Just because by Matthew McConaughey. Illus. by Renee Kurilla

Pairs of rhyming lines present the contradictions that life offers us in a humorous way which will appeal to young readers, and  McConnaughey’s lines are supported with equally funny illustrations.

Each set of lines starts with ‘just because’, and then offers an alternative. One that caught my eye was ‘Just because I’m in the race, doesn’t mean I’m fully ready.’

And I laughed out loud at the ideas that came to mind. Kids will enjoy talking about being in the race, and what that means, as they are expected to be in lots of races. At school they are encouraged to compete, especially in sports, while even at home, siblings compete with each other. Being fully ready will bring recognition as we are often in a race or competition, without being aware of it at the start. Kids will be able to see funny sides to this truism: picture a runner without her running shoes or a cyclist without his bike. Another that resonate with me ‘Just because they do not hear you, doesn’t mean you have no voice’. This too will win recognition from children able to detail situations where this has been their predicament.  Lots of discussion could emanate from this pair of lines.

The last few pages tell us 'Just because the sun has set, doesn’t mean it will not rise’, and then the ‘just’ disappears and the next set reads, ‘Because every day is a gift, each one a new surprise’, which is a wonderfully positive note to leave this book of surprises.

Themes: Advice, Sayings, Growing up, Childhood.

Fran Knight