Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention
Author: Pip Jones
Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
Peachtree Publishing
1 March 2020
32 pages
Book description from Goodreads: “Izzy and Fixer are back for more machine mayhem …
While their fellow contestants at the Invention Convention are intent on making shiny new things using old power, can Izzy and Fixer build a recycling machine fuelled by nature… AND win the coveted Genius Guild badge along the way?
A joyful celebration of the magic of make-do-and-mend from the creators of the much-loved Izzy Gizm0.”
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And here’s a bonus Q&A with both Pip Jones and Sara Ogilvie @ Books for Keeps.
Educational Activities inspired by Pip Jones’ Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention:
- Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover:
- Where and when does this story seem to take place?
- What do you already know about inventing and inventions?
- What expression does Izzy seem to have?
- Who are the characters on the back cover? What are they up to?
- If you could ask the author any question before you read the book, what would it be?
- After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- What’s Izzy’s main problem/challenge in this story?
- What were the most important events in the story?
- What is the main message of this book?
- What other story does Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention remind you of?
- Which of the inventions sound most fun? Bake-O-Copter? Automa-Stretchy? Opti-Logger?
- If the story had a sequel, what do you think it would be about? What else might Izzy be up to?
- Writing–Which of the other Genius Guild members do you imagine has the most interesting story of their own? Will Digg? Maximillian Spout? Abi von Lavish? Gillian Din? Write that story as you imagine it. Feel free to draw pictures to go with the story. Consider sharing your finished piece with an adult or friend and ask them what they enjoy best about your work.
- Activities–With an adult’s help, try some of the following invention-themed activities, all inspired by one of the greatest inventors of all time–Leonardo Da Vinci:
- Build an Ornithopter–A little more advanced, but this is a cheap thing to make (I made one for about $2).
- Make an Art Fresco–Almost no art skills are required to make this, and they look pretty darn good!
- Vitruvian Man Worksheet–Lots of family fun to be had here.
- Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about kid inventors have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)
