Izzy is over the moon to be invited to the Genius Guild's annual invention convention, since the winner will earn a coveted spot in the guild itself. Izzy, along with her grandfather and beloved crow assistant, sails to Technoff Isle for the competition, but her confidence wanes when another competitor seems to be one step ahead at all times. When Izzy fears that all hope of winning is lost, some gentle nudging from her team puts her back on track. The bright, rhyming text keeps a brisk pace and scatters just the right amount of whimsical vocabulary throughout (thingummyjig is particularly fun to read aloud). A diverse cast populates the story zy herself is brown-skinned d it's heartening to see so many females confidently taking part in science. Ogilvie's cheerful illustrations are delightful, packed with detail and movement, and readers will enjoy spotting the adorable and helpful crow in every scene. This ode to imagination, perseverance, and fun just may inspire young readers to do some tinkering of their own.

Inventor Izzy Gizmo is back in this sequel to her eponymous debut (2017).While busily inventing one day, Izzy receives an invitation from the Genius Guild to their annual convention. Though Izzy's "inventions…don't always work," Grandpa (apparently her sole caregiver) encourages her to go. The next day they undertake a long journey "over fields, hills, and waves" and "mile after mile" to isolated Technoff Isle. There, Izzy finds she must compete against four other kids to create the most impressive machine. The colorful, detail-rich illustrations chronicle how poor Izzy is thwarted at every turn by Abi von Lavish, a Veruca Salt-esque character who takes all the supplies for herself. But when Abi abandons her project, Izzy salvages the pieces and decides to take Grandpa's advice to create a machine that "can really be put to good use." A frustrated Izzy's impatience with a friend almost foils her chance at the prize, but all's well that ends well. There's much to like: Brown-skinned inventor girl Izzy is an appealing character, it's great to see a nurturing brown-skinned male caregiver, the idea of an "Invention Convention" is fun, and a sustainable-energy invention is laudable. However, these elements don't make up for rhymes that often feel forced and a lackluster story.A disappointing follow-up. (Picture book. 3-6)