Just Because

by Matthew McConaughey

Illustrated by Renée Kurilla

Hennepin County Library hardcover children's book

Published: 2023

Genre: children's fiction, encouragement

 

I don't remember where I saw a blurb about this book and got curious, but I've been on the waiting list for a while. It's a beautifully illustrated picture book where the text only carries half the message. 

 

Some might say the author is promoting social relativism, but I think he's showing situations where nuance is required. He writes (and Kurilla illustrates) in such a kid-appropriate way that many good conversations about how to handle life situations could follow.

"Just because you're a bully, doesn't mean that you're strong." The illustration shows a boy angrily snatching a basketball from another child's hands. The bottom half of the page says, "Just because it felt right then, doesn't mean it won't feel wrong." That illustration shows the bully with tears as his back is turned to the other child, who looks forlorn.

The other thing I love about this book is how grays and full color illustrations are mixed to highlight the point of the text.

This is a wonderful picture book, worth having in an elementary school collection or a child's home.