Now What?: Lizzy's Ordinary - Extraordinary Day

by Brenda Faatz, Peter Trimarco (Illustrator)

Overview

A delightful comic book-style tribute to the power of invention and learning to live in the moment.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWARD-WINNING picture book that is a lively, innovative story of friendship which encourages readers to think creatively. 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 rainy day journey 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781733354820
Publisher:	Notable Kids Publishing
Publication date:	10/12/2021
Pages:	46
Product dimensions:	10.75(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	3 - 8 Years

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 book for the original Wee Noteables musical theatre live performance series for children. Brenda also founded and directs 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.

Peter Trimarco started his professional doodling career as an editorial cartoonist before turning to commercial art and designing packaging for the music industry. While staying in the entertainment field, he published a trade magazine for the film industry and brought his creative juices to the printed page for youngsters. Peter is the illustrator of the critically acclaimed "It's Just So" book series (Lizzy's World) which he co-wrote with his wife, Brenda Faatz.

Editorial 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

From the Publisher

2021-10-01
A girl beats boredom via invention and a new pal in Faatz’s picture book.

Lizzy feels restless on a “gray” day. After some unsuccessful indoor activities, she takes her dog outside to play and discovers a box of kittens. Her parents say it “isn’t wise if you get them in litters,” so Lizzy sets up a lemonade stand and finds homes for the kittens. Lizzy, who’s White, notices new neighbors moving in, including a Black girl named Luna. The girls unpack boxes together and play with the contents, including musical instruments and chalk. As they build a spaceship out of the empties, a “runaway” kitten pops out! They turn their spaceship into a fort where they stay cozy alongside Lizzy’s dog and the kitten while it rains. The girls notice the rain smeared their chalk hopscotch grid. Using brushes, chalk dust, “some dots here and a splotch of paint there,” they elaborate the streaks to create gigantic, decorative rainbow designs. They celebrate their artistry with their animal companions. Using rhythmic language (“Drippidy drizzle and plippedy plop”), Faatz adds an artistic spin to a cheerful friendship tale. The story also depicts finding inspiration in unexpected ways. Trimarco’s illustrations use various textures and tones, and the spreads featuring colorful chalk designs are delightful. Some scenes feature subtext, like the kitten hiding behind images.

A lively, innovative story of friendship that encourages readers to think creatively.

Kirkus Reviews