Description
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.
About the Author
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. Brenda also founded and currently directs and teaches at the Notable Kids Arts Center in Denver, Colorado where she has the honor of interacting with and learning from children and their families on a daily basis. This is her first children's book because, as she likes to say... "no one ever told me I couldn't." 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 stopped being fun. Before being inspired by the opportunity to co-write and illustrate a childrens 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 (awards and working with people who had entourages). But then came working with children and it became fun again. The words began to flow and with it, the paint, the ink and, most important, the orange hair on Lizzys head -- and three simple words from Brenda put it all in motion Just.
Reviews
From Foreword Reviews as the 2017 Silver Medal Winner for Best Children's Picture Book: "Perfect for children in transitional stagesVibrant illustrations and an engaging main character help young readers explore themes of resilience, courage, and perseverance."
" 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 nowto 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 fashionA 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
"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)
" 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
"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
Awards
Commended for Benjamin Franklin Award (Children's Pict/4-7 Yrs) 2022 and Benjamin Franklin Award (Children's Pict/0-3 Yrs) 2022.
Book Information
ISBN 9781733354820
Author Brenda Faatz
Format Hardback
Page Count 46
Imprint Notable Kids Publishing
Publisher Notable Kids Publishing
Weight(grams) 496g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 6mm * 266mm
About the Author
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. Brenda also founded and currently directs and teaches at the Notable Kids Arts Center in Denver, Colorado where she has the honor of interacting with and learning from children and their families on a daily basis. This is her first children's book because, as she likes to say... "no one ever told me I couldn't." 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 stopped being fun. Before being inspired by the opportunity to co-write and illustrate a childrens 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 (awards and working with people who had entourages). But then came working with children and it became fun again. The words began to flow and with it, the paint, the ink and, most important, the orange hair on Lizzys head -- and three simple words from Brenda put it all in motion Just.
Reviews
From Foreword Reviews as the 2017 Silver Medal Winner for Best Children's Picture Book: "Perfect for children in transitional stagesVibrant illustrations and an engaging main character help young readers explore themes of resilience, courage, and perseverance."
" 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 nowto 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 fashionA 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
"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)
" 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
"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
Awards
Commended for Benjamin Franklin Award (Children's Pict/4-7 Yrs) 2022 and Benjamin Franklin Award (Children's Pict/0-3 Yrs) 2022.
Book Information
ISBN 9781733354820
Author Brenda Faatz
Format Hardback
Page Count 46
Imprint Notable Kids Publishing
Publisher Notable Kids Publishing
Weight(grams) 496g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 6mm * 266mm
