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By Alex Thompson | September 30, 2021
I’ve read ‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ to my child countless times over the years. It quickly became one of their favorite bedtime tales—just this past summer, they asked me to bring it along on vacation so I could read it to them. Never one to let them down, I’m always happy to oblige. Given their love for the book, the news of a Netflix adaptation had them absolutely thrilled. Honestly, I was just as excited! Not only do we cherish this character, but I’m constantly on the lookout for children’s shows that feature diverse protagonists. As someone well-acquainted with the original books, I’m pleased to say that the show does a remarkable job of capturing the essence of The Questioneers’ universe.
Leading the charge on the ‘Ada Twist’ project is seasoned producer Jamie Lee, known for creating hits like ‘Doc McStuffins’ and more recently ‘Ridley Jones,’ also on Netflix. Additionally, the show is executive produced by former First Lady Michelle Obama, which is quite impressive! While Jamie Lee is the creator, Maya Johnson serves as the showrunner, effectively guiding the creative direction. Scary Mommy had the opportunity to chat with Jamie via Zoom, which was a delightful experience.
Character Representation and Storylines
For fans of the book series who worry that the show will solely focus on Ada and her family, there’s good news! Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck also make significant appearances, allowing viewers a glimpse into their lives. In one episode, the trio visits Rosie’s home to bake banana bread for Great Aunt Rose, a prominent character in ‘Rosie Revere, Engineer.’ Not only do we see Rosie and Aunt Rose, but we also meet Rosie’s mom, who happens to be a pilot. Iggy Peck’s storyline includes his divorced parents who are depicted as cooperative co-parents, showing a positive family dynamic. While details about Rosie’s dad remain unclear, it’s refreshing to see diverse family structures represented.
“It took time to ensure the characters were accurate and authentic in their representation. We focused on family dynamics and how fearless and curious Ada is about the world. We’ve been very deliberate about our messaging. I believe Ada has the potential to broaden the narrative landscape,” Maya shared in a set of questions provided by Netflix. (She was unable to join us for a live interview due to illness.)
Representation is clearly a priority for the show’s creators. Instead of merely focusing on Rosie or Iggy, they chose to tell the story through Ada’s perspective. This emphasis on showcasing women in STEM and STEAM is crucial, particularly for young children of color, especially Black girls, who need to see that they belong in these fields. Ada Twist never hesitates to assert her right to participate alongside her white peers.
“Ada Twist has the potential to reshape children’s media. It’s inspiring to see a young Black girl in the lead role as a scientist,” Maya added.
Diverse Scientists and Real-Life Representation
Another exciting element of the show is the inclusion of real-life scientists between stories. These scientists defy the typical white lab coat stereotype, representing a variety of scientific fields, and are predominantly women of diverse backgrounds. This approach reinforces the message that science is accessible to everyone. In addition to watching Ada and her friends conduct experiments in their everyday lives, we also see real scientists in various settings, like kitchens and greenhouses.
Jamie Lee explained that the idea of featuring diverse scientists stemmed from her participation in a panel about women in STEM. She recognized the importance of breaking the stereotype of a scientist and depicting science as more than just lab work. “It was essential to show varied images of who engages in this work and what that work entails,” she said. Moreover, some of the extraordinary women featured were brought on board thanks to the Obamas’ connections in the industry.
Relatable Characters and Storytelling
While Ada Twist and her friends are pint-sized scientists conducting creative experiments, they remain relatable kids. Whether it’s Ada’s disappointment over a power outage ruining movie night or Iggy’s belief that birds drinking from the feeder are “in cahoots” with ants, these moments resonate. Rosie’s fascination with unicorns further illustrates that even scientists can have fun interests, a detail Jamie noted was intentional. These characters are beloved not just for their stories, but because they reflect kids we know and love—kids we may be raising ourselves.
During the first episode, my child exclaimed, “I can’t believe we finally get to hear their voices!” The team understood the importance of maintaining the essence of Ada Twist and her friends while expanding their stories from 30-page books to 30-minute episodes.
The characters remain instantly recognizable, thanks to the original books, and the team did a fantastic job translating Andrea Beaty’s distinct illustrations into 3D animation. Ada still sports her signature dress and poofy ponytails, while the other characters retain their beloved traits. I particularly appreciate how the parents’ retro fashion was adapted with a modern twist. Mrs. Twist still dons her iconic glasses, and Rosie wears her signature red hairband.
One of the first things that struck me about Ada Twist is how accurately her hair is depicted! It not only reflects Black girl hair styling but also captures the texture beautifully on screen.
“Early on, I had the chance to meet with Mrs. Obama and review some early designs. One of her immediate observations was that the hair looked painful to her, noting that it was styled too tightly,” Jamie recalled. “That’s a perspective I wouldn’t have considered in the same way she does.” This highlights the importance of representation at all levels of production.
“We are dedicated to ensuring representation both in front of and behind the camera: different races, abilities, and disabilities are included in our crew, writers, and scientists featured at the end of each episode. This is a conversation we continually have,” Maya affirmed.
Conclusion
‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ exceeds expectations, offering a refreshing, engaging, and familiar viewing experience. My eight-year-old is absolutely enamored, and if you know him, you’d recognize that’s the highest praise. Plus, I can’t stop humming the “Brainstorm” song! If you have young kids, this show is a must-watch.
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Summary
‘Ada Twist, Scientist’ on Netflix is a delightful adaptation that captures the spirit of the beloved book series. With a focus on diverse representation and relatable childhood experiences, the show offers an engaging viewing experience for kids and parents alike.
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