Acknowledgments

This book would never have been started, much less finished, without the inspiration, initiative, and support of my wonderful wife, Patricia. When we couldn’t find a suitable book to feed Carter’s keen interest in learning about programming, she said, “You should write one. It would be a great project for you two to work on together.” As is often the case, she was right. Patricia has a way of bringing out the best in people. So Carter and I started thinking about what would be in such a book, writing chapter outlines and sample programs, and finding ways to make it fun and interesting. Once we got started, Carter and Patricia made sure we finished. Carter would give up bedtime stories to work on the book. And if we didn’t work on it for a while, I would be reminded, “Daddy, we haven’t worked on the book for days!” Carter and Patricia reminded me that, if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. And all members of the family, including our daughter Kyra, gave up many hours of family time while the book was in progress. I thank all of them for their patience and loving support, which made this book possible.