By Michaiah Varnes //
Children’s author Amy S. Hansen visited the C. Burr Artz Library in downtown Frederick on March 26, where she read from her new picture book, “Wanda Hears the Stars” and led a hands-on science demonstration for local families.
The event was presented by Curious Iguana in partnership with Frederick County Public Libraries.
Hanson introduced the story of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz-Merced, who studies the universe through sound after losing her sight.
She explained how the book highlights curiosity, resilience, and accessible science, themes that resonate with young readers.
During the demonstration, Hansen showed how sound can reveal patterns in data, echoing the sonification techniques Díaz-Merced uses in her research.
Children leaned in as tones rise and fall, representing star information in a way they can hear rather than see.
After the reading, Hansen answered questions and signed copies of the book, which are available through Curious Iguana.
Families lingered to talk with her, turning the library’s community room into a small hub of science, storytelling and curiosity.
Hansen, an award-winning author of more than 35 books, most of them focused on science, said that her connection to Díaz-Merced began years earlier at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
She recalled being astonished when she first heard Díaz-Merced’s data, an experience that eventually led the two friends to co-author “Wanda Hears the Stars,” to inspire readers to find their own path to success.
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