Six-year-old Isabelle doesn’t have any brothers or sisters. But she does have her dad, her cat Steve, her friend Harry B, and her baby cousin, Bibi, who she’s very good at looking after. And then along comes Isobel, a new girl at school. They have the same name, but will they be friends?
Four gentle stories in one volume, all about Isabelle and her world, its trials and triumphs, its small moments and big dramas: friends, family, school life and growing up, from Jane Godwin, one of Australia’s most respected writers for children, and with delightful illustrations by Robin Cowcher.
Jane Godwin has been a children’s publisher and also a highly acclaimed, award-winning author of over thirty books for children. Godwin’s newest junior fiction series is a heart-warming story about an observant, thoughtful young girl named Isabelle, and about all the big and little things that matter when you’re growing up and finding your place in the wide new world.
The Isabelle Stories has four different narratives that cover key moments in Isabelle’s life:
‘The Wrong Isabelle’: Will Isabelle ever win the Star of the Week award?
‘Teenagers’: Will Isabelle’s dad find her and Bibi again?
‘The Special Pen’: Did Izzy steal Isabelle’s special pen?
‘Not Rubbish’: Will Harry B make a success of his outdoor room?
With lively illustrations and distinct voice, The Isabelle Stories is a gorgeous look into a six-year-old’s world. While each story of this volume could be read on its own, there is perfect continuity throughout all four narratives. Isabelle is an utterly charming young heroine and these delightful stories not only entertain but also explore common childhood experiences and issues such as finding one’s identity, friendship, family and school.
Little ones will love the array of characters as they are all incredibly relatable and recognisable. Cowcher brings each page to life with monochrome drawings of Isabelle’s doodles and small scenes of the characters throughout the stories, making them feel tangible and tactile for the reader.
Early readers aged 5+, parents and teachers alike will find so much to love in this volume. Jane Godwin’s trademark style works so well for younger readers, and I can’t wait to follow Isabelle’s next steps in volume #2 of the series.
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