Press Release
Children’s book series is smashing glass barriers for young girls
Two ex-Googlers on a mission to close the gender gap and inspire the next generation of 👩🔬 scientists, 👩💻technologists, and 👸leaders
This International Women’s Day, Annabel Blake and Deborah Ho- the two female founders behind Talu Tales- crowdfunded their newest picture book release. Diary of an Astronaut is designed to tackle the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and inspire young girls to see themselves as future astronauts.
Right now, only one fifth of best selling children’s books feature female leaders. For the longest time, girls have been missing out on seeing themselves as explorers and leaders. Talu Tales is a series of colourful, diverse and educational stories that were created to change this narrative. They are the stories Annabel and Deb wish had been on offer when they were young girls.
Co-founder Annabel Blake says “Limiting girls access to female role-models, inspiring STEM play and educational opportunities impacts their self-confidence, success as learners and contributes to a stereotype that science is for boys only. We’re challenging these stereotypes by bringing inspirational, adventurous and scientific female role models to the forefront.’
By the time girls are selecting their subjects in secondary school, they’ve already ‘learned’ through play and reading that STEM is not for them.
STEM toys are currently three times more likely to be targeted at boys than girls
Girls as young as six don’t think they are as smart as boys
When asked to draw a scientist, two-thirds of children aged 9 to 11 draw a man
Confidence with STEM, creative thinking and problem solving are tools EVERY child needs moving into the future. And at a time when women make up only 27% of the STEM workforce and 11% of history’s space explorers, it’s clear that when we leave girls out of adventurous, STEM inspired play at a young age, we leave them out for life.
Playful, fun and engaging, Talu Tales’ newest release- Diary of an Astronaut- introduces young girls to all of the planets in the solar system through a main character they can relate to, and sparks a scientific curiosity that stays with them for life. The Kickstarter will include activity packs, resources and merchandise that will make learning alongside Luna the astronaut fun, exciting and inspiring.
Annabel and Deb are working on the next 2 stories in the series: Diary of a marine biologist (she’s also a mermaid) and Diary of a Fossil Hunter. Books that continue to introduce girls to new careers in STEM, female role models and educational adventures.
About the creators
Annabel Blake and Deborah Ho are a Sydney based multi award-winning research/strategy-design duo who met whilst working in Google’s Creative Labs. One day when they were building a prototype musical jellyfish out of bubble wrap, they *zinged* over our shared passion for storytelling, science, design and female representation.
Together they have backgrounds representing Australia in freeski world cups, working as a cognitive neuroscience researcher, animating for Nickelodeon and Disney… and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
In 2019 they set out to address the gender gap in childrens literature, based on the belief that stories are a powerful tool for advancing the progression of women.
Endorsements
“Talu Tales is a pure delight, and a practical way to inch child-based mayhem towards collaboration and exploration - creating spaces for stories with real-world STEM facts and wild-booster-powered broccoli chairs.” Tea Uglow, Creative Director, Google Creative Lab
“Talu Tales is a fun, unique approach to encouraging parents and children to tell stories together. These conversations are the foundation of language and literacy skills and the fluid game structure means there is something here for every child.” Dr. Amy Bird, Clinical Psychologist
“We love this game it’s choose your own adventure meets Professor Brian Cox. Perfect for kids who love facts and ones who believe in unicorns. Beautifully illustrated (with excellent Female Characters) and top of our family rainy day to-do list” Patti Andrews, Future Women, Creative Director
“Playing Talu Tales is a fun way to engage and expand the wonderful imaginations my children have. The cards allow both readers and non-readers alike to tell amazing stories with exciting characters and subjects.” Joelie Chisholm, CEO Water Polo Australia + mother
Media Requests
Annabel is available for interview.
For more information or to request a sample of Talu Tales or to arrange an interview, please contact: Annabel Blake at annabel@annabelblake.com. No commercial messages.