processes information in a whole new way! With colorful punch cards and fascinating facts, Jake and Eli learn how computers evolved from massive machines to the personal devices we use today. Filled with excitement, mystery, and fun, this adventure will spark curiosity and inspire young readers to explore the world of technology. Get ready to dive into the past and discover how computers changed our lives forever!
Where Did Computers Come From?
Jake and Eli are precocious brothers with a genuine love of learning. Yet one question puzzles them: where do computers come from? When their father encourages them to investigate the garage, they discover Techtor, a sentient technological construct eager to guide them. What follows is a lively journey through time, tracing the origins of the earliest computers.
Along the way, the brothers receive a fast-paced introduction to the history of computing. They meet friendly helpers, including Max the Mainframe. They also encounter punch cards and see how early systems relied on them. By the end of the adventure, Jake and Eli return with a strong foundation of new knowledge and a fresh appreciation for the technology they use every day.
Where Did Computers Come From?: Jake and Eli’s Adventures, Book 1, by Hector Morales, is a short, illustrated children’s book best suited for readers ages four and up. Each page keeps the text minimal. A few words. Bright, colorful pictures. Clear visuals help young readers follow the action without making them feel overwhelmed.
The simplicity is a strength. Two curious kids. A straightforward path to hands-on learning. A friendly guide who makes the unknown feel inviting. The story and artwork echo the spirit of “let’s pretend” play, but the imagination serves a greater purpose here. Jake and Eli get their big question answered, and they do it in a way that feels like exploration rather than instruction.
It’s also an age-appropriate premise. Computers are everywhere in modern life, which makes them easy to take for granted. While this topic may eventually appear in school, this approach makes the subject feel accessible and fun. The backstory keeps the pages moving, the illustrations add energy. The learning lands almost effortlessly.
Techtor and Max the Mainframe arrive without an origin explanation, and that omission works well within the storyline. I appreciated the fact that the fantasy elements do not demand justification. Children will accept them readily and stay focused on the adventure. Meanwhile, the history lesson quietly does its job. It offers an early framework for understanding how computers began and how they continue to grow more capable as time goes on. I highly recommend this book for parents and teachers seeking ways to integrate technology into their reading routines.
Pages: 32 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FRG8G8ZF
Educate and Feed Youth’s Interest
The Dreamlighters Go to Space follows a brother, sister, and magical genie from their nightlight who set out to figure out how to have an adventure in space. What was the inspiration for your story?
Although my initial intent was to create a legacy for my children to be proud of, God took the reins and gave me this particular storyline. At first, I only wanted to write a book because I read in another book, Multiple Streams of Income, that this was the best way to create a secondary stream of residual income, but as time passed, my passion for ensuring my children were aware of the endless possibilities there are in life captured the essence of what I set out to do.
Kaleb, Maya, and Jazz are relatable characters for children. What traits were important to you when creating them?
It was important for the characters to reflect who my actual children are so that it could be understandable for them. My team and I were very intentional with having them mirror the climate of today’s youth so that we do not lose their interest while feeding them valuable information.
Your children’s book blends factual information into a story filled with humor and fantasy. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Including jobs like engineering and meteorology was the foundation for the storyline so that children could walk away with tangible information that would make a lasting impact. It is important to highlight these careers because the astronaut is the typical position mentioned when speaking of space exploration, but we want to reiterate just how vital these roles are as well.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is, indeed, the first book of a series for The Dreamlighters. Their next adventure will introduce new friends as they travel through a fire station and attempt to help with a live fire! You can expect The Dreamlighters Put Out a Fire to be released later this year.
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With the countdown nearing, will the Dreamlighters find their way to the moon?
This award-winning book is a fun & imaginative story that introduces career building like never before!
The Dreamlighters Go to Space
In The Dreamlighters Go to Space by Mike Gammage, readers are swept into a delightful blend of fantasy and reality. The story follows the journey of Kaleb and his sister Maya, two children with a burning curiosity to explore the vastness of outer space. Their dream seems out of reach until they meet Jazz, a mystical figure who opens the door to an extraordinary adventure.
Gammage’s narrative skillfully interweaves the magic of imagination with elements of real-world science, creating a tale that resonates with the universal longing to explore the unknown. The story is not just a whimsical ride; it also offers educational value. As the children prepare for their space journey, they interact with the scientists responsible for the rocket launch, providing young readers with a glimpse into the complexities of space travel. The illustrations in the book are vibrant and dynamic, adding depth to the narrative and bringing the characters’ emotions to life. The relationship between Kaleb, Maya, and Jazz is portrayed with warmth and affection, enhancing the story’s appeal. The portrayal of the engineers struggling with the rocket launch adds a touch of humor and realism, reminiscent of the challenges faced during real-life space missions like the Artemis 1.
The Dreamlighters Go to Space is an adventurous tale that is heartwarming and captures the joy of dreaming big. Recommended for children aged 5 and older who are fascinated by space and the wonders of the universe, this book is an excellent choice for bedtime reading. It combines cheerful illustrations with a seamless blend of science and fantasy, encouraging young minds to pursue their dreams and explore the world around them.
Pages: 50 | ASIN : B0CQTWJDL5
