Now What?

Overview

This latest title from the "It's Just So..." series promotes the concept of "living in the now" and being creative with what life offers

The book title begs the question and the answers come through obstacles which become opportunities in this comical romp. Curiosity, frustration, imagination, and a unique perspective are at the heart of this tale about Lizzy, the protagonist from the “It’s Just So” book series. Written in lyrical rhyme, we are taken on a little journey through a day that brings personal growth and the meeting of Luna, a new neighbor, who just moved from the Caribbean. Together, they color their way through adventures and embrace the concept of “living in the now” while being creative with what life presents.

Reviews

"Now What? uses a playful fusion of images, sound, and text to draw the reader into each moment of play and discovery. Each carefully crafted component contributes to the story's mindful message about being true to oneself, present in the moment, and joyful." —The Children's Book Review

"A wonderful book for kids… it teaches them to live in the now…to be accepting of new things in life and it teaches them how to make the most of what they have; to be creative and simply enjoy life to the fullest." —Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite 5 stars

"A sweet, heartwarming story about two little girls, Lizzy and Luna … It's a story about diversity, but the two girls don't see themselves as different, which makes this point so poignantly clear. If we could only see things through children's eyes"  —Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite 5 stars

"Now What? is delightfully written and has a rhyming scheme that will have you and your children reading in a sing-along fashion…A beautifully created story filled with images that are reminiscent of the Sunday funnies that forever hold a place in everyone's hearts." —Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite 5 Stars

"Now What? is a delightful tribute to the power of invention … A cheery, rhyming romp that celebrates imagination, friendship, and living in the moment."  —PW Booklife

"A lively, innovative story of friendship that encourages readers to think creatively. Using rhythmic language, Faatz adds an artistic spin to a cheerful friendship tale. Trimarco's illustrations use various textures and tones, and the spreads featuring colorful chalk designs are delightful." —Kirkus Reviews

"Now What? is a charming picture book whose creative, quirky heroines make the best of a dreary day. Humming prose, powered by rhymes and clear meters, helps the story to proceed with a spring. And the illustrations feature bright colors and expressive faces, complementing the chaos of the day; they render the characters in a cartoon manner, setting them atop lush watercolor backdrops." —Foreword Clarion Review (5/5)

"Author Brenda Faatz's enthusiasm infuses each word of this rollicking, rhyming story… and the illustrations … add to the fun, dizzying pace of it all. Trust Now What? to provide inspiration on any ordinary afternoon when young readers might wonder how to keep themselves entertained." —Brandy Hilboldt Allport, Jacksonville Florida Times, Union USA Today Network

Author Biography

Brenda Faatz has an undeniable connection with children. Some say it's because they instinctively know "one of their own." A graduate of The University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Musical Theatre, Brenda is a professional singer, dancer, and actor. Along with her husband, Peter Trimarco, she wrote the music, lyrics, and script for the original Wee Noteables musical theatre live performance series for children. Peter Trimarco was a fine arts student who graduated from Lake Forest College with a degree in literature and went on to pursue a career as an editorial cartoonist…but drawing 'grownups' stopped being fun. Before being inspired by the opportunity to co-write and illustrate a children's book with Brenda, he journeyed through life as an entertainment industry professional. From art director to executive producer to publisher of an international film magazine, he found a good deal of success before turning his efforts to creating books for children.