Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention
#1 in Izzy Gizmo Series
on Goodreads (202)
What’s inside...
Izzy Gizmo returns in this joyful celebration of creativity and innovation at the Invention Convention on Technoff Isle. Alongside her mechanical friend Fixer, Izzy faces fierce competition from her rival Abi von Lavish. While other contestants focus on creating new inventions using conventional power sources, Izzy and Fixer aim to build a recycling machine powered by nature. Their ultimate goal is to win the prestigious Genius Guild badge and prove that resourcefulness and eco-friendliness can triumph in the world of invention. Packed with engaging rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this book highlights the magic of make-do-and-mend.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Izzy Gizmo to keep inventing, even when her inventions didn’t work at first?
Can you think of a time when something didn’t go as planned for you, and how you handled it?
What invention would you create to help someone, and what problem would it solve?
How did Izzy’s friends and Grandpa help her at the Invention Convention? Why is teamwork important?
Which of Izzy’s inventions is your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to foster deeper understanding and encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Connect the themes of the book to your child’s experiences by discussing similar challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve overcome them.
Discuss the value of perseverance and creativity, highlighting how Izzy's determination led to success.
Emphasize the importance of support and teamwork in achieving goals, drawing examples from the book where Izzy's friends and Grandpa play key roles.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own inventions, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Izzy Gizmo continually faces challenges with her inventions, but she never gives up, demonstrating resilience in the face of setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying despite difficulties, whether they are solving a math problem or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The story encourages thinking outside the box through Izzy’s creative uses of gadgets and tools to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to use their imagination to brainstorm and create solutions for everyday problems or school projects.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Izzy learns that working with others at the Invention Convention can lead to success, showcasing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with peers in group assignments or team sports.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Failure
Explanation: Izzy experiences failures with her inventions but learns from her mistakes, which highlights the growth mindset.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand that failure is a part of learning, encouraging them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the competition, Izzy shows empathy towards competitors, emphasizing the importance of being considerate.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic towards others' feelings and perspectives, which aids in developing healthy relationships.