1. Product Overview
"Izzy Gizmo" is a vibrant children's book that tells the story of a young Black girl named Izzy Gizmo, who possesses a remarkable talent for invention. Her creations, while magnificent, often malfunction. The narrative centers on her determination to help an injured crow with a broken wing by building it a new pair of wings.
This book emphasizes themes of perseverance, creativity, and friendship, particularly highlighting intergenerational relationships. It serves as an inspiring tale for young readers, encouraging them to embrace ingenuity and overcome challenges, even in the face of repeated failures.
Image 1.1: Front cover of the "Izzy Gizmo" book, illustrating the main character Izzy and the crow she helps.
2. About the Authors and Illustrator
Author: Pip Jones
Pip Jones is an acclaimed author who began her career in journalism before publishing her first book in 2014. She is most often found writing, staring at the contents of the fridge, or herding her two children. She lives in England.
Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
Sara Ogilvie studied illustration and printmaking at Edinburgh College of Art. In addition to illustrating children's books, Sara exhibits across the UK and abroad and creates images for editorial, design, and advertising. She lives in England.
3. Key Themes and Educational Value
- Perseverance: The story highlights the importance of not giving up, even when faced with multiple failures, as Izzy repeatedly tries to build wings for the crow.
- Creativity and Ingenuity: It showcases the power of imagination and problem-solving through Izzy's inventive nature.
- Friendship and Empathy: The bond between Izzy and the crow, and her desire to help, underscores themes of compassion and connection.
- STEAM Subjects: The book subtly introduces concepts related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through Izzy's engineering endeavors.
- Intergenerational Relationships: The narrative also touches upon the value of relationships across different age groups.
4. Reading Guidelines
This book is recommended for a reading age of 4 to 8 years, corresponding to Preschool through 3rd Grade. It is suitable for:
- Independent reading for children within the suggested age range.
- Shared reading experiences between children and adults, fostering discussion about the themes.
- Classroom settings to introduce concepts of engineering, problem-solving, and emotional resilience.
The rhyming text and vivid illustrations make it an engaging read-aloud option.
5. Care and Handling
To ensure the longevity and preservation of your "Izzy Gizmo" paperback book, please follow these guidelines:
- Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and warping.
- Avoid exposing the book to moisture or extreme temperatures.
- Handle pages gently to prevent tearing or creasing.
- Keep away from food and drinks to avoid stains.
- For cleaning, gently wipe the cover with a dry, soft cloth if necessary. Do not use liquid cleaners.
6. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Paperback |
| Publisher | Peachtree |
| Publication Date | September 1, 2020 |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 32 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1682632326 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1682632321 |
| Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
| Dimensions | 10.28 x 0.15 x 10.26 inches |
| Reading Age | 4 - 8 years |
| Grade Level | Preschool - 3 |
7. Editorial Reviews
Insights from professional reviews:
School Library Journal
"The bright pops of color make the artwork vivid and appealing. The text is full of challenging new words for young readers and the text rhymes, which allows the story to flow in a fun, inventive way. The theme of not giving up after a first, second, and third failure will resonate with readers of all ages. This book will inspire kids to get out there and to try new things."
Kirkus Reviews
"This story of a girl engineer is sorely needed and has potential to develop and nourish readers' interest in STEAM subjects. Additionally, themes of creativity and tenacity, together with the portrayal of a girl who's allowed to show anger and frustration, make this a worthwhile read. Fun, with depth."
