TL;DR: Andrea Beaty’s The Questioneers series (including Rosie Revere, Engineer and Ada Twist, Scientist) is the gold standard for STEM-focused kids' media. It’s rare to find content that hits the "educational" mark without being soul-crushingly boring or overly preachy. Whether your kid is obsessed with the picture books, the Ada Twist, Scientist (Netflix show), or the newer chapter books, this is high-quality "brain food" that actually respects a child's intelligence.
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If you’ve spent any time in a kindergarten or first-grade classroom lately, you’ve seen these books. Andrea Beaty (author) and David Roberts (illustrator) created a universe centered around Blue River Creek, where a group of kids in Miss Lila Greer’s class pursue their passions with a level of intensity that would put most Ivy League grads to shame.
The "Big Three" that started it all are:
- Iggy Peck, Architect – A kid who builds towers out of diapers and bridges out of string cheese.
- Rosie Revere, Engineer – A girl who builds gadgets from "trash" and learns that the only true failure is quitting.
- Ada Twist, Scientist – A girl who asks "Why?" about everything (including why the cat smells so bad).
The series has since expanded to include Sofia Valdez, Future Prez, Aaron Slater, Illustrator, and newer additions like Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year.
We talk a lot about "brain rot" content—those high-speed, flashing, low-substance YouTube videos that leave kids in a zombie-like trance. Andrea Beaty’s work is the literal antidote to that.
1. The "Failure is a Win" Philosophy
Most kids' media focuses on the hero being naturally gifted. Rosie Revere, however, fails constantly. Her "cheese-copter" crashes. Her great-great-aunt laughs at her. But the book frames that crash as a "brilliant first flop." In a world where kids feel immense pressure to be "Ohio" (weirdly perfect/elite) or are afraid of looking "mid," these books celebrate the messy, embarrassing process of learning.
2. The Visual Detail
David Roberts’ illustrations are incredible. They aren't just cartoons; they are intricate, mid-century-modern-inspired pieces of art. Kids spend ages looking at the blueprints and the "junk" in Rosie’s room. It’s the kind of visual engagement that mimics the focus required for Minecraft building, but in a tactile, 2D format.
3. Representation That Doesn't Feel Like a Checklist
The diversity in these books is baked into the DNA of the community. Sofia Valdez, Future Prez deals with community organizing and ageism. Aaron Slater, Illustrator navigates life with dyslexia. It’s handled with a light touch that makes it relatable, not a "Very Special Episode."
Usually, when a beloved book series gets turned into a Netflix show, we hold our breath. Often, the soul of the book is sucked out and replaced with generic CGI and fart jokes.
Surprisingly, the Ada Twist, Scientist show (produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company) is actually... good. Full stop.
- The Format: It mixes animation with live-action segments featuring real scientists. This is a brilliant bridge. It takes the "cool" factor of the cartoon and anchors it in reality.
- The Vibe: It maintains the rhyming cadence of the books and the focus on the scientific method.
- The Verdict: If you’re going to give your 5-year-old 20 minutes of screen time while you try to drink a coffee that isn't cold, this is a top-tier choice. It’s low-stimulation compared to something like Cocomelon but high-engagement.
For the Pre-K to 2nd Grade Crowd (The Picture Books)
These are the OGs. They are written in verse, making them great for reading aloud (even if the meter is occasionally a bit clunky—looking at you, Iggy Peck).
- The essential starting point. Great for kids who get frustrated when their LEGO sets don't look like the box.
- Perfect for the kid who is currently driving you crazy with "Why?" and "How?"
- A must-read for kids who struggle with traditional school subjects but thrive in the arts.
For the 2nd to 4th Grade Crowd (The Chapter Books)
If your kid has outgrown the picture books but still loves the characters, Beaty released a series of "Questioneers" chapter books. These are great "bridge" books for kids moving into independent reading.
- It’s a mystery that involves physics and chemistry. It’s much more substantial than the picture books.
- A great intro to how elections and community decision-making work.
For the Screen-Time Balance
- Best for Ages 3-7. It’s wholesome, educational, and won’t make you want to throw the remote through the window.
- They have downloadable activity sheets and "science fair" ideas. If your kid is begging for "iPad time," sending them here to print out a blueprint for a birdhouse is a solid compromise.
- Ages 3-5: Stick to the picture books and the Netflix show. The rhymes help with phonics, and the bright colors keep them engaged.
- Ages 6-8: This is the sweet spot. They can start reading the picture books themselves and dive into the chapter books. This is also a great age to introduce the Ada Twist's Big Project Book for Scientists, which is basically a guided journal for experiments.
- Ages 9+: They might start to feel "too old" for the picture books, but the themes of civic engagement in Sofia Valdez still resonate.
The beauty of the Andrea Beaty universe is that it’s expandable.
When we talk about digital wellness, we often focus on restriction—taking the phone away, locking the tablet. But the Questioneers offer a path toward replacement and integration.
If your kid loves the Ada Twist show, you have an immediate "off-ramp" from the screen. "The show is over, but do you want to go to the kitchen and do the 'stink' experiment from the book?" It turns passive consumption into active creation.
Is there any "controversy"?
In the world of hyper-sensitive parenting, almost everything gets flagged eventually. Some parents might find the "stink" experiment in Ada Twist a little gross, or Sofia Valdez’s activism a bit "political." But honestly? If we can't handle a second-grader trying to turn a trash heap into a park, we’ve got bigger problems. The series is overwhelmingly positive, inclusive, and pro-curiosity.
If your kid is obsessed, use it as a conversational bridge. Instead of asking "What did you watch?" try these:
- "Rosie Revere’s helicopter crashed, and she was happy about it. Why do you think she felt that way?"
- "If you were going to build something out of the recycling bin like Iggy Peck, what would it be?"
- "Ada Twist always asks 'Why?' What’s one 'Why' question you have about how our house works?"
Andrea Beaty’s books are a rare win-win. They satisfy the kid’s need for entertainment and the parent’s desire for substance. They are the opposite of "brain rot." They encourage kids to look away from the screen and at the world around them—even if they used the screen to get inspired in the first place.
Next Steps:
- Check your local library for Rosie Revere, Engineer.
- If you have Netflix, add Ada Twist, Scientist to your "My List" for the next time you need a 20-minute break.
- Take our Screenwise survey to see how your family’s reading-to-streaming ratio compares to other intentional parents in your community.
Ask our chatbot for a list of science experiments inspired by Ada Twist