Izzy Paints: A Playful Picture Book About Inspiration, Creativity, and Art for Kids

by Tim Miller

“Izzy’s happiness at creating something of their own and the simple but lively text make for a delightful and engaging read-aloud. A charming stroll through the imagination and a testament to the joys of creativity.” — Kirkus Inspired by a museum visit, a young koala decides to make art of their very own in this playful picture book from acclaimed author-artist Tim Miller. Perfect for fans of T he Dot, What Do You Do with an Idea?, and The Book of Mistakes. Izzy loves the big city—especially the art museum. Izzy is so inspired by the art all around—now it's time to make their own! This joyful celebration of creativity will spark the imagination of every young reader.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Storytime, Childrens, Animals, Museums, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 8, 2022

About the author

Tim Miller is the author-illustrator of Moo Moo in a Tutu, What’s Cooking, Moo Moo?, Tiny Kitty, Big City, and Izzy Paints. He is also the illustrator of Horse Meets Dog by Elliott Kalan, Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) and Snappsy the Alligator And His Best Friend Forever! (Probably) by Julie Falatko, Margarash by Mark Riddle, and the middle grade series Hamstersaurus Rex by Tom O'Donnell. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and three rescue cats.

Reviews

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/izzy-p...

IZZY PAINTS is an adorable book celebrating art and creativity. Izzy visits a museum and experiences art, enjoying the feelings and messages in the art she sees. When she gets home, she decides to create some of her own, enjoying the types of things she can create with her paint. She creates something lovely and is happy to share.

What I loved: This is a sweet story about the magic of art and the way that it can move and inspire you. The book is told in simple phrases that will work well for young readers, with some subtle jokes that adults will understand and enjoy - such as Izzy feeling inspired by art of food and receiving the message - to then enjoy those foods herself. The story reads quickly with the adorable Izzy sharing her experiences with the reader. The end will inspire children to create their own art with a message about creating and sharing that works well for little ones.

The font is bold and large throughout, which makes it easy to read aloud. The pages turn quickly, which is great for toddlers. The simple story will work well for preschoolers and young elementary school readers as well.

Final verdict: IZZY PAINTS is a clever and cute picture book about the magic of art that is great for toddlers and preschoolers.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright, colorful celebration of the joys of creativity. Young children will find much to feast their eyes on in this nod to art museums and the inspiration they can provide people of all ages but particularly to children. Young Izzy finds it so and decides to create art also. The illustrations are cheerful, bright and extremely colorful; the names of some of those colors are not the primary ones children are introduced to early on which is another nod to creativity and imagination. A terrific tool for teachers and parents alike.

[Jj · Rating 3 out of 5]

VERY repetitious because of the refusal to address Izzy by any pronouns, but that's not a bad thing. The art is very colorful and has a friendly palette. This would make for a great beginning reader story and a transition for kids who are used to having picture books read to them but are starting to read on their own with some help.

[Kelsey McLane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was perfect for my kiddos! Not only was the story adorable and the color contrast between the people and the art beautiful, but this is a book that inspires. In fact, after reading this book, my 2 year old and 5 year old asked to get out our painting supplies to create their own art to share! This book is a masterpiece!

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and had so much fun finding the hidden characters from the other books by Tim Miller - it reminded me of how fun it was to look for the names of Marc Brown’s children in the Arthur series when I was a kid and how much my students love finding Pigeon in the Elephant and Piggy books! I can’t wait to share this one with my classes and with the art teacher.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy Koala visits an art museum. Inspired, the young koala decides to try painting. What supplies are needed? What should the painting look like? Very simple text and bold illustrations make this book accessible to early readers and listeners.
A fun introduction to the activity of painting as art.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy is inspired by a trip to a museum and decides to try out painting herself. I love the very simple text, the variety of ways that Izzy approaches her art, and the feelings of satisfaction that it brings her.

[Kelly]

This book is cute, but why is the little koala naked? Everyone else, even other children, are wearing clothes. Luckily he's cute. I wish the painting had turned out to be a mess and not so perfect, but you can't win them all. Overall, I liked the book.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by a museum visit, a young koala decides to make art of their very own in this joyful celebration of creativity.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Themes: Art, painting
Ages: PreK-1st grade or so

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joyful celebration of art and making art!

Themes: Art
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute book about the love of art and creation. Would be a great read aloud for a lower elementary art classroom.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and colorful story that will delight audiences young and old! I especially loved the ending.

[Y.Poston]

a delightful exploration of becoming an artist

[Lake Shore Library]

Two separate classes said "that is a short book" when I finished reading.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful and adorable!

[Taylor Kundel-Gower · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay

[Villain E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a celebration of art. Izzy goes to an art museum and gets inspired. She goes home and paints on some big canvases.

[Claire Johnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this colorful book, Izzy is a koala bear who discovers her love for art and painting.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

simple story, bold, colorful illustrations

[Sarah Baluta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved this book! Will be added to my regular storytime rotation.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toddler, preschool, and school-age

[Miss Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy visits an art museum and is inspired to be an artist. What will she paint?