I’ve shared the enchanting story of ‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ with my child numerous times over the years. It has rapidly become a favorite for bedtime reading; just this past summer, he insisted we bring it on vacation for nightly storytelling. Always eager to oblige, I dive into it whenever he desires. Given his deep affection for the book, his excitement was palpable when he learned that Netflix was adapting it into a show. Honestly, I felt the same thrill. Not only do we cherish the character, but I’m also on the lookout for children’s shows that feature diverse protagonists. As someone who’s well-versed in the source material, I can confidently say the series brilliantly encapsulates the essence of The Questioneers.
Leading the charge for ‘Ada Twist’ is seasoned producer Jordan Lee, known for creating hits like ‘Doc McStuffins’ and the more recent ‘Ridley Jones,’ also available on Netflix. The series is co-executive produced by a prominent figure in children’s media, which adds an impressive touch! While Jordan Lee is the mastermind behind the show, Samira Thompson has taken on the role of showrunner, steering the creative direction. The team at Creative Kidz had a chance to chat with Jordan Lee via video call, which was truly exciting.
If you’re a devoted fan of the book series and worry the show will solely spotlight Ada and her family, rest assured! Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck are also included, allowing glimpses into their lives. In one episode, the kids visit Rosie’s home to bake banana bread for Great Aunt Rose, a character central to ‘Rosie Revere, Engineer.’ Not only do we see Rosie and Aunt Rose, but we also meet Rosie’s mom, who is a pilot. Iggy Peck’s family is portrayed as divorced but amicable co-parents, with his father helping in the garden at his mother’s home. While there’s no mention of Rosie’s dad, it’s refreshing to see various family dynamics represented.
“It took considerable effort to ensure we accurately represented the characters,” Samira Thompson stated in a series of questions submitted by the Creative Kidz team. “We focused on family dynamics and Ada’s fearless curiosity about the world. We’ve been deliberate about our messaging, knowing Ada could broaden perceptions.”
Representation is evidently a priority in this show. The creators could have easily chosen to center the narrative around Rosie or Iggy but opted to tell the story through Ada’s perspective. Showcasing women in STEM and STEAM fields is crucial, particularly in encouraging young children of color, especially Black girls, to feel included in these spaces. Ada Twist embodies confidence and never doubts her place among her peers.
“Ada Twist has the potential to transform children’s media. It’s fantastic to see a young Black girl leading as a scientist,” Thompson emphasized.
An exciting feature of the show is the segments between stories that introduce real-life scientists. These professionals break the mold of the traditional white lab-coat stereotype, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and primarily women. This further underlines the message that science is accessible to everyone, not just those in labs. We not only observe Ada and her friends engaging in scientific exploration in everyday settings but also meet real scientists working in kitchens or greenhouses.
Jordan Lee shared that the inspiration for featuring diverse scientists came after attending a panel on women in STEM. “It was essential to challenge the stereotype of who a scientist is while showing kids that science extends beyond the laboratory,” she explained. The involvement of influential figures helped connect them with remarkable women in the field.
While Ada Twist and her friends are pint-sized scientists conducting spontaneous experiments, they are still relatable kids. Whether it’s Ada’s frustration over a power outage ruining movie night or Iggy’s whimsical belief that birds and ants are conspiring, these characters resonate with audiences. Rosie’s fascination with unicorns adds to this relatability, showcasing that even scientists have interests outside of their field, a thoughtful inclusion by the creators.
During the premiere episode, my child exclaimed, “I can’t believe we finally get to hear their voices!” These characters are beloved, and the production team understood the importance of authenticity. They successfully transitioned Ada Twist and her friends from the pages of a 30-page book to engaging 30-minute episodes.
The characters retain their recognizability from the books, thanks to the talented team’s efforts to stay true to Andrea Beaty’s distinct illustrations. The animation captures the unique charm of the story, with Ada in her signature dress and poofy ponytails, while also modernizing certain elements of the parents’ retro styles. Mrs. Twist’s iconic glasses and Rosie’s red hairband remain intact.
One standout feature is Ada’s hair, which authentically represents Black girl hair! The texture and styling are portrayed accurately on screen. “Early in the process, I had a chance to discuss character designs with influential figures, and one significant point raised was about the portrayal of Ada’s hair. It was crucial to ensure it looked comfortable and true to life,” Jordan Lee revealed. This highlights the importance of diverse representation in every aspect of the production.
“We are committed to ensuring diverse representation both on-screen and behind the scenes,” Samira Thompson affirmed. “This includes various races and abilities in our crew, writers, and the scientists featured at the end of each episode. Representation is a core focus for us.”
‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ exceeds expectations, delivering a fresh, engaging, and relatable experience. My eight-year-old is utterly captivated, and if you know him, you’d understand that there’s no higher praise. Plus, I can’t stop humming the catchy “Brainstorm” song. If you have young children, this show should be at the top of your watchlist!
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Summary
‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ on Netflix beautifully adapts the beloved children’s book into a vibrant show that maintains the essence of the characters while introducing new elements. With a focus on representation and relatability, the series features diverse scientists and showcases the importance of STEM education for all children. The animation brings the story to life, making it a must-watch for families.
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