Just Because: Where Another Point of View Makes a Better You!

I'm the father of two daughters and one is almost 5. This book that Amber has created is about a topic dear to my heart--empathy. Our culture has become all about "me" and Amber Housey has written a children's book which captivates the world of a child in such a way they learn to see the points of view of others.The book is brilliantly written, the artwork is stellar and most important, the message is well articulated and engaging to the child. I've shown this book to other parents and they ask, "when is the next one coming out??"I highly, recommend you consider purchasing this book as a means to convey a very poignant message to children. That when we see another point of view, it makes our life more enriched and fulfilling.The investment in this book will leave lasting imprints on your child's heart and mind. A book you will read to them over and over again.Bravo Amber!!!

Author Amber Housey did a wonderful job encouraging children (and families) to be concerned about our fellow mankind. In a world where people are becoming more and more selfish, the author promotes empathy through her very unique and poetic writing style. "Just Because" helps us to realize our many material blessings and that almost all people living in western countries have much more than we need. In fact, much of what we have are merely wants, sitting in closets and garages gathering dust. We rarely use a vast amount of the items we hold on too. Amber shows us (children and adults) to step outside our comfort zone (to think), seeing life from another person's perspective (to care), and to share (to love). This is a wonderful book for all people.

I was thinking this book would touch on several ways to do random acts of kindness, and why etc. It's not a bad book. It is nicely illustrated and written. It's about a family going through their excess (clothes, shoes, household items) and donating them to a clothing drive. Then it shows the family that is going to the clothing drive to find new-to-them items they need. Overall the concept is good, just not what I was expecting. My kids enjoy it, but are confused when the story changes from one family to the next and ask a lot of questions.

Just Because is a great way to show young children empathy and giving. It is a way to instill a habit into their lives that will stay with them forever. It also reminds adults that it only takes a little effort to make a big impact in someone else's life! It is a wonderfully written book that children get drawn into. I have never seen a children's book that shows both perspectives of a situation. Great for teaching kids and a great jumping off point for more conversations with your kids. Can't wait for the next book in the "Flip Side" series!!!

I just read this book with my daughter and this book has a great message for children and adults! It was fun to watch her read it, she enjoyed the rhyming pattern and the characters as well! She really stopped to think when it came time to look at the "flip side". The book provided a great opportunity for my daughter and I to discuss looking at things from different points of view and how important it is to give no matter how much you have or where you are in life. Amber Housey did and outstanding job on this book!

A journey in words that will motivate readers to shift the focus from their own desires to the needs of others. Just Because: Where Another Point of View Makes A Better You! reinforces what Sydney Smith once said, "It is the greatest mistake to do nothing because you could only do a little." As a school counselor, educator, and mother, I find Amber Housey's book invaluable in teaching children to be open- minded, principled and caring. " -Ruth Sochacki, Middle School Counselor, BS, MA, NCC. LPC

First off, Amber Housey is easily the best children's writer to come out in recent memory. Not only is this book engaging for children, but adults can learn from the moral of the story, as well. The illustrations are lovely (not too 'garish' in color, but beautiful and relevant for the material being presented). Keep your eye on this amazing author, she's not remotely finished writing incredible stories for kids. Thanks, Amber, you've succeeded in helping to make a 'better me', already.

This is marginally affective but it could have been extremely affective to teach empathy and compassion had the examples been better and more clearly defined. I had to read it twice before I "caught" some of what was going on. I think reading it won't be enough, I believe further explanation will be necessary for children to "get" the message. It's OK but certainly not great. The illustrations are very good.