Entertainment
Over the past few years, I’ve read ‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ to my daughter countless times. It quickly rose to the top of her favorite bedtime stories — just this past summer, she insisted I bring it along on vacation for our nightly readings. I’m always eager to oblige her requests, especially since her enthusiasm for the book is so infectious. When she discovered that Netflix was adapting it into a show, her excitement was through the roof. Honestly, I was equally thrilled. We adore this character, and as a parent, I’m always on the lookout for children’s programming that showcases diverse characters. Having immersed myself in the books, I can confidently say that the show beautifully encapsulates the essence of The Questioneers.
Leading the charge on ‘Ada Twist’ is seasoned producer Jamie Ellis, known for creating hits like ‘Doc McStuffins’ and more recently ‘Luna’s Adventures,’ which airs on Netflix as well. The show also boasts the executive production of Michelle Obama, adding a notable touch! While Jamie is the show’s creator, Lisa Carter serves as the showrunner, guiding the project’s direction. We were fortunate enough to connect with Jamie for an exciting Zoom interview.
If you’re a fan of the book series and are worried that the show will solely focus on Ada and her family, worry not! Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck make appearances too, allowing viewers a glimpse into their lives. In one episode, the trio visits Rosie’s home to bake banana bread for her Great Aunt Rose, a character prominently featured in ‘Rosie Revere, Engineer.’ We also see Rosie’s mom, who is a pilot, which adds another layer of representation. While Iggy Peck’s parents are divorced, they maintain a supportive co-parenting relationship, which is refreshing. It’s great to see diverse family dynamics being portrayed.
“It was essential for us to accurately depict the characters and their dynamics. We worked diligently to stay true to Ada’s fearless curiosity about the world,” Lisa Carter mentioned in a series of questions provided by Netflix. (She was unable to participate in a live interview due to illness.)
Representation is clearly a priority for the show. Rather than simply focusing on Rosie or Iggy, they chose to center the narrative around Ada. Highlighting women in STEM and STEAM fields is a key goal, particularly in showing young children of color, especially Black girls, that they belong in these spaces. Ada Twist never hesitates to assert her right to share the same space as her peers.
Ada Twist has the potential to shift the landscape in children’s media. It’s incredible to see a young Black girl take the lead as a scientist,” said Carter.
Another exciting aspect of the show is the inclusion of real-life scientists between episodes. These scientists defy the typical stereotypes, showcasing a diverse range of backgrounds and primarily featuring women. This approach reinforces the message that science is accessible to everyone. Rather than limiting science to lab settings, we see Ada and her friends engaging in scientific exploration in their daily lives, whether in the kitchen or a greenhouse.
Jamie explained that the concept of highlighting various scientists came after attending a panel on women in STEM. She realized that it was crucial to dismantle the stereotype of scientists and to show kids that science extends beyond laboratory walls.
“It was important for us to showcase the diverse individuals in science and the variety of work they do,” she said. Thanks to the Obamas’ involvement as producers, they were able to connect with some truly remarkable scientists for the show.
Although Ada Twist and her friends are spirited little scientists conducting spontaneous experiments, they remain relatable children. Their experiences, from Ada’s disappointment over a power outage ruining movie night to Iggy’s humorous theory about birds and ants, resonate with young audiences. Rosie’s fascination with unicorns, which Jamie confirmed was intentional to illustrate that scientists can enjoy fantasy, adds to their charm. These characters are beloved not only because of the stories but also because they reflect the kids we know and love.
During the premiere episode, my daughter turned to me and exclaimed, “I can’t believe we finally get to hear their voices!” The team behind the show recognized the importance of staying true to the characters we cherish from the books while also expanding their stories into engaging 30-minute episodes.
All the characters are instantly recognizable thanks to the books, and the adaptation team did a remarkable job maintaining Andrea Beaty’s iconic visual style. The illustrations are so distinctive that one might doubt their translation into 3D animation. However, Jamie, Lisa, and their team successfully brought ‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ to life. Ada still sports her signature dress and playful ponytails, and they’ve kept the retro flair of the parents’ attire while modernizing it slightly. Mrs. Twist retains her iconic glasses, and Rosie still wears her red hair bandana.
The first thing that struck me about Ada Twist is her hair; it authentically represents Black girl hair! It’s not just styled accurately, but the texture is beautifully rendered on screen.
“Early in the process, I had the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Obama, where we reviewed initial designs. One of her immediate concerns was that the hair looked uncomfortable, the way it was styled was too tight,” Jamie shared. “That’s an insight I wouldn’t have noticed, which is why representation matters.”
We are committed to ensuring representation both in front of and behind the camera, encompassing various races, abilities, and experiences within our crew, writers, and scientists featured at the end of each episode, as well as in the characters themselves, Carter emphasized.
‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ goes above and beyond expectations. It’s refreshing, engaging, and feels wonderfully familiar. My eight-year-old is completely obsessed with the show, and if you knew him, you’d realize that’s the highest praise possible. Plus, I can’t stop singing the catchy “Brainstorm” song. If you have young children, this show should be at the top of your watchlist.
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In summary, ‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ on Netflix is a delightful adaptation of the beloved book, featuring relatable characters, diverse representation, and a strong message about inclusivity in STEM. It’s a must-watch for families with young children.
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