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Just Because Hardcover – Picture Book, September 12, 2023

by Matthew McConaughey (Author), Renée Kurilla (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,703 ratings
Editors' pick Best Children's Books of 2023
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The debut picture book by Academy Award-winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey

Just because I’m in the race,
doesn’t mean I’m fully ready.
Just because I’m shaking,
doesn’t mean that I’m not steady.

Have you ever felt worried and excited at the same time?

Have you ever had your feelings hurt but forgiven someone anyway?

Have you ever thought there was more than one right answer to a question?

That’s because contradictions are all around us. And they make us who we are.

Filled with his trademark humor and wisdom, Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey has crafted a soulful and irreverent collection of life lessons that empowers readers, big and small, to celebrate how we are all full of possibility.

Why? Just because.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    3+ years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD350L
  6. Dimensions
    8.94 x 0.42 x 10.81 inches
  7. Publisher
    Viking Books for Young Readers
  8. Publication date
    September 12, 2023
  9. ISBN-10
    0593622030
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0593622032
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

Because1

Because2

Because3

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Charming and thought-provoking proof that we all contain multitudes." —Kirkus Reviews

"The homespun homilies effectively communicate that everyone’s a complex being trying their best, that things move on—and that life can be alright, alright, alright." —Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Greenlights. He also created Greenlights: Your Journal, Your Journey, a guided companion that inspires readers to write down and reflect on their feelings, adventures, and dreams. Matthew and his wife, Camila, founded the just keep livin Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering high school students by providing them with the tools to lead active lives and make healthy choices for a better future. He is a professor of practice and a Minister of Culture for the University of Texas at Austin, where he lives with his wife and three children. Matthew is a storyteller, a tree house builder, and a pickle expert. You can visit Matthew on Instagram @OfficiallyMcConaughey or on Twitter @McConaughey.

Renée Kurilla is the author and illustrator of many books for young readers. She has a BFA in illustration and a minor in graphic design from Lesley University College of Art and Design. She lives outside of Boston with her husband, daughter, and a fish named Yoshi. You can visit Renée at Kurillastration.com or on Instagram and Twitter @ReneeKurilla.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Viking Books for Young Readers (September 12, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593622030
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593622032
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3+ years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD350L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.01 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.94 x 0.42 x 10.81 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,703 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Renée Kurilla

    Renée Kurilla

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Renee Kurilla is a children's illustrator, author, and designer. She loves drawing nature, animals, and working on projects that require a little bit of research.

    She has illustrated many books for kids including ORANGUTANKA (by Margarita Engle), CHICKS RULE! (by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen), RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE (by Lisl H. Detlefsen), and the ADA LACE series (by Emily Calandrelli).

    ONE SPRINGY, SINGY DAY, Renee's debut picture book as both author and illustrator, published in March 2021. THE FLOWER GARDEN, Renee's first young graphic novel, published in Spring 2022.

    Renee has a BFA in Illustration and a minor in Graphic Design from Lesley University College of Art and Design. Before transitioning to a full time career in children’s books, she was a Lead Artist at FableVision Studios in Boston for 10 years.

    She currently lives in MA with her illustrator husband Keith Zoo, their 6 year old daughter, Zoey, and Yoshi the fish.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Matthew McConaughey

    Matthew McConaughey

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Academy Award–winning actor Matthew McConaughey is a married man, a father of three children, and a loyal son and brother. He considers himself a storyteller by occupation, believes it's okay to have a beer on the way to the temple, feels better with a day’s sweat on him, and is an aspiring orchestral conductor.

    In 2009, Matthew and his wife, Camila, founded the just keep livin Foundation, which helps at-risk high school students make healthier mind, body, and spirit choices. In 2019, McConaughey became a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as Minister of Culture/M.O.C. for the University of Texas and the City of Austin. McConaughey is also brand ambassador for Lincoln Motor Company, an owner of the Major League Soccer club Austin FC, and co-creator of his favorite bourbon on the planet, Wild Turkey Longbranch.

    See more on the author's page
  3. Matthew McConaughey

    Matthew McConaughey

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,703 global ratings
Love this little gem
5 Stars
Love this little gem
This is a great book of life-isms for kids, let's them know not one thing ever defines us. That our mistakes don't define who we are just as other people's opinions do not define us. My favorite two lines "just because I lied, doesn't mean that I'm a liar." "Just because you follow, doesn't mean you're not a leader."I think every school and every parent should read this❤️ Getting it for my kid's classroom.Only way it's could be better is if Mr. McConaughey was reading it to us in person. Thank you for this little gem, it sparked great conversation between my six year old and me.
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Top reviews from the United States

Deborah
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read it
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
First of all, I love Matthew. Secondly, I love the messages he shares on raising children. This book is designed for children, but the message is beneficial to all ages. Its very positive, uplighting and encouraging message is presented in a simple and easy to understand way. I think the world would be a better place if everyone would read it.
2 people found this helpful
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Lisa Aspromonte
5.0 out of 5 stars Just Buy it
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
What an amazing book written by Matthew McConaughy. I purchased many of these and have given them to adults and children alike. It sends beautiful messages that everyone needs to hear. This will continue to be one of my favorite books of all time and I will continuing gifting it as everyone that receives it is touched by it. This one holds a special place in my heart and will forever live on my bookshelf.
2 people found this helpful
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Adrianna G.
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a good book
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
I buy books as cards for all the little ones I know and came across this one randomly. I had never heard of it, which is surprising considering who the author is. It’s such cute book for all kids! I will for sure be buying this more.
One person found this helpful
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MamaAm
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Qaulity and print
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
Hardback book, easy to read, great quality, will be buying this for gift-giving in the future as I will cherish my copy forever.
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Kaitlyn
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
I discovered this book from a TikTok of Jimmy Fallon and Matthew McConaughey, where they were singing the contents of the book and I knew I had to have it. We absolutely adore this book and its message. The sleeve of the book came damaged, but Amazon was quick to replace.
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DMB Fan
5.0 out of 5 stars uplifting
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Everyone needs a little reminder that we're all in this together. great for ALL ages.
One person found this helpful
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Lori Fischer
4.0 out of 5 stars Very cute
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
The kids really like it, and it’s cute and inspiring.
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Sage
5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book is great for all ages including adults...great life lessons.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Valley Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a book with lots of good lessons!
Reviewed in Canada on November 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is good for a wide range of ages. Younger ones may need some help understanding but will still enjoy the illustrations and the lessons. Great for a little older kids and even adults!
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Mr. Reason
5.0 out of 5 stars Witty
Reviewed in Germany on January 7, 2024
Verified Purchase
Great for older kids
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Eleni Psallida
5.0 out of 5 stars Very pleased
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
Book is amazing.
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Renata81
5.0 out of 5 stars Profondo e moderno
Reviewed in Italy on September 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
Illustrazioni stupende, per una serie di riflessioni - in rima in lingua inglese- profonde ma accessibili anche ai bimbi più piccoli - 4/6 anni .
Poetico, inclusivo, originale, adorabile !
Consegna perfettamente nei tempi , originale anche come idea regalo .
2 people found this helpful
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Nuria-Xavi
5.0 out of 5 stars Bonitos mensajes con ilustraciones preciosas
Reviewed in Spain on September 15, 2023
Verified Purchase
El genio McConaughey, todo lo que hace es una obra de arte, recomendable para cualquier edad, especialmente para niños y niñas
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