HUMANS ARE AWESOME!

Lopez and Ulloa’s colorful primer teaches kids how to safely integrate AI into their internet experience while continuously emphasizing the importance of thinking for yourself.

Through the adventures of an unnamed narrator, young readers explore the wondrous things that artificial intelligence can do—as well as the uniquely human things that it cannot. Each page uses specialized terminology to tackle the different ways in which humanness is ultimately superior to AI (only humans have “The Feelings Detector” and “The Right-and-Wrong Radar”). Each topic is presented via bullet points or in short paragraphs; the bite-sized chunks of information are accompanied by Hassam’s colorful illustrations of kids and assorted robots (representing AI). Occasional exercises, such thinking of “three things in your house that use computer brains,” add an interactive element. The authors also instruct readers on remaining safe and smart when encountering AI: “If a computer brain says something silly…or tells you to do something that doesn’t feel right, STOP and THINK!” Every few pages, the text offers an additional tip from the “Safety Hero,” such as a reminder that computers “are built to grab [your] attention and never let go.” Lopez and Ulloa have crafted a practical, thought-provoking manual for kids on a topic that is likely at the forefront of parents’ minds. They make their points in a fun and engaging way by using child-friendly vocabulary and breaking up subjects into small pieces—helping adults ease into a discussion for which, due to the newness of the technology, there is little to no guidance. The illustrations, with their short, choppy lines and plenty of shading that gives all of the diverse cast a joyful and dynamic sense of movement, complement the narrative. This combination—of a visually sumptuous feast and highly pertinent subject matter—is a superb pairing that teaches kids skills in a relatively new field through engaging instructions and compelling images.

A beautifully illustrated children’s guide to the intricacies of AI that celebrates the wonders of being human.