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This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson
  • Published: 2 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9780241574546
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 352

This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson

Formats & editions
Paperback
8 Apr 2026
EBook
2 Apr 2026
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The illustrated fiction debut from Abigail Balfe, author of A Different Sort of Normal, about a neurodivergent preteen girl navigating school life and finding friendship.

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.


\"Relatable, wonderfully quirky and so much fun. Izzy Dobson is a legend!\" - Emily-Jane Clark, bestselling author of Cringe Club
  • Published: 2 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9780241574546
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 352
Categories:

About the author

Abigail Balfe

Abigail Balfe is a queer, auDHD author-illustrator and Emmy award-winning creative based in Brighton. Before writing books full-time, Abigail led digital campaigns for pop stars such as One Direction and Little Mix, and for TV broadcasters including Channel 4 and Netflix. She also performed stand-up comedy and won several small trophies for her onstage humour, which featured life-size illustrations, ridiculous songs, and rambling stories about her family. In 2023, Abigail was named one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in the UK.
AB

Also by Abigail Balfe

A Different Sort of Normal
See all

Praise for This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson

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, author of the bestselling teen series Cringe Club

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, book blogger, @edspire on Instagram

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, bestselling, award-winning author

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, @thelittleliteracysociety on Instagram