Toronto-based scientists and authors Farah Qaiser and Hajer Nakua squeeze out a significant impact with their debut picture book, Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment (Second Story Press, 2024). The book tells the story of five-year-old Khadija, who attends a science fair and notices that none of the women there is wearing a hijab. On returning home, she attempts an early-school science experiment using a kit she received at the fair. The results are messy, but they fuel her scientific curiosity. With the support of her family (and a new white lab coat), she realizes that she can become a scientist who opens doors of possibility for other girls just like her.
With vibrant illustrations by Ottawa illustrator Nataly Tariq, this exuberant and empowering tale is recommended for children aged 4-9, although older readers will also find plenty to relate to and identify with.
The Ontario-based Qaiser and Hajer are avid childhood readers who became career researchers and advocates for diversity in STEM fields. Qaiser is a genomics researcher holding a Master of Science from the University of Toronto, where Nakua is a neuroscience researcher pursuing her PhD. They are passionate about making science accessible and exciting to underrepresented children and their families, in both North America and the Middle East.
Qaiser is a scientist by training, “a DNA detective, if you will”, who has “worn many hats, from working in policy to writing for newspapers”. And she is candid that becoming a children’s book author “was not on my bucket list, but an unexpected adventure that I’ve enjoyed along the way”. Nakua studies how the brain changes and grows during childhood, and loves not only talking about science but getting people excited to explore their own curiosities. Unlike Qaiser, she always had a dream of writing her own book. And “when the opportunity to work with Farah on a children’s book happened, I was happy to embark on this journey.”
Their collaboration on Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment stemmed from the shared desire to inspire young children – particularly those from underrepresented groups – to explore their scientific curiosities. “Children have an innate curiosity about the world that is often stifled over time. We hope that Khadija’s story allows children to maintain that curiosity throughout their life, and inspires parents to support the curiosities of their children, so they can build the confidence to explore science,” explains Nakua.
And representation really matters, says Qaiser: “It’s hard to be what you can’t see — that’s why we wrote Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment. In particular, I wrote this book for all the little bookworms, like me, and to inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers. We hope that readers will be inspired to recreate the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment — safely! — at home, and to explore the wonderful world of science.”
The story’s multilayered themes – among them character, science, culture, family, traditions and religion – offer rich opportunities for analysis and discussion in classrooms, and the authors have specific suggestions for how teachers can use the book. Qaiser highlights first the interactive aspect, where “teachers can re-create the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment as a hands-on activity, and also explore some of the broader themes in the book, such as the importance of curiosity, patience, and persistence when exploring the world of science.” And Nakua adds that teachers can fruitfully explore “the themes of diverse identities within science, the importance of being inclusive to our peers, and the way science helps us understand the world”.
Tariq’s detailed and lively illustrations play a crucial role in bringing Khadija, the science and these themes to life. Nakua is quick to underline how “the playfulness of Khadija’s story is made possible with the beautiful illustrations by Natalya. Readers can better connect with Khadija and her family (regardless of the reader’s background) because they are able to feel the experience of Khadija’s introduction to science through these illustrations.” Qaiser amplifies this sentiment, noting how “her illustrations capture the joy, the highs and lows, and the wonder that happens while exploring science.”
Thinking back to their own childhood reading experiences, both authors distinctly recall the lack of representation in the books they read. Nakua’s first favourite book was Anne of Green Gables, and she “also loved Junie B. Jones and The Magic School Bus growing up.” “To be fair,” notes Qaiser, “I’ve always had a soft spot for reading books about magic, fantasy, and dystopian worlds, where there’s very little that reflects our world” But “in recent years, it’s been lovely to see more representation in books everywhere, from libraries to bookstores.”
And the ultimate goal with Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment is to improve not just fiction, but science itself: “Children who see themselves in science have a higher chance of pursuing a career in STEM, leading to greater diversity of researchers.This greater diversity can lead to better quality scientific discoveries “ notes Khadua.“I think the future of high-quality and impactful science rests on young children from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds feeling encouraged to make a difference in science. We hope that Khadija’s story can be part of the movement to encourage those children.”
At the same time, Qaiser stresses that Khadija And the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment has a message for all children: “I also hope that our book will empower children to explore their interests, with the support of their loved ones – whether that happens to be exploring science, or simply enjoying a beautiful book.”
Through this engaging story with its vibrant illustrations, Qaiser and Nakua have taken a small but significant step toward making STEM fields more inclusive and accessible for future generations – while telling an inviting story about a curious little girl with the potential for big achievements.
A noble experiment – and one that seems certain to prove rewarding for readers.
© Arpita Ghosal, SesayArts Magazine, 2024
