Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones illustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Simon and Schuster paperback, £6.99)

This book is great for small children with big ideas. Although it is a picture book with fabulous illustrations it is quite a long story so ideal for a bit more of a substantial bedtime read. The rhyme and rhythm keep up a good pace. Izzy is a little girl who loves to invent, but when things go wrong she gets frustrated. This is a story about learning not to give up and that things don’t always go to plan straight away. However perseverance and determination bring rewards. There are lots of extra details and humour provided in the picture and many wonderful wacky inventions in which you can spot bits of household objects. Izzy finds a crow with a broken wing and decides to help it back to flight by inventing a flying aide. Izzy’s Grandpa encourages her even when she falters. With the crow’s help and inspiration from some books (I particularly liked the one entitled “Circuits and Wires – How to connect them without causing fire”) she battles on in spite of a few failed attempts. This is a really refreshing story to fire the imagination, for both boys and girls alike with a curious mind. Now, toolkits at the ready!

Reviewed by Philippa Morris, Little Apple Bookshop