The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard


Children - Picture Book
32 Pages
Reviewed on 01/29/2024
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Author Biography

Dr. Chuck practices Gizzardology in Texas. When he isn't carving on people or sliding scopes into gizzards, he writes children's and inspirational books. He is the found of Spoonful of Courage which aims at giving Christian encouragement in small doses.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard, written by Charles W. Page and illustrated by Miroslav Muratov, is a children's picture book that revolves around Lizzy, a young girl who is distressed after accidentally swallowing a lizard. Fearing the consequences of confessing, Lizzy opts instead for silence. Meanwhile, the trapped lizard, named Lazarus Machiavelli, cries out for release from the confines of Lizzy's gizzard. As Lizzy's condition worsens, medical professionals struggle to diagnose the mysterious ailment. Eventually, Lizzy, inspired by a creative idea, uses a string and a lollipop ring to free Lazarus from her gizzard, learning the importance of facing the truth and finding inventive solutions in tough situations. The story uses comparisons to Bible verses, such as Jonah and the Whale, drawing parallels to situations where trust in God is imperative and with moral lessons about honesty, resilience, and the unexpected ways in which solutions may emerge.

Charles W. Page does an exceptional job with the melodic writing in The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard. The tale is reminiscent of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. Page's structure and rhythm closely align with the pattern of traditional nursery rhymes, which is rare in this day and age. My youngest reader found the lighthearted and whimsical verses hysterical, and we both had loads of fun reading through them. The illustrations by Miroslav Muratov are in full color, with all the polish of a contemporary animation style in a still picture format. One aspect that I absolutely loved is that the doctor is called in to help Lizzie. Lizzie is a person of color, and as a parent to children of color, this means a great deal to me. Overall, this is a well-written, thoughtful, and fun journey into Lizzy's gizzard, and it received two enthusiastic, if a little sticky, thumbs up.

Astrid Iustulin

The fun and instructive story of Lizzy, a young girl, and Lazarus Machiavelli, a chameleon lizard, begins when the child swallows the little animal, which ends up in her gizzard. The lizard is immersed in green goo up to his neck and calls for help. Lizzy, for her part, feels more and more pain and goes to her parents. However, she chooses not to say anything and waits to see what the others decide for her. The doctor comes, and when Lizzy arrives at the hospital, they carry out all possible tests. Time is running out, and Lazarus is in grave danger. What will Lizzy decide to do? Find out by reading the illustrated children's book The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard by Charles W. Page.

Young readers need to learn the importance of telling the truth and being resourceful if they are in trouble. Otherwise, they will not know how to solve their problems and will endure unpleasant situations for too long. The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard is the ideal book to explain these concepts to youngsters. Charles W. Page's story is fun to read and, above all, educational. There are valuable concepts in this book, and Lizzy's actions and Lazarus' misadventure are useful to highlight them. The little girl's ingenuity impressed me as much as Lazarus' prayer, and I think these parts of the book are the best of all. The beautiful images will help children reflect on the issues. I recommend The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard wholeheartedly to young readers.

Luwi Nyakansaila

The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard is a children's storybook written by Charles W. Page with illustrations by Miroslav Muratov. It tells the hilarious tale of Lizzy, a girl who swallowed a lizard named Lazarus Machiavelli. After ingesting the lizard, Lizzy starts to feel sick and dizzy. She confesses to her parents what she has done. However, just like Jonah in the Bible, Lazarus feels he will not survive because he is about to drown in the yucky and smelly goo in Lizzy’s stomach. He starts to pray, hoping God will hear his cry. Unfortunately, the doctors do not believe Lizzy’s story. But after hearing Lazarus’ screams, they take an X-ray that shows them the real extent of the problem. Will Lazarus ever be saved, and will Lizzy learn a lesson from this situation?

The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard is one of the funniest stories I have ever read. The entire premise is so bizarre, making the book unique and memorable. Lizzy and Lazarus are adorable characters, and their predicament connects them most unusually. The story encourages children to freely share their issues or mistakes with their parents, guardians, or caregivers. It also teaches them to have hope and never give up, like Lazarus. Charles W. Page uses rhyming words to create a rhythmic tone in the narration, while also incorporating medical knowledge to reflect his experience as a doctor. The colorful illustrations perfectly complment the story. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend parents read it with their children to have a good laugh and teach them valuable lessons.

Philip Van Heusen

Charles W. Page presents an important message in a fun and humorous way in The Lizard in Lizzy’s Gizzard. When Lizzy ends up with a lizard in her gizzard, she tries to hide the facts but still receive help. It is nearly impossible to obtain proper help when keeping the real problem a secret. She had many medical procedures until one doctor finally discovered the real reason for Lizzy’s discomfort. Lizzy comes up with an inventive solution, and all is well. What is the best thing to do when you are having a problem? You should always tell the truth and pray. Lying has consequences, while the truth sets you free. Your child will love this book and its bright illustrations.

Are you looking for a children’s picture book that will help you explain the vital importance of always telling the truth? If so, The Lizard in Lizzy’s Gizzard by Charles W. Page is just the book for you. In real life, Charles is a medical doctor and a creative children’s writer. The illustrations by Miroslav Muratov are innovative and will make your child giggle. Reading this book with and to your children will open the door for discussions and why it is always the best policy to tell the truth. This book also includes the importance of prayer to strengthen and help us endure many circumstances. Even though this story is based on Christian principles, it is not an in-your-face sermon. It is a fun and engaging story of living a Christian life. I highly recommend this book to all young readers.

Kristine Zimmerman

Get ready for one wild, imaginative read! The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard by Charles W. Page, MD, begins when Lizzy decides to swallow a lizard. Lizzy immediately realizes it wasn't a wise decision, but what should she do? The pain in her belly is growing worse, but she decides to say nothing and see what happens. Meanwhile, the poor lizard is floating around in Liz's green, slimy gizzard and losing hope. Lizzy ends up at the hospital, where multiple plans to relieve her symptoms are being discussed. None of their ideas sound very good to Lizzy. What will she decide to do? Will Lizzy and the lizard survive? A QR code that takes you to an outstanding audio version of the story is included.

The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard reminds me of other preposterous medical tales, like The Lady with the Alligator Purse and Imogene's Antlers. Dr. Charles Page has added a little twist by tying in a Christian message at the end. Kids who enjoy slimy, silly, rhyming stories will pay rapt attention as Lizzy and the lizard's dilemma progresses. The tale has intriguing vocabulary and a strong, rhyming flow, making it a great choice to enhance early literacy skills. The illustrations by Miroslav Muratov are bold and vivid. The lizard is exceptionally colorful, but kids might involuntarily say "ew" as they see him floating in Lizzy's gizzard. Dr. Charles Page gently reinforces the message that telling the truth is the best option, especially if you've just swallowed a lizard! The Lizard in Lizzy's Gizzard will make young readers laugh as they learn a valuable lesson.