Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Izzy is a girl who loves inventing machines that help out; you name it, and she's invented it. One day, a crow breaks its wing, and she is determined to help him out with her inventions because no crow should be bored when he can't fly. Sadly, she does not succeed right away, but soon learns not to give up thanks to her grandpa's great advice. Frustrations ensue, but through hard work and dedication, Izzy is able to succeed in the end. The vibrant illustrations are lively and pair well with the story. 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. VERDICT 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.-Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In this British import, Izzy Gizmo loves to invent but does not handle malfunctions well--until her cheerleading grandfather and an injured crow teach her perseverance. Jones's rhyming text is competent, and Ogilvie's brightly colored, hilariously detailed illustrations (which depict Izzy with brown skin and curly hair) are absolutely charming. With their varied angles and overall skillfulness, they amplify the story's depth, humor, and drama. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Young inventor Izzy attempts to help an injured crow fly again.Izzy Gizmo loves making things. She loves creating, mending, and improving so much so that she carries "her tool bag wherever she [goes]." Sadly, however, her inventions "don't always work." In rhyming verse, readers are told exactly how Izzy's inventions misbehave, while the colorful illustrations highlight their complexity. Frustrated Izzy is encouraged by her caregiver grandfather, who, though the victim of her misbehaving innovations, dispenses this advice: "Sometimes you need / to try again and again if you want to succeed." When Izzy discovers an injured crow that the vet says won't fly again, she engages it in fun, earthbound activities, but the crow's heart is still in the skies. Izzy decides to use her talents to make the crow new wings: she researches, makes lists, and gathers parts, but like her previous inventions, none of the wings work properly. At many points along the way, curly-haired, brown-skinned Izzy wants to quitand says sobut continues to persevere and in the end succeeds. Though readers may wonder if the rhymes were necessary, 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. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
