Book Info

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Format

Paperback
32 pages

Author

Rebecca Elliott
More books by Rebecca Elliott

Illustrated By

Rebecca Elliott

Publisher

Lion Hudson Plc

Suitable for Ages

Featured Books for 3+ readers

Publication date

20th August 2010

ISBN

9780745962351

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Just Because

Written by: Rebecca Elliott
Illustrated by: Rebecca Elliott

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The Lovereading comment:

This is a book that deserves a place on the nursery bookshelf to be read and reread time and time again by parents and children alike.  It helps children to recognise that everyone is different.  Both heartfelt and loving it provides a wonderfully positive introduction into the world of disability between a child and a sibling. It’s funny and thoughtful and the rhythmic text and repeating words ‘just because’ will ensure that everyone is left with a smile on their and a realisation that kindness goes an awful long way in providing happiness to all.

 

 

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.' This heartwarming picture book tells of a brother's love for his sister. He is so enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, and delights in telling us about all the fun things they do together. Only as his tale unfolds does the reader begin to realize that his sister has special needs...and by then we just accept as he does all the wonderful things about her. This amusing and often touching story encompasses the issue of disability in a charming celebration of sibling friendship to which all children can relate.

Author Rebecca Elliott talks about Just Because in this video:

Reviews

'A truly lovely book. It is indeed for all readers, all children and all adults. It shows children what's possible and it puts adults in a position in which we can see and understand everyone, not just the so-called able-bodied. It's fun, it's rhythmic, it's thoughtful. It's not simply or only 'worthy' - though it is the best kind of worthy - it has a poetry about it.' Michael Rosen, Children's poet and former Children's Laureate

'This delightful, warm, beautifully illustrated picture book deserves a place on every bookshelf.' Jacqueline Wilson, Children's author and former Children's Laureate

'A book that deserves a place in every library and school in the country!'
Joy Court, Chair of the Youth Librarians Group

'The just because approach is excellent because it recognises difference without having to understand why, and acknowledges the unconditional acceptance and love that exists between siblings. Against this backdrop, it can really help children to learn and understand more about disability. The images are charming and I can see this book being genuinely helpful for many families with a disabled child or relative, as well as in pre-school and primary school settings.'
Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children

‘This is a ‘must’ book for any primary school to have. Not only does it open up a talking point about disabilities, but it deals with the subject in such an honest and true way that you instantly understand; you get it, and you get it because it is written by someone that has intimate knowledge of the themes throughout. It is a heartfelt, loving, personal and warm picture book that through its text immediately draws you in. It's not just the best book that deals with these issues, but it is an exceptional book in its own right which introduces such a powerful and emotive subject that isn't covered enough in the children's book market.’
Adam Lancaster, Federation of Children’s Book Groups
‘Just Because is a delightful book that gives a gentle, positive introduction into the world of a severely disabled child and her brother to other children. The imaginative illustrations and simple story will appeal to all children and will be a lovely read for all families.’ National Portage Association

‘An absolutely beautiful book.’
Kate Saunders & Aled Jones, BBC Radio 2 Good Morning Sunday
Press play to listen to the Radio 2 feature in full:

About The Author

A school project of Rebecca’s, created at the tender age of six has in it the line ’When I grow up I want to be a writer and an artist’. Rebecca remembers endlessly boring her long-suffering family with ill-conceived stories she had written about rabbits wearing flat caps and aliens flying around in suitcases.  It was through a rather scrappy route that she got there, but that childhood dream is now finally coming true with her first three written and illustrated picture books due out; Cub's First Winter, Milo's Pet Egg and Just Because.

Rebecca has always been arty and doodled her way through life and, after a degree in Philosophy and a brief stint in a torturously dull office job, she returned to her childhood career plans and started putting together a portfolio of children’s book illustrations. Since 2002, Rebecca has illustrated many children’s books using both digital and tradition mediums and is delighted that she’s now branched out into writing them as well. She lives in Sudbury, Suffolk with her ‘inspirations’ - her husband Matthew, a history teacher, and two children, Clementine, who has severe special needs, and Toby, who is a bit of a monkey. When not making up stories about animals and children having adventures, she spends her time singing in pubs (not just randomly – with her husband who plays the guitar!), spending time with her beautiful children, blogging, and walking through the Suffolk countryside.

Rebecca's book Zoo Girl has been highly commended in the Junior Magazine Design Awards in the Picture Book of the Year category, as well as shortlisted in the Most Promising New Talent category.

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