"Izzy endeavors to become as brave as a lion in this empathetic novel by Fullerton... Heavily inked, heartfelt illustrations by Mistry accompany Izzy's astute, mature-sounding narration."

"In this feel-good story told in journal entries, readers meet Izzy, who is anxious all of the time--so anxious that she's receiving an emotional support dog, which she names Gandalf, because she figures it must take a wizard to help soothe her anxiety.... The author has an emotional support animal herself and is able to weave in rich details about the kind of work these companions do for their humans. Some entries end with a small cartoon illustration of a charming scene from the narrative, such as Izzy running away from her rooster, Meanie, after collecting eggs. This is a great read for kids who want to unlock their inner lions and be brave!"

"This quick read is written in a journal/diary-like style with 1-3 pages per entry, the perfect length for reading aloud in a classroom. Writing in this style feels as though Izzy is speaking to the reader or those listening to the story. Izzy's relatable experiences will promote opportunities for discussions about anxiety, support animals, and coping mechanisms."