"This is a strongly substantive book, covering everything from AI fundamentals and practical applications to hands-on technical learning emphasizing coding and the use of generative AI tools. From ethics and governance to creativity, lifelong learning, and AI careers, this book has it all. Essentials? For beginners? Yes, to both!" - DAVID REYNOLDS

"How can making a tomato and cheese sandwich, baking a cake, tying my shoes, or deciding whether to go outside to garden teach me about AI? That's how Peneycad does it. She creates analogies, offers many practical examples, and simplifies the topic. This book was a pleasure to read. It was fast-paced yet comprehensive." - EDWARD WEDLER

"You can't begin to understand how much this has helped me as a student going into the IT world, especially with the section on career pathways." - ZOE K.

"A must-have book in anyone's library." - BARB W.

"Masterfully captures the essentials of AI. The future is exciting, and this book is a fantastic introduction to this significant topic!" - DAMIAN ALI

"This book stands out with very well-curated content that goes beyond the basics, offering an in-depth yet accessible exploration I have not found in other resources. The explanations are thorough without overwhelming beginners, making it perfect for anyone seeking a comprehensive, approachable guide. Highly recommended!" - NEGIN FICZKOWSKI

"A cracking guide for anyone curious about AI but put off by the usual technobabble. Melissa has this brilliant knack for stripping down complex concepts, like machine learning and neural networks, into something even a layperson could wrap their head around. It's rich with practical examples that ground the theory and hands-on exercises that genuinely bridge the gap between reading and actually using AI. She doesn't shy away from the tough stuff either, digging into ethical concerns and highlighting AI's current limits without sugar-coating." - PAUL BYRNE

"An empowering resource." - RITA ASSI NJWENG