This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson cover art

This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson

The first book in a hilarious new illustrated series from the bestselling author

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This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson

By: Abigail Balfe
Narrated by: Abigail Balfe
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About this listen

Brought to you by Puffin.

IZZY DOBSON HAS A FEW PROBLEMS:
1) School is the WORST.
2) Making friends is HARD.
3) Her VERY TOP SECRET EMBARRASSING DIARY has gone MISSING!

Can Izzy retrace her steps before the diary falls into the wrong hands? Or has its fate already been sealed by a SINISTER DIARY THIEF?

Izzy records her investigation in this Very Normal Notebook. (Definitely NOT another diary!) Expect cat doodles, brilliant(ish) brainwaves and hilarious observations on life as Izzy searches not just for her diary, but also her place in this Very Confusing World.

A laugh-out-loud, big-hearted new fiction series by acclaimed author-illustrator Abigail Balfe.
© Abigail Balfe 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

 Growing Up & Facts of Life Humorous Fiction Literature & Fiction Funny Heartfelt Witty

Critic reviews

This is such a fun read! The illustrations and layout make it really accessible for reluctant readers. It is relatable, wonderfully quirky and so much fun. Izzy Dobson is a legend! (Emily-Jane Clark)
A delight of a story, full of super relatable tween anxiety, the familiar chaos of family life, a lovable cat who is almost a sibling and a hilariously honest, straight-talking heroine who will warm your heart. You can’t help but love Izzy Dobson. (Cerrie Burnell)
This brilliant and beautiful book ... is going to spark so many conversations. It is warm and funny and tender in all the right places. I have been completely swept along on the tide of Izzy’s tween chaos. I know that busy brain, I feel all those emotions, I get the anxiety, I get the need to share, and the second guessing of things you were so certain of. The doodles and artwork make this story super accessible. This whole book feels like a warm hug for young AuDHD people everywhere and to anyone who has ever felt that they do not belong. (Jennie Henly)
I’ve been Abigail’s fan for a long time. I love how she puts her AuDHD experiences into words AND PICTURES and her new character Izzy is the cutest, quirkiest little thing! Izzy’s story is a work of fiction, but you can tell Abi has written non-fiction before because she managed to pack so much information in between the lines. It will be very eye-opening for neurotypical readers and they’ll learn so much! This book made me smile and chuckle and aw soooo many times and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment! (Lottie Saahko)
Izzy’s (not) diary veers between hilarious (laugh-out-loud hilarious) and heartfelt. The doodles and collage elements of the book add to the charm, and I loved knowing that Abigail Balfe’s words will offer validation to AuDHD middle graders, and an understanding for peers and teachers of how to be a great neurotypical friend, ally and advocate. (Jo, children's book expert)
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