Ada Twist, Scientist: questions to ask and activities to try
Ada Twist has a question for everything. Ada Twist, Scientist is a rhyming celebration of curiosity, perseverance and girls in science.
What age is it for? Ada Twist, Scientist is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Endless questions, curiosity and science.
Ada Twist, Scientist (Andrea Beaty and David Roberts)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Endless questions, curiosity and science
Read it, then ask your child for their biggest “why?” question. Try to find the answer together with a simple experiment.
What it helps with
- Curiosity and asking questions
- Science and experiments
- Perseverance when things go wrong
- Girls in STEM
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did Ada wonder about?”
- “How did she try to find answers?”
- “What went wrong?”
- “How did her family react?”
- “What’s your biggest why question?”
- “How could we find out?”
5-minute activities to try together
Why jar
Write your child's “why” questions on slips and pick one to investigate each week.
Kitchen science
Try a simple experiment: what floats and what sinks?
Free printables: Ada Twist, Scientist worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
An Engineer Like Me (Shini Somara and Nadja Sarell)
- Best for
- Curiosity, engineering and inventing things
- Age
- 5-8
The Most Magnificent Thing (Ashley Spires)
- Best for
- Frustration, persistence, making mistakes and trying again
- Age
- 4-8
I See a Star (Saskia Gwinn)
- Best for
- The life cycle of a star, explained for little ones
- Age
- 2-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.