The Children’s Book Review | July 28, 2016
Age Range: 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
It’s Just So …
Written by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco
Illustrated by Peter Trimarco
It’s Lizzy’s first day in a brand new school! At first things feel “just so” scary and “just so” hard, but in the end, they’re “just so”…. not what she thought they would be! From waking up early and boarding the bus for the very first time to meeting new friends and painting outside the lines, it’s a day of discovery and perspective for a little girl named Lizzy.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Notable Kids Publishing | 2016 | 978-0997085105
Available Here:
Praise
“From the playful words and vocabulary expansion to the exploration of what a first day of school might bring, It’s Just So …, the first in a new picture book series, is a fun choice for elementary school aged children―particularly first and second graders that may be changing schools.”—The Children’s Book Review
About Brenda Faatz
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 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. This is her first children’s book because, as she likes to say… “no one ever told me I couldn’t.”
About Peter Trimarco
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 and commercial artist. 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 co-founder and publisher of an international film magazine, he realized a good deal of success (awards and working with people who had entourages). But then came working with children, inspiring a new and worthy passion. The words began to flow and with it, the paint, the ink and, most important, the orange hair on Lizzy’s head.
…and three simple words from Brenda put it all in motion” “It’s Just So…”
More Information
www.notablekidspublishing.com | www.itsjustso.net
Facebook.com/notablekidspublishing | Facebook.com/itsjustsobooks | Twitter
13 Comments
I know my granddaughter would love this book
I encourage my granddaughter to be excited about making new friends
A positive attitude is helpful for students to have on the first day of school. They should be ready to listen to information from the teacher and should be will to participate in activities to help them get to know their teacher and their classmates.
Drive past the school before school starts to let them get familiar with the area and let them help pick out their school supplies so they will be more excited about going to school. Another great tip is to let them pick out their first day of school outfit and have it ready for the morning.
Familiarity with their new school helps as well as a goodnights slee. I used to tell my children it was going to be an exiting dy due to all the new friends they’d make and all the new things they would learn.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Visiting the school, and giving them encouragement for the new things that they will experience and learn.
The night before first day of school children should have a well balanced meal. Bathe and have fresh sheets on the bed. Fifteen minutes of reading to relax is good along with turning bedroom lights out for the night at an appropriate time. Waking refreshed and sending children off to school with a well balanced breakfast for fuel keeps the mind alert.
We start working back in to a routine a week or so before school starts and make sure we have everything ready to go the night before. Helps make things a little easier!
Establishing a routine is so, so, so important. Also important is keeping kiddos socialized during the summer. The first day will be less daunting if they are aware of a friend who will be there. Additionally, go to the library and check out several “first day of school” books. Kiddos are frequently convinced they are the only ones who are scared, so showing them characters who share their fears (and overcome them) will make them feel less alone and uncertain.
Remember that all the other kids are nervous, too…so try to relax and be yourself!
Go to bed early the night before because chances are you won’t go to sleep right away and you want to be really rested for the first exciting day of school!
I always told them what fun they would have and to meet new friends
Get their sleep and wake schedule back on track at least a week before school starts. Plan activities for after school or weekends, just don’t keep them constantly running, That’s no fun for them or me lol.