Gizmo Goes to Germany is a children's picture book written by Heidi Heisel, with illustrations by River Wilson. The story follows Gizmo, a dog who dreams of becoming a service dog but struggles with self-discipline. He is often late to class, and his strict teacher, Fritz—a German Shepherd—is ready to fail him. Fortunately, Gizmo is given one last chance to pass his exams by joining Fritz for a German class, where he must prove he can be disciplined. Gizmo has a terrible night reading the Brothers Grimm fairy tales and barely makes it to class on time the next day. During his lessons, he goes on an adventure with Fritz, and he learns about Germany’s landmarks, festivals, and the cultural importance of discipline and punctuality. Gizmo soon realizes it's up to him to change his habits and prove himself capable.

Gizmo Goes to Germany is a delightful story that combines education about Germany’s history and vibrant culture with important lessons on self-discipline, respect, and being on time. It also celebrates the essential work of service dogs, highlighting their role in assisting people with challenges. Gizmo, based on Heidi Heisel’s real dog, is a charming character whose determination to improve makes him relatable and likable. The colorful illustrations and a bright, eye-catching background add to its vibrancy. It also includes beautiful photos of various locations in Germany that the real-life Gizmo visited, which are referenced in the story. This book is an excellent addition to your child’s library, as it has adventure, moral lessons, and adorable animal characters they can understand and connect with.

Gizmo Goes to Germany by Heidi Heisel is an enchanting children’s story about a young service dog-in-training who must overcome a major obstacle to reach his dream. Gizmo is close to failing Service Dog School, but his strict instructor, Fritz, gives him one last chance: a makeup exam in Germany. What follows is a warm, engaging trip through a new country, filled with meaningful lessons and gentle humor that young readers will enjoy. Gizmo is a lively and lovable hero whose enthusiasm sometimes makes his journey more challenging. German castles, cobblestone streets, and a magical Christmas Market all become part of his growth, each setting teaching him something new about self-control, purpose, and trusting his own abilities.

Heidi Heisel shows children that combining expectations with kindness and fairness helps Gizmo grow rather than discouraging him, a lesson they can use in their own lives. Young readers will also explore themes of discipline and self-respect without these feeling heavy. Gizmo’s experiences in Germany demonstrate that mistakes can be stepping stones rather than barriers. Each learning moment is presented through curiosity, travel, and friendship. The many pictures of German settings give young readers glimpses of cultural traditions. These photographs highlight Germany and invite the spirit of discovery in a new place, underscoring how travel can encourage personal growth. Gizmo Goes to Germany is a sweet, uplifting story about perseverance, learning from missteps, and finding confidence. With its gentle message, colorful settings, and lovable main character, it is well-suited for children who enjoy stories about animals, travel, and finding courage through experience. It's a perfect story for elementary classrooms.