The Isabelle Stories #1: Izzy & Belle; Jane Godwin, illustrated by Robin Cowcher

Isabelle Reddy lives with her dad and their cat Steve. Despite not having any brothers or sisters, there’s always something going on in her little life. She may only be six, nearly seven, years old but that doesn’t mean that things are straight forward. It is not easy being a child you know. Teachers need impressing, friendships need nurturing and time with family is important too. Isabelle has just about got everything under control. And then Isobel mark two arrives…

A charming and heart-warming collection of four short stories explore some of the highs and lows of Isabelle’s life; navigating the daily dramas of school, the stress of becoming separated from a parent, the disappearance of a special possession, the joys of repurposing another’s trash. Whilst each story can be read independently, they do follow-on seamlessly from one another.

Featuring Robin Cowcher’s black and white illustrations, Jane Godwin’s perfectly pitched writing is an accurate and gentle portrayal of the complicated life of a nearly seven-year-old. Like the lives of most children, Isabelle’s is unpredictable; fantastic one moment and then frustrating the next. Ups are quickly followed by downs, dramas proceeded by delights - each event giving a little insight into the trials and triumphs of Isabelle’s days and how hard, or at least how hard she perceives, life to be. No matter what though, everything works out alright in the end, as it so often does in the life of children.

Desperate to do well at school; keen to please everyone; inquisitive, kind and sweet; Isabelle is a very relatable and genuine little character. The situations she finds herself in may seem simple and easy to resolve but each needs courage and heart and her handling of each mini crisis offers an important life lesson; from acknowledging when you are wrong and apologising to overcoming a fear of scary teenagers - this is a savvy and thoughtful six-year-old who we could all learn a little from.

With a delightful cast of supporting characters - I love Harry B - and recognisable and important themes of friendship, family, school, the need to belong and community, this first in a new series will delight its intended young audience.

Recommended for 6+.

With huge thanks to Hachette for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.