‘Peppered with sensory images — ‘wind that whistled and wailed,’ ‘crusty crabs,’ and ‘sparkly, spiky starfish’ — the alliterative text invites reading aloud. With its perky palette of aqua and orange, the simple, playful illustrations show Izzy as an exuberant white girl with freckles and unruly red curls who gradually adapts her free-spirited island life with Frank to an urban venue with new, diverse friends. Beautifully pitched tale for kids leaving behind familiar places and moving to new ones.’
Kirkus Review
‘Izzy and Frank is an exquisite ode to old friends, new beginnings and the carefree adventures of childhood.’
Shannon Wong-Nizic, Oh Creative Day
‘This is a beautifully lyrical story dealing with moving house and the acceptance of change. Through the eyes of Izzy, it is learnt that you can live a life celebrating elements of the old and the new. Izzy is an imaginative and original character and has a lovely curious nature about her. I highly recommend it.’
Suzie Bull, Farrells Bookshop (ABA Text Publishing Bookseller of the Year 2019)
‘This is a story about a special friendship, but also about starting over and learning to make a new life for yourself ... [A] wonderful tool to use with children who might be starting a new adventure — not just moving, but maybe starting a new school or meeting a new group of friends. It is a great way to show how you can still hold something dear to your heart while also learning to embrace and enjoy something new.’
Youth Services Book Review
‘An entertaining collaboration between author Katrina Lehman and illustrator Sophie Beer, Izzy and Frank is an original, utterly charming, and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare centre, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children.’
Children’s Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review
‘Lehman’s sweet story is beautifully composed and full of satisfying alliteration (“wild-wind-blowy days” and “sparkly, spiky starfish”), and Beer’s illustrations are just as lovely. Set to a striking palette of turquoise and orange, the wonderfully detailed artwork invites readers into both the spacious seaside and the landlocked cityscape. Izzy’s journey will particularly resonate with young readers who have faced a change of address, helping them remember that home (and fun) can be found anywhere, with anyone.’
Booklist
‘A touching story about a truly unique friendship ... A beautiful picture book, perfect for reminiscing about adventurous summer holidays or fun times with the family and getting excited about going back to school.’
Louise Weeks, Mum’s Grapevine
‘From the moment you gaze at the cover, Izzy’s bright smile, pale pale skin and gloriously red hair pull you into this charming picture book that literally pops off the page. Beer’s illustrations grab your attention with her beautifully detailed renderings rich in soft blues and warm earthy tones. The book, however, is more than just pretty pictures (and pretty they are), it tells a wonderful story of a girl that moves away, and starts a new life.’
Alexander Fernández, Mr Alex’s Bookshelf
‘This charming, soothing book, full of timeless illustrations gently introduces the changes children must make and acknowledges how they might feel when moving home.’
Creative Steps
‘Delightful … a beautifully illustrated tale that tackles independence, adventure, and companionship.’
Sharon Jones, City Kids
‘Lovely … a very family friendly book which can help with the message about changing friendships to a younger audience.’
The Green Parent
