IZZY PAINTS

Izzy the koala loves life in the big city, where there is so much to see and do.

The city is bustling; on the corner of Bruegel Avenue and Dürer Street, there’s an art supply store, a florist, and a tattoo parlor, fittingly named Bauhaus Tattoos—just one of several hat tips to artists and artistic movements. When Izzy and their constant companion, a little yellow cat, discover the art museum, another world opens up for them. All the other animals in Izzy’s world, other than Izzy (gray) and their cat, are illustrated in blue, while the art within the museum is in full color. Even so, there’s plenty of fun to be had in looking at spreads featuring the background characters: a giraffe holding an art book upside down, a fish with legs, a dog with a T-shirt that reads “Who let this dog out?” Izzy is fully immersed and inspired by the art; a wall of art reminiscent of Wayne Thiebaud’s paintings of desserts even makes them hungry. Children will identify with Izzy, who after their visit wants to create their own work but then feels overwhelmed by the blank canvas. They break through, covering the canvas with splashes and drips, eventually creating a vibrant self-portrait. Izzy’s happiness at creating something of their own and the simple but lively text make for a delightful and engaging read-aloud. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A charming stroll through the imagination and a testament to the joys of creativity.