?\[This\] is a book of great strength and subtlety and it comes as no surprise to find that Clemmie and her brother are based in Elliott?s own children, thus their story is told be an author-illustrator who knows them and their lives intimately. In these pages Elliott explores what it is that makes someone loveable and we with her characters find that it is ?just because? In using the child narrator and setting up ?just because? as the refrain that is the answer to seemingly impossible questions and situations, Elliott has found a way to bring a luminous clarity to the fact that there isn?t an answer to disability, just as there aren?t answers to so many of the important things in life. When Clemmie?s brother says something is ?just because? we get a sense of positive acceptance, a sense that sometimes we can appreciate something without understanding it fully. The text is spare and the illustrations are quite dreamy, very bright with an exuberance and energy conveyed through big brush strokes, which carries the disarmingly thoughtful narrative perfectly. Colourful and attractive, this is one for every bookshelf, in the library, at school and home.?

Children will love this book Just Because! Adults will know it is about a little boy who loves his severely disabled sister, but little ones will love them both Just Because Clemmie and Toby do all sorts of things together and enjoy each other’s company whatever Toby gets up to. A really lovely little book! Not sentimental, not stressing disability, just telling things as they are between a little boy and girl. I loved the words, I loved the illustrations and as it is about love I am allowed to keep repeating ‘love’! Available in sign language form the website noted. Shortlisted for the National Association of Special Educational needs Inclusive Children's Book 2011

'The just because approach is excellent because it recognizes 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.'

'A book that deserves a place in every library and school in the country!'

'This delightful, warm, beautifully illustrated picture book deserves a place on every bookshelf.'

'A truly lovely book.'

'\[A\] thoughtful picture book to meander through together... This warm, colour-saturated, loving story is a treasure for all readers.'