Izzy Pizzy: The Spectacular Sputtering Spout

By: Beth Shortsleeve

A runaway water clock. A wedged ant. An abbey belfry on the brink of a watery disaster

High in the sunlit rafters of an ancient monastery, an intricate copper water clock keeps the day running smoothly with a gentle whirr, tick, splash. But when Andy-an exceedingly polite ant who only wanted a small sip of water-gets wedged fast in the delivery nozzle, the clock's peaceful rhythm erupts into a noisy, sputtering catastrophe

Enter Izzy Pizzy: a tidy, turquoise jumping spider who prefers quiet naps and cozy journal entries to clattering plumbing emergencies. When raw ant strength and frantic tugging fail to dislodge the stuck spout, Izzy realizes that brute force is no match for clever thinking.

Armed with golden silk, an ingenious block-and-tackle pulley, and an abundance of determination, the two unlikely partners team up to demonstrate that no mess is too grand and no challenge too wet when brains and leverage work together.

Rendered in luminous watercolor washes and delicate sepia ink linework reminiscent of Beatrix Potter, Izzy Pizzy: The Spectacular Sputtering Spout pairs gentle humor and slapstick action with authentic early-STEM principles.

Key Themes & Highlights:

Early-STEM & Simple Machines: Introduces young readers to basic mechanical advantage, pulleys, tension, and problem-solving through a seamless, story-driven plot.Cooperation & Etiquette: Models polite dialogue, perseverance, and constructive teamwork between two very different creatures.Classic Aesthetic: Timeless visual storytelling designed for independent bookstore shelves, school libraries, and family read-aloud collections.Target Audience: Perfect for preschool through early elementary readers (Ages 4-8; Grades PreK-3).

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0HLS2CDJW
• ISBN13: 9798182803878
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: Beth Shortsleeve Publishing
• Length: 34 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.3" x 8.5"