What is the value of sharing, taking action, and seeing another person's point of view? Meet two families who feel it's their responsibility to give back to others. Through delightful and whimsical illustrations, Just Because shows us how easy it is to give back to our community and to see things from a different perspective.
Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year (for family values)
Mom's Choice Gold Award
KaylaEklund
Posted December 8, 2012
The idea of a flip side story is very interesting and appealing to me. In a flip side story, the reader gets both perspectives. They always say there are two sides to every story and now you can see all of them. In Just Because, the first perspective the reader gets is a family taking clothes to a donation center for people who don't have clothes. It teaches children not to be greedy. If there are things that you don't use another family might need them and not be able to afford them. It also teaches about how giving to others can make you feel good inside. The second perspective is about the family that needs the clothes. I felt bad for this family just by looking at them. They had holes in their socks and shoes. However, they learned an important lesson about giving and donating. Even if they do something that they think is small, like volunteering at a homeless shelter, it can make a big impact on someone's life. This is a great book for parents to read to their children and discuss it afterwards. What can children do to help others? As the book shows, even the smallest child can do something to help. I recommend this book for children 3 and older.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. The Mom’s Choice Awards honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of PBS’s Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times best-selling Author and; LeAnn Thieman, motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books. Parents and educators look for the Mom’s Choice Awards seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.VesnaBailey
Posted September 9, 2012
Brilliant! I finally have this beautiful book in my hands! Congratulations to author, Amber Housey. It is everything I expected it would be from her, and more. I so agree with all the past reviews - it's a book for every home and every classroom. Thoroughly heartwarming, and so clever in it's power to teach empathy and compassion.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.BNGhilani
Posted June 25, 2012
This is a great book written perfectly to engage kids in learning why giving back is important and rewarding. The FlipSide aspect cheerfully illustrates the outcome of doing positive things for others and left my sons happy to learn more about the topic! I highly recommend this book for everyone who wants to encourage their kids to be more empathic and aware that there are all different kinds of people in the world. We can't wait for more books in this series. The rhymes are delightfully contagious and keep little ears listening! Wonderful idea, wonderful book!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Reviews-ReadersFavorite
Posted February 11, 2012
Reviewed by Lori M for Readers Favorite
What a cute idea to make one small book represent both the family who could afford to donate their extra things as well as the family who needed the things. In "Just Because", Amber Housey provides two stories that reflect how seeing another point of view can make a better you. In the first story, a family goes through their children’s toys and clothes and donates them to a Thrift store. In the second story, a family visits the Thrift store to buy toys and shoes that were donated. Each set of parents instills in their children values and an understanding that no matter which side of the fence you are on, among the haves or the have-nots, you can make a difference in the lives of others.
The illustrations are bright and colorful, which will attract young readers. The story line will give families an opportunity to open up some conversations about why some people have more than others, why being generous and donating items or helping others is important, and other life lessons. Planting the seeds of charity, giving, sharing, and responsibility in young children will help them become better adults and better citizens and this book does a good job of planting those seeds in young minds in a way they will understand and enjoy.
Perhaps even the parents reading this book with their children will be inspired to see what they can do as a family to make the world a better place and how to give back to the community.
Denise75DD
Posted February 6, 2012
I love this book. The author takes the perspective of two different families, and tells the story of both families. I think its very important to teach children empathy for others. I am always trying to teach my children the "flip side" of life. This book is an excellent tool to help me accomplish my goals. Every parent must have this book to help teach children the "flip side". I am very excited for future books.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Krcaruth
Posted February 6, 2012
This is an amazing book! What a great perspective the author takes in showing different points of view. I think it is extremely important for children to learn empathy and to think of the "flip side" of every situation. Every parent should read this book and then read it to your children (and grandchildren). Learning to look through someone else's eyes is a lesson we should all learn and take to heart! I can't wait for her next book to come out!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.zrai
Posted February 6, 2012
"Just Because" is a darling book with beautiful illustrations and a wonderful lessons for all ages. Hopefully, it inspires children (and adults) to be more understanding of others and encourage them to be more giving to those in need. It's difficult for children to understand "wants" vs. "needs" and "Just Because" is a great way to teach them.
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Overview
What is the value of sharing, taking action, and seeing another person's point of view? Meet two families who feel it's their responsibility to give back to others. Through delightful and whimsical illustrations, Just Because shows us how easy it is to give back to our community and to see things from a different perspective.
Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year (for family values)
Mom's ...