August 27 – Just Because Day

Happy Just Because Day!

A day to do anything you want, no matter how silly or goofy, just because! I think today might be a child’s invention, if not, certainly a child’s best reason for doing things!

Because I’m Your Dad written by Ahmet Zappa and illustrated by Dan Santat (2013)

This monster dad does very cool things with his son, because he’s the dad. Some of my favorites are ‘Because I’m your dad, you can have spaghetti for breakfast.’ and ‘Because I’m your dad, I’ll make sure you know how to pogo-stick, and we’ll make mud forts in the backyard.’ and ‘Because I’m your dad, I’m going to teach you how to burp like a champion.’

Because written and illustrated by Richard Torrey (2011)

Jack is funny, lively, and sometimes mischievous little boy who does things for many reasons, all of which begin with the phrase ‘because…’. The picture shows what he does, the text tells us why. ‘Because it’s my spaceship.’ `Because you cheated.’ and ‘Because I might need it.’ are just a few of the hilarious answers to why he does the things he does.

Just Because written and illustrated by Rebecca Elliott (2010)

Clemmie is Toby’s big sister and best friend, and she also just happens to be in a wheelchair. Toby tells us about his sister, ‘she can’t walk, talk, move around much’ and she can’t ‘cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle, or do algebra’. He doesn’t know why she doesn’t do these things… ‘Just because’.  ‘She can sit and look pretty. Just because.’ ‘She makes sweet noises, wears silly hats, and pulls funny faces… just because’. And she ‘doesn’t mind it when I bang things really LOUDLY, or eat the crayons… just because’.

And to remind little ones that they are loved, constantly, completely, and unconditionally…

I Love You Because You’re You written by Liza Baker and illustrated by David McPhail (2001)