Summer Reads: I Love You Just Because

Thomas Nelson; 20 pages; $9.99; Amazon

Arriving on my doorsteps this afternoon was a package containing the children board book, titled I Love You Just Because written by Donna Kieth with illustrations by Allison Edgson. Published by Thomas Nelson, the book will be released to bookstores tomorrow.

The first two "I Love You" books (I Love You All the Same and I Love You Even When) have sold over 75,000 copies.

I Love You Just Because You Are centers on a bear couple who have three different bear cubs - Brown Bear, Polar and Miss Panda.

The three young cubs are learning that even though they are siblings, they all have their own tastes and likes. Brown Bear and Polar likes to eat fish, but Miss Panda likes to eat bamboo. They quickly learn that while they aren't all the same size and look alike, they are all loved by their parents and by God.

Final Thoughts: This is a cute little picture book that will easily appeal to younger readers. The three cubs in the story are adorable. It's cleverly written; kids will be entertained by the colorful illustrations and will learn a life lesson that it is okay to be different. Every two pages showcases a scene with the cubs and their parents along with three to four sentences for the story and one Bible verse that ties in with it.

Overall, I've enjoyed reading I Love You Just Because and I recommend it to others.

*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own.


About the Author: Donna Keith, a former English teacher, began writing stories for her grandchildren after the birth of her fourth grandchild. Her daughter Audrey's interracial family served as the inspiration for "I Love You All the Same". Donna and her husband, Lee, live in Kansas City, Missouri.