It's Just So... is a children's story book written by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco and illustrated by Peter Trimarco. Lizzy was not in a hurry to wake up on the first day of school. She had no idea what would happen, and it all seemed kind of scary. Lizzy tried to stay asleep for a little bit longer, but her tummy started to rumble, and her alarm clock made lots of noise. So she got up, selected a special Lizzy-outfit, and went downstairs for breakfast. When the bus roared up to her house, and the door opened for her, she was startled by how tall it was, and the school they finally drove up to was so very big. Once she got inside, however, Lizzy discovered a whole new world. They read books, which Lizzy got all excited and dramatic about, and learned about numbers and science. Before she knew it, Lizzy was on her way home again after experiencing what was probably the most exciting and fun day of her life.

Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco's children's story book, It's Just So..., follows Lizzy on her first day in a new school which she soon discovers that she really likes a lot. This is a cheerful and entertaining story that helps kids realize that their feelings of fear and anticipation about new and strange experiences are perfectly natural. Kindergarten, first grade, and new schools are major milestones for young children and are also often the first times they are off on their own and away from parents. It's Just So... gives kids an excellent idea of what school will be like. I loved the upbeat and clever verse the authors use in this story, and Trimarco's illustrations are brilliant. Each panel tells a story and expands on the main plot of the book, and the highly detailed drawings are a lot of fun to spend some time getting lost in. It's Just So... is a grand selection for story time as well as a challenging primer for young readers who can use the illustrations to help them past those unfamiliar words. It's highly recommended.

It’s Just So… by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco is a rhyming picture book story about little Lizzy’s first day at school. Woken by the bluebirds, Lizzy decides what to wear and bravely sets off on the school bus for her very first day. What will it be like? Will she make friends? Everything seems so…scary, tall, big! But then she discovers all the good and magical and wondrous things about learning, and fun lessons, and making new friends. By the end of the day Lizzy is overwhelmed with all the lovely new experiences and can’t wait to tell her animal friends and Mom and Dad all about it.

I loved this colorful and entertaining rhyming story. The rhymes are fun and great for reading out loud. I especially loved the repetition of everything being “so…” big, scary etc and the wonderfully unique “mathemagical,” “fizz-astro-fantastical,” ”crunch-muncha-licious”! Young children will enjoy hearing and saying these gorgeous new creative words that really bring the story and Lizzy’s thoughts and experiences alive. The colourful, quirky illustrations on every page complement the story perfectly and convey all the fun that Lizzy and the other characters in the story are having. My favorite is the one of Lizzy recounting the day’s adventures to her friends back home.

Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco’s It’s Just So… is a special book indeed: fun and entertaining and with an important, encouraging, and reassuring message. Parents can use the story to introduce young children to the idea that, just like Lizzy, they will discover that the first days at school can be good and not so scary after all. In addition, the themes of overcoming fears or worries and being willing to try new things and form friendships are good and nurturing for all children. Capturing young children’s feelings perfectly, this book is an engaging story; perfect for story times, and a very worthy addition to any child’s home or school library. Recommended.