When Heidi Heisel rescued Gizmo from a lethal accident on the highway, little did she know that this adorable dog would be changing her life forever. Gizmo is an adorable little pet dog who becomes Heidi’s travel companion as she travels the world. And to share her amazing travel diaries with us all, Heidi is here to present her travel series featuring Gizmo, with the Gizmo Goes children’s book series.
The books are written in catchy, flowing rhyme. These books are brought to life through a beautiful blend of whimsical illustrations and real-world photography. Each of the books in the series is unique and features new places and adventures that capture the unpredictable beauty of the world around us.
So, read these books and join Gizmo and Heidi as they explore the rolling green hills of Ireland, navigate the strict lockdowns of a global pandemic, learn the rules of America’s favourite pastime, and head on a quest to find Gizmo a perfect tail. Did you know that Gizmo does not have a tail? In one of his most meaningful adventures, he travels to Yellowstone hoping to find the perfect tail for himself, and with help from deer, buffalo, antelope, wolves, birds, bunnies, and even a scary grizzly bear, Gizmo discovers the importance of self-acceptance. But the greatest surprise comes when he realizes that the grizzly bear doesn’t have a tail either, showing young readers that our differences are often what make us special.
As a professional photographer, Heidi’s work required her to travel constantly. But instead of leaving her newly rescued best friend behind, Gizmo became her permanent co-pilot. As you read these books, you will see that Gizmo has flown across oceans, explored massive public lands, and stayed in busy cities, which capture the innocent, enthusiastic, and often deeply funny inner voice of a canine traveler.
A Quick Tour of Gizmo’s Travel Logs
The beauty of this series is its sheer variety, as Gizmo doesn’t just stick to his home state of Texas; his passport is seriously impressive.
Turning Lockdowns into Landmarks
In Gizmo Goes on a Road Trip, the story starts in a place our kids remember all too well: the restlessness of being stuck at home. During the 2020 lockdowns, Gizmo is cooped up inside, growing bored and visibly worried about putting on extra weight because he can’t run and play like usual. As the second restrictions ease, he packs his bags for a massive, 17-day, 6,192- mile highway adventure across six states. From the steaming geysers of Yellowstone to majestic mountain passes, the book transforms a stressful period of isolation into a sweeping love letter to the great outdoors.
Crossing the Atlantic
In Gizmo Goes to Ireland, Gizmo’s journey is sparked by a funny moment: he sees a four-leaf clover on a cereal box and decides he needs to find a real one to boost his luck! This story stands out because it focuses so heavily on the joy of hospitality and hospitality workers. Based on a real trip Heidi took with Gizmo and her mother in 2019, the book introduces kids to an amazing bus driver and a local chef who treat the furry traveler like a king, highlighting how the people you meet are often the best part of any destination.
Conquering Classroom Nerves
In Gizmo Goes to Germany, the series tackles a major childhood milestone: school anxiety and accountability. Gizmo is attending Service Dog School but is struggling hard with staying focused and showing up on time. His strict German Shepherd instructor, Fritz, gives him one final chance to pass his exams, but it involves a trip to Germany! There, young readers are treated to rich historical castles, local holiday traditions, and the folklore of the Brothers Grimm, all while Gizmo learns the value of discipline and self-control.
If you ask a seven-year-old why they love these books, they will tell you it’s because Gizmo is funny, gets into silly situations, and speaks in fun rhymes. However, ask a parent or educator, and they’ll likely mention “stealth” learning, since these books skillfully incorporate real-world data and history into the text without seeming like a dry textbook.
For example, during his road trip, Gizmo visits five National Parks in six different states, and he sees lots of animals and learns some funny and interesting history along the way. He learns about the “crazy” discovery of Yellowstone, the melting glaciers in Montana, Bigfoot, Lewis and Clark, and their very brave guide dog named Seaman. Gizmo wants to be brave like Seaman, but when it’s time to face his own fears, Gizmo doesn’t feel very brave at all. As parents and educators read aloud this book to them, they can share the story of how Gizmo overcomes his fear and make his road trip more fun.
And when Gizmo climbs high into the mountain regions, he experiences genuine fear of the heights. By following Gizmo as he travels and hops into different adventures and situations, finding his courage and pushing through them, children can learn more about emotional resilience, stepping outside their comfort zones, and handling their everyday anxieties.
A Must-Have for the Modern Bookshelf
When children are experiencing more screen time and an unrealistic schedule filled with tablets, screens, and fast-paced digital media, the Gizmo Goes series can help them divert from such a routine. Through engaging narrative, illustrations, real-life photos, and so much more, these books encourage curiosity, natural beauty, and the profound, unbreakable bond between humans and animals.
The illustrations are created by River Wilson, Heidi’s grandson, who began illustrating the series when he was only ten years old. River has continued developing his artistic talent throughout the years and is now graduating from college. His long connection with Gizmo
allows him to capture the dog’s personality, humor, curiosity, and adventurous spirit in every illustration.
Whether you are trying to get a reluctant child excited about a family trip, wanting to introduce them to global cultures, or simply looking for a sweet, meaningful bedtime story about an incredibly lucky rescue dog, this series checks every single box.
To explore the full collection of titles, check out real photos from their travels, or grab your own print or eBook copies, visit the official hub at GizmoGoes.com or find them on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the recommended reading level for the Gizmo Goes books?
The series is tailored for children aged 3 to 9. The lyrical, rhyming rhythm makes them exceptional read-aloud books for toddlers and preschoolers. The clear text layout and vocabulary are excellent for early elementary students (grades K-3) who are starting to read independently.
Are the facts and historical tidbits in the books accurate?
Absolutely. Even though the story is told from a dog’s perspective, all the historical context, geographical routes, and cultural references are real and authentic, taken from Gizmo and Heidi’s travels and adventures. Be it Lewis and Clark or regional European landmarks, all of these stories and locations are thoroughly researched and entirely accurate.
How many books are currently in the series?
The series features several unique adventures, including Gizmo Goes on a Road Trip, Gizmo Goes to Ireland, Gizmo Goes to Germany, Gizmo Goes to a Baseball Game, and Gizmo Goes on the Christmas Express. Each book covers a completely different theme and location for children to read and experience.
Where can I purchase copies of these books?
You can find the entire catalog available in both print and eBook formats on Amazon. On the other hand, you can visit their official home website at GizmoGoes.com for direct links, updates, and more behind-the-scenes travel photos, and more.
