IZZY GIZMO is a fantastic picture book that captures a love of STEM, persistence, and ingenuity. Izzy is an inventor, though her machines may not always work the way she wants them to. One day, she finds a wounded crow and takes him to the vet. The vet tells her that his wing is too broken to be mended, and so, she should help him enjoy life on the ground. Izzy tries her best, but she is saddened that the crow misses flying.

Then, she has an idea - she will build him some wings! Her first try doesn't work, but with some encouragement from her grandfather, she tries again. When the next try also fails, Izzy is discouraged, but her grandfather helps her to see the power of persistence. On the third try, Izzy almost has it, but she is ready to give up - however, the crow will not let her. Together, they fix the wings, and Izzy aptly names him Fixer.

What I loved: This book is absolutely fantastic from start to finish. The text is rhyming and has an excellent rhythm that is delightful both to read and listen to. The illustrations are perfectly done with the right imagination for the machines and the emotions of Izzy and her grandfather. The lessons in the book are top-notch with so much to learn about persistence and accepting failure on the path to success. I also adore having a girl be an inventor and engaged in STEM. Izzy is a delightful character, and together with her grandfather and crow, they captivate the imagination and heart. Izzy's stories are ones I would love to read again and again, and I am excited the series is continuing in future books.

Final verdict: Passion for STEM, invention, and persistence make IZZY GIZMO shine. This is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a clever story that is fun to read and beautifully illustrated. Highly recommend for picture book readers of all ages!