Book Review of Asha and Baz Meet Hedy Lamarr
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The Children’s Book Review
Asha and Baz Meet Hedy Lamarr
Written by Caroline Fernandez
Illustrated by Dharmali Patel
Ages: 6-9 | 108 Pages
Publisher: Common Deer Press (2022) | ISBN-13: 9781988761787
What to Expect: STEM, Hollywood, WWII, Coding, Feminism
This second volume in the Asha and Baz series is a fun and engaging blend of instruction and excitement that characterized the first book, Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan.
It’s been a little while since Asha and Baz found the magic stick that enabled them to travel back in time to meet Mary Sherman Morgan—but they haven’t forgotten how it helped them solve their class rocket project problems. Now they have a new problem—they just can’t solve the coding challenge their teacher has set them. Can the magic stick help again? It sure can!
This time the stick takes them back to 1941, where they meet Hedy Lamarr, the famous actress and inventor. Lamarr is working on a device to block radio frequencies to keep Allied ships safe from German attack. Can Asha and Baz learn how to solve their coding problem by watching her? The magic stick thinks so…
Asha and Baz are relatable characters, and readers are sure to be inspired by how they support each other in overcoming uncertainty and self-doubt. At the same time, through Hedy’s story, the book encourages readers to recognize the previously overlooked contributions of strong women throughout history to STEM progress, empowering female readers, in particular, to believe in their power to succeed in STEM spaces. Age-appropriate, accessible language, plenty of action and dialogue, the occasional black-and-white cartoon illustration, and a good dose of suspense help keep young readers engaged and learning.
Asha and Baz Meet Hedy Lamarr is an enjoyable new addition to the Asha and Baz series with high appeal to readers who love STEM topics such as computer science.
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About the Author
Caroline Fernandez is an award-winning author of children’s books, magazine feature articles and blog posts. Filed away, in her office, is an English degree from McMaster University and a Teacher of English as a Second Language Certificate. She is the author of The Adventures of Grandmasaurus (series), Asha and Baz (series), Hide and Seek: Wild Animal Groups In North America and more! Silver Birch Non-Fiction Honour Award winner and Purple Dragonfly Award winner.
Caroline writes, drinks tea, and bakes in Toronto, ON. Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @ParentClub
About the Illustrator
From a very young age in Mumbai, India, Dharmali Patel knew that she would be drawing, painting, or animating for her entire life. By age 6, her parents understood that drawing, crafting and all things creative was going to light her path, and ultimately lead her to her career as a visual artist.
After mastering crayons, pastels, and finger paints… Dharmali made her way to Mumbai-Rachna Sansad School of Applied Arts, majoring in Illustration. She studied further at Vancouver Film School, where she earned her Bachelors in 2D Classical animation. In the past 20 years, she has worn the hats of Animation Director, Art Director, Visual Development Artist, Designer, and Illustrator.
Every day, she loves to make art that is visually pleasing and engaging for people of all ages. Dharmali is honored that authors trust her with their beautiful words, and allow her to visually conceive the world and characters that ultimately become their books. She hopes that her imagery will inspire young minds with beautiful design, provocative lighting, and emotive characterizations that encourage a love of reading and beautiful art.
Currently, Dharmali lives and works in Toronto. She is represented by Illustration Online LLC.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Asha and Baz Meet Hedy Lamarr. Learn more about getting a book review …
