The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne by Laura Alary

 The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne sheds light on this incredible woman who with her super curious mind found herself among men who told her she couldn’t be an astronomer and those who doubted her discovery, but she knew what she wanted and persisted even when she had moments of doubt.  

At the age of eight, Cecilia discovered bee orchid flower growing in England when her mother said it was impossible. But it turned out to be possible. From young age, she had a natural instinct to trust in what she believed in. This only increased her curiosity in the wonders of nature.

What other children saw as ordinary in nature, Cecilia saw something extraordinary in it.

Her teacher, seeing her inquisitiveness, encouraged her to read anything she wanted. So she did.

At twelve, she moved to London to study. She felt out of place like the bee orchid. Other children didn’t understand her interests, but she knew what she wanted.

Discoveries at Cambridge Observatory made her decide to be an astronomer. There, she began to explore the sky for herself. But often she was the only woman in her astronomy classes at Cambridge, even more not welcomed by some professors. Again, she felt isolated like the bee orchid.

This made her cross the ocean to study at Harvard where she was surrounded by other women studying the stars.

At the time, it was believed that stars were made of the same stuff as Earth, Cecilia reached a different conclusion. Others said it was impossible. As we grow and let others influence us, the same happened to Cecilia for the first time she doubted herself. She didn’t stay true to her natural instincts, but she was right in her discoveries, and it took a few years for others to catch up with her discovery.

When she became a professor at Harvard University, she encouraged her students to look carefully, measure accurately, and to trust themselves even if someone doubted them.

This biography is beautifully written with interesting illustrations supporting the text. I loved it how it began with her discovering a flower out of place and how the meaning of it followed her throughout her life. It’s a symbolic reminder that if a flower can bloom in a place that it never did, then a human being can adapt as well, and flourish even in harsh circumstances. It’s a human nature to doubt oneself. Life is not about the falls (which stops many) but how you rise up and pivot. It’s a truly touching and inspiring biography for children, ages 7-14 years.

Source: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, January 2026

 

 

  

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Cecilia Payne as a child discovered bee orchid growing in England which was unusual. As the plant, out of place, she felt throughout her life while pursuing her passion. It’s a symbolic reminder that if a flower can bloom in a place that it never did, then a human being can adapt as well, and flourish even in harsh circumstances.

 

 

 

Traits:

·         From young age, she had a natural instinct to trust in what she believed in, especially after finding bee orchid growing in England and being told it was impossible.

·         What other children saw as ordinary in nature, Cecilia saw something extraordinary in it. She was well connected with nature. Thus, understood her natural instincts better.

·         She was encouraged to nurture her unusual curiosity, and she constantly did.

·         Even if others didn’t understand her interests, she knew what she wanted. She stood steadfast in her believes.

·         As we mature, and let others influence us, we lose our natural instincts, and that’s what happened to Cecilia. When she made a new discovery at Harvard and others said it was impossible, for the first time she doubted herself.

·         When she became a professor at Harvard University, and after learning her lesson not to doubt herself again, she encouraged her students to look carefully, measure accurately, and to trust themselves even if someone doubted them.

 

 

 “No ideas should be suppressed. (…) We must not forget that some of the best ideas seemed like nonsense at first. The truth will prevail in the end.” – Cecilia Payne

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

 Dear Universe 365 by Sarah Prout; each day presents a transformative force, showing how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. The core of this transformation is the Law of Attraction. We’re an integral part of the Universe. “By maintaining awareness of your energetic state and choosing to align with higher frequencies you create a bridge between where you are and where you want to be.”

February is dedicated to connection and relationships.

For example, February 3 brings a message of empathy. “You possess the incredible gift of empathy, a bridge that connects hearts and minds. Empathy allows you to walk in another’s shoes, to feel their joy, their pain, and their dreams. Embrace this gift, letting it guide you in your interactions with others. Show kindness and understanding for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you may know nothing about. Through empathy, you create a ripple effect of compassion and love that touches lives in profound ways. Listen with your heart, offer your support, and be a source of comfort and strength. In practicing empathy, you not only uplift others but also elevate your own spirit, creating a world that is more connected, caring, and humane.”