Because . . .

by Mikhail Baryshnikov, Vladimir Radunsky (Illustrator)

Spending all of his time with his grandmother is not such a bad thing, but her odd behavior is a bit disconcerting for a young boy who would love to know why she does the strange things she always seems to do!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 22, 2007

About the author

Soviet-born choreographer Mikhail Nikolayevich Baryshnikov performed with the Kirov in Leningrad, afterward defected to the United States in 1974, later directed the American ballet theater, and helped to found the white oak dance project, a modern company, in 1990.

People often cite Mikhail Nikolaevich Baryshnikov, a Russian actor, alongside Vaslav Nijinsky and Rudolf Nureyev, the greatest of the 20th century. From a promising start, he went to Canada in 1974 for more opportunities in west. Freelancing, he joined the city of New York as a principal to learn style of movement of George Balanchine. He then moved to art also in New York.

Baryshnikov spearheaded his many own arts, associated, and in particular promoted and premiered his own many dozens of new works. He, probably the most widely recognized contemporary, succeeded as a dramatic actor on stage, cinema, and television.

From 1990 to 2002, Baryshnikov with Mark Morris desired “a driving force in the production of art” and indeed expanded the repertoire and visibility.

In 2005, he opened the Baryshnikov arts center, a creative local and international home to develop and present work.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because...I am a dancer!!! Dancers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. If you are a dancer, you are always a dancer! This book captures that truth perfectly. I LOVE this book!

[Tryan a Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. At first I found the illustrations and repetitive answer annoying, like some of the other reviewers. But at the final page, when the true reason becomes apparent, it is so very true. Every dancer's heart will resonate with this story. No matter how annoying and embarrassing we are, we cannot stop dancing, because.... I noted that the best reviews were from dancers, which is as it should be. Highly recommended for everyone who dances, and everyone who's ever been embarrassed by someone who dances.

[Susan Siow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how grandma's passion for dance was portrayed so simply yet so powerfully. What an inspiration for us to live life with passion!

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute premise, but the story didn't flow as well as I would have liked and the art work didn't appeal to my child.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is an to us elders who do things that embarrass the younger generation. I think both my kids and I relate. But I also feel the connection, though it was predictable, as to the reason behind the “because.”

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fun picture book has illustrations that will captivate young audiences. This is about a grandmother that does some very odd things that embarrass her grandson. This grandma dances everywhere she goes and by the end we know for sure that she is indeed a dancer. Throughout the book everyone questions why she does what she does and her explanation is simply, "because!" I think that this is a great book for young readers that will enjoy some repetition. While I do not think that this book is flawless, there are point where the observations the boy makes are rather random, there is a big theme to follow. I think this provides the valuable lesson to children that while some people may do things that embarrass us, we must remember that everyone is different and sometimes even our own actions may seem ridiculous to others. I think that this book is appropriate for first grade readers toward the beginning of the school year. This could be a read aloud book, but would work best as a private read.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

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:
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.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every celebrity thinks they need to write a children's book.

The "Because" answer repeated over again is just as annoying just like when you tell kid to do something they ask "why?" and when you tell them why, they follow that with another" "why". This book made me want to pull my hair out. "Why do you this ? " "Because." "Why do you do that?" Because (I almost want to say because in dopey teenage boy voice "bee 'cuz" At the end of the book it finally tells you the "why" but before you get there you hate the incessant "Because" answer you just want to scream! I an not a big fan of the pictures or story...

[Malbadeen]

Ay, Carumba!!! I'm just getting over the shock of seeing that Baryshnikov is trying to be a photographer. Now he does this too - ? I want to believe that some people are so in touch with the aesthetic aspects of life that they can jump right in, but come on it's just usually not true and TWO venues outside of you own - ya right. He's like 60 or something he had an awesome career and he's still super hot - shouldn't that be enough?!

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a strange and silly book about a Grandmother who is more spry, agile and flexible than most. It's a silly tale, but speaks to close extended family as well as embarrassment caused by said family members. It's cute and funny to read aloud.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This boy is always embarrassed by his grandma. She's always doing crazy things but she is so much fun everyone loves her.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

His grandma dances through out the book and he finds it embrassing!! But she always answers him because. And on the last page she finally says because...I'm a dancer! I just loved that line.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mr. Baryshnikov should stick to dancing.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Planning on this one for my Grandparents Day Storytime.

[Joyce Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun story! Especially entertaining since my mother is something like Mrs. Duncan. Just dance, kids!

[Brindi Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

a possibility for when the dancers come back to The Butler...

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute premise, but meh art. If my kid could do similar, I expect more from adult illustrators.

[Ice 9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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