Izzy Gizmo

Reviews

I_teach_muggles

Both Rosie and Izzy have positive role models who encourage them to keep on going and will not allow the children to give-up on themselves. There is obviously an important message behind all of this and that is that children need to be resilient, overcome problems and difficulties, and develop a growth-mindset. An enjoyable and engaging read and a reminder about the importance of never giving-up. If you are familiar with ‘Rosie Revere, Engineer’ by Andrea Beatty and David Roberts then you will immediately be noticing the similarities between Rosie and Izzy.

The rhyming prose are a delight and the lively and vivd illustrations by Sara Ogilvie are detailed and engaging. Can Izzy’s new invention ‘take-off’?

I was glad to see that at the end of the book Izzy’s misdemeanours are recognised and she is told to go and fix what she has broken. I particularly love the ever-changing expressions on Izzy’s face and her bright red cheeks.

I have a particular dislike when books make things that are wrong seem ok. It it is hilarious watching Izzy’s frustration as things don’t go to plan as her reactions are so typical of a child; kicking things that don’t work, going off in a huff, sulking, yelling, wanting to throw things away; it all feels so authentic and genuine. Child inventors who are both more than happy to give-up when things don’t work out how they had planned.

I love this read as it challenges gender and family stereotypes. Izzy Gizmo loves inventing, the only problem is the things she invents seems to have a knack of malfunctioning. If you want more of Izzy’s adventures there is great news as they continue in a second book, Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention.

Her poor Grandpa is often the bearer of the unfortunate malfunctions but rather than admonish her for he mistakes he is full of positive encouragement, “Try again and again if you want to succeed. I’m a huge fan of Pip Jones. Izzy Gizmo is a fabulous rhyming story about one young girl’s trials and tribulations in her search to find an invention to solve a problem.