Learning to Be : Women in Science
by Pervin Saket and illustrated by Annada Menon, Boski Jain, Sriya Singh and Sahitya Rani
“Women in Science” by Pervin Saket and illustrated by Annada Menon, Boski Jain, Sriya Singh and Sahitya Rani. Published by Adidev Press. A delightful collection of four charming books narrating the awe-inspiring stories of four incredible women scientists from India and their contributions to science.
Each of the books introduce an eminent woman scientist who was a pioneer in a particular branch of science. From Physics to Oceanography to Medicine to Botany. What is remarkable about each one of these women is that they achieved so much despite all the odds against them and barriers in their way. They pursued their interests at a time when women were hardly present in these fields. They showed that they were well capable of realising their dreams and nothing could stop them from doing what they set their minds to. They did not conform to the conventional roles that the society had laid out for them.
“Perseverance With Janaki Ammal” talks about the great botanist whose research improved the quality and sweetness of the indigenous sugarcane varieties thereby helping farmers prosper. The beautiful message that comes through from her story is that no dream can be considered as not achievable and to take charge of situations.
“Passion With Aditi Pant” talks about the oceanographer who translated her passion for science and adventure into a lifetime of considerable research. She played an instrumental role in India’s Antarctic expeditions. The message that we get from her story is to figure out our passion and give it our best shot.
“Courage With Anandibai Joshee” talks about the first Indian woman to have got a medical degree. As a child bride at the age of nine and losing her infant at twelve, Anandibai resolved to become a doctor and save lives. Despite her grief and facing opposition from most people around her, she moved on with courage and faced all her challenges. “Tragedies need not be an end and make them your launch plate!” What a beautiful message!
“Commitment With Bibha Chowdhuri” is about a great physicist who did not receive the fame or glory that she deserved. Despite that she worked with so much dedication and commitment without any expectation of rewards or compliments. The message that the real fun lies in doing your work with love and dedication until it’s done is so beautifully shown through her story.
My eight year old and I thoroughly enjoyed reading these books. Given his love for true stories, he appreciated the grit and determination of these women to stand up for their rights and do such pathbreaking work. Both of us read up more about these incredible women thanks to the books. Hats off to these women who made India proud with their immense dedication, passion, determination and perseverance. They are role models for all of us. We loved the writing style and the charming illustrations of each one of these books. Overall a MUST READ! These books are part of the “Learning to Be” series by Adidev Press from which we had read “Kindness With Mahavira” recently. Looking forward to more such books on wonderful personalities.
PS - Some of the other books in which we have read about some of these women are : “How to Weigh an Elephant?” (has a facts section on women scientists like Janaki Ammal and Aditi Pant at the end), “Sudipta Sengupta - The Rock Reader” (she was also part of the India’s expedition to Antarctica along with Aditi Pant) and “The Girl Who Was a Forest : Janaki Ammal” (talks mostly about her childhood) from the Dreamers series.
Recommended Age
The set of books is apt for anyone aged 5 and above.
Reasons to Read
The books work as a perfect means to introduce such inspiring and interesting women scientists from India who broke barriers in their path to achieve their dreams. The children will get hooked to their stories and want to know more about them triggering more reading up and conversations.
The books give out beautiful messages about important qualities like courage, commitment, perseverance and passion through the stories of these amazing women.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Adidev Press here.
An independent bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.
Disclaimer - We received these books from the publisher, Adidev Press, for review. Thank you to Archana and Tanu, from Adidev Press, for sending across the books!