Jumpin’ jets, a woman! Call to update children’s books with female academics

Dr Frankenstinker, Professor Branestawm … How can little girls become academics when all the role models are men?

Women! Pah!” scoffs the comic book hero Dan Dare, on hearing that his new colleague for a space trip to Venus is – SHOCK! HORROR! – a woman. Cool, calm and collected, Prof Jocelyn Mabel Peabody doesn’t see “what all the fuss is about”, as she faces a lineup of appalled male faces.

Peabody is more than competent. “I’m a first class geologist, botanist, agriculturist … and a qualified space pilot as well,” she observes dryly. Who better to evaluate whether Venus might offer a food source that could save life on Earth?

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2POWirP