The illustrations in this book are fantastic. The model of dance in different bodies and dance as a way of life is joyous and fun.

It’s a shame the writing does not live up to it however I feel this is a read aloud. An interactive book where you can encourage your children to dance. Proper narration will make a difference. ( )

This is about a boy and his grama. Every day of the week she embarrasses him by leaping and jumping around all the people they run into. Everyone keeps asking why are you doing that Ms. Duncan? And she keeps saying, Because! At the end of the book she finally says, Because! I am a dancer!

Title: Because
Author: Mikhail Baryshnikov (Vladimir Radunsky illustrator)
Genre: Children’s

Challenges: PB & J Challenge, 101 Books in 1001 Days Challenge, Read and Review Challenge 2010, Young Readers Reading Challenge 2010, 2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge, 100 Reading Challenge, Pages Read 2010, A to Z challenge, 1001 Childrens Book Before I Grow Up

Rating: 4/5
No. of Pages: 32
Published: 2007


Back Cover: I love my grandma. Really, I do. But she always embarrasses me.

See what I mean? Whenever anyone asks her why she does such brazy things, she just says “Because”…

I think Grandma has a secret. But what could it be?

Mine: Who knew that a ballet master could write a book too?

What a fun and delightful book and colorfully illustrated. Grandma does do some crazy things – just because. But no one knows why. She jumps and twirls in the middle of the park. What could she be doing?

Why dancing of course.
( )

The art is not well-connected with the text. Child didn't like it. ( )