Best Python book(s) for a pre-teen?

[Daniel Dittmar]

Mike Silva wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> My son is 11 and wants to try programming, partly because it's what I
> do for a living.  Even though I don't (yet?) use or even know Python,
> through some unexplainable thought process I've decided it would be a
> good language to start him off with.  I've downloaded 2.2.2 and played
> around with it for a bit, and I would now like to hand him a book
> (with my guidance as needed) and say "go have fun!"  Is there a book
> that would be suitable for this approach (again, assuming I'm around
> to help out as needed)?

Just in case someone from Germany has the same problem: "Python für 
Kids" von Gregor Lingl

> One other question -- I'd like him to be able to do simple graphics
> fairly early, since I think it makes the whole self-learning process
> much more interesting.  I'm talking about things like points, lines,
> circles, fills, etc.  Is there a binding to the Win32 graphics
> primatives in 2.2.2, or can I find one someplace?  If this is a RTFM
> question, any pointers to TFM chapter, etc would be appreciated!

Tkinter has a canvas where you can place graphic objects, and add 
handlers for mouse clicks to them. These objects can be moved etc.

wxPython can only draw on a canvas, but I think it's easier to get a 
printout.

Both toolkits are rated PG, mostly because the documentation is not 
suitable for beginning programmers.

Daniel