Just Because
Rebecca Elliott, author and illustrator
Lion UK, April 2011, Fiction
Suitable for: Children 3 to 8 years
Theme: Disability, Acceptance, Sibling Friendship
Synopsis: “My big sister Clemmie is my best friend. She can’t walk, talk, move around much, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebra. I don’t know why she doesn’t do these things. Just because.” Toby’s sister Clemmie is his best friend. She can’t walk, talk, move around very much or cook macaroni. Toby recognizes the differences, but doesn’t really understand why. Just because. Clemmie makes noises, wears silly hats, makes funny faces and makes Toby laugh. Just because. Clemmie in turn doesn’t mind Toby making loud noises, chasing the cat, or eating crayons. Just because. And, when there is a thunderstorm, Toby gets scared but Clemmie keeps him calm. Just because that’s how things are between them. There is a lovely simplicity about this story.
Why I like this book: It is a heartwarming story about the strong bond between siblings. I find her book refreshing because it doesn’t mention the word disability. The main theme is about the unconditional love and acceptance of a brother and sister. Elliott’s illustrations are colorful, bold and magical. It is a book that families who have a child with a disability will find endearing and helpful. Use this book to encourage sibling friendship.
Activity: It’s a tough balancing act for parents who have a child with a special need. It is important to include the children in joint activities. But it is important that each child in the family receives special time with the parents. Acknowledge the feelings of both the child with a special needs and the siblings. Have the siblings draw pictures about how they feel. Involve the sibling in the care of a disabled child. Seek out support groups related to your child’s disability. For more books with resources please visit Perfect Picture Books.
What a beautiful story. One can always relate to “just because”,and the way this author has made Toby’s and his sister’s way of life so normal along with the beautiful pictures is indearing. Thankyou Pat for sharing this lovely story.
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Loved this story because it presented a disability in a very ordinary way. Toby totally accepts and loves his sister for who she is, and she puts up with his exhuberance in the same loving and accepting manner. Glad you liked it. And, I was surprised you took the time to respond while on vacation. Didn’t expect that.
Pat
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What wonderful sibling acceptance and love!
Pat, I have awarded you the incredibly sweet blog award, you can check it out here at Miss Marple’s Musings http://joannamarple.com/?p=1496.
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Yes, I loved this book immediated because it was about accepting and loving each other with all of our differences. Disability was never mentioned.
Thank you for awarding me the incredibly sweet blog award.
Pat
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I think I’d like this book very much… just because.
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I think it a beautiful book you would like. Very quiet and simple. Beautiful rhythm to it.
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I agree with everything you have said about this book Pat. It IS perfect, just because!
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Cathy, I reviewed a lot of good books before Nov. 18, 2011 when PPB began and before I was connected to other bloggers. You are more than welcome to look through some of the titles and review them — I can’t review them again and I would love to see someone review a few of them, like Phileas’ Fortune, Tattle Tongue, Lively Elizabeth and so on. There are a lot of diversity books, books about the natural rhythms of nature and books about powerful girls. Just a thought.
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