Just Because
Synopsis
Toby’s big sister is severely disabled – “she can’t walk, talk, move around, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebraâ€. But she’s his best friend and he loves her – just because. This heartwarming picture book covers ground rarely seen in children’s books, embracing childhood disability in a story which celebrates difference.
Author's Biography
Rebecca Elliott has been a freelance illustrator for 8 years and launches her solo career in 2010 with 3 picture books including Just Because which is inspired directly by her own children, Toby and Clemmie (2 and 5). Rebecca also publishes Cub’s First Winter (Top That!) and Milo’s Pet Egg (Bloomsbury) this Summer.
Reviews
‘An absolutely beautiful book.’
Kate Saunders & Aled Jones, BBC Radio 2 Good Morning Sunday
‘The images are charming and I can see this book being genuinely helpful for many families.’
Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children
'A book that deserves a place in every library and school in the country!’
Joy Court, Youth Libraries Group, CILIP
‘This is a ‘must’ book for any primary school to have.’’
Adam Lancaster, Federation of Children’s Book Groups
‘A delightful book that gives a gentle, positive introduction into the world of a severely disabled child and her brother to other children’
National Portage Association
£5.99 Paperback
Reader Comments
What a beautifully written and illustrated book. Rebecca tells the story of the relationship between her disabled little girl and her son with such love and imagination. Wonderful and truly inspiring from beginning to end!
Enchanting and inspirational.
Excellent story and illustrations
This book is FAB and long overdue. As a mum and also as a professional working with profoundly disabled children and their families, it's great to have such a fun, but sincere book that just understands the questions in kids heads, and responds in a sensitive way. Well done Rebecca Elliot for giving us a treasure that people are not scared to use time and time again :)
Love the message of the book.
Utterly unique; beautifully heart-warming. A delight even for the adult reading it, with captivating illustrations. A rare gem that as a doting aunt, I can't recommend enough.
Excellent illustrations
Beautifully illustrated, funny, poignant, delightful and original story. A significant and unique book. A treat for all ages. Can't wait for the sequel.
...a delightful book - already bought a copy each for my nephew and neice!
An amazingly lovely & uplifting book. Please write more about these two lovely children Rebecca!
Such insperation...
This book is awesome!!! the drawings are fabulous, the story is wonderful...I could go on and on.
Great book with fantastic pictures. My grandchildren love it.
Brilliant illustrations and fabulously written! A great introduction to life with a severly disabled child for both children and grown ups! A very funny, frank and inspiring story.
Lovely book with a sensitive approach. Wonderful illustrations which captivate.
This enchanting book explores the relationship between two beautiful children with sensitivity and humour.
A beautiful, beautiful book. A super story and a brilliant book to have about the life of a severely disabled child and her brothers relationship with her. I have sold out of Just Because in my bookshop, twice!
Lovely book! Heart-warming story written from personal experience.
great!!!
A wonderfully illustrated, life-affirming book! I can't recommend this book enough & will be really useful in schools, nurseries and hospitals. Children and adults alike love the pictures and the characters and there is lots to talk about as you read.
A wonderful book from a wonderful writer. I can't wait to see what else she's got up her sleave!