Just Because

by Rebecca Elliott

Amusing and often touching, this story encompasses the issue of disability in a charming celebration of sibling friendship to which all children can relate

My big sister Clemmie is my best friend. She can’t walk, talk, move around much, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebra. I don’t know why she doesn’t do these things. Just because.

A younger brother describes all the fun he has with the big sister he loves so much—just because, in this heartwarming picture book about being perfectly loved, no matter what. He is enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, and delights in telling us about all the fun things they do together. Only as his tale unfolds does the reader begin to realize that his sister has special needs—and by then the reader just accepts, as he does, all the wonderful things about her. Teachers and librarians will appreciate this book for its sincere and convincing treatment of children with special needs, while parents will use this book to encourage sibling friendship and to read with children who are beginning to ask why a particular child they know is "different."

Genres: Picture Books, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Disability, Family, Fiction, Cultural

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2010

About the author

Rebecca Elliott is the author and illustrator of the best-selling Owl Diaries series (Scholastic US) & over 20 picture books including Just Because, Sometimes, Naked Trevor and Zoo Girl, for which she was nominated for the 2012 Kate Greenaway Medal.
Her new series The Unicorn Diaries (Scholastic US) & her first YA novel 'Pretty Funny ' (Penguin Random House) are out now.

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tender, touching, and to the point: It isn't necessary to understand why someone is different from you in order to love and accept them.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to follow the theme in this book and say that I loved this book JUST BECAUSE, but that would be a disservice to Rebecca Elliott and the poignant story that she is telling.

Ms Elliott dedicates her book to Clemmie and Toby her little muses, and the characters are also named Clemmie and Toby, so I the reader will jump to the conclusion that this is a story of her disabled daughter and her compassionate son.

Clemmie, the older sister, is in a motorized chair and cannot walk or talk or move around much, but she and Toby have wonderful adventures. Toby adores his big sister; he entertains her with drawings and imagines her as a princess. Clemmie is not annoying like other girls and is a great comfort to Toby when he is scared.

Toby does not have the words to describe why he loves his sister, he does and JUST BECAUSE should be reason enough for anyone.

The reader sees that differences do not have to divide people; Toby knows that his sister is unlike other girls; her disabilities do not define her and stop them from being best friend. Maybe that is the lesson we should all take away from this book.

[TaylorG · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a world where we use the word normal, it is all too often at the expense of how another person feels. I loved this book because it had such care for talking about children with disabilities. We don't know that this child has a disability and we fall in love with her. Regardless of what her life encompasses or what challenges she might come across, she is a child that is deserving of love and the readers give her just that. I think that this story brings up a great topic of conversation for children and we can discuss with them if someone is "different" what does that mean. Students needs to have the space to have this discussion and in the classroom is as safe as any other place. I think that this book would truly be suitable for so many grades because it is a topic that evolves as the students do. K-5 would be my recommendation for this inspiring story of Clemmie and Toby. I think that this book would be great to use for discussion purposes. We could have students journal about their reaction to this story and how they would/have felt about this topic.

[Sarah Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This refreshing and heartwarming story relates well to the response from children that sometimes, things are the way they are 'just because'. This book sensitively covers the themes of disability and sibling relations and encourages kindness in both of these. The illustrations mirror this positivity in their brightness and colour. I particularly like that despite age and disability these children appear happy and the focus is on them as individual children with unique characters and preferences.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book shows the true friendship that siblings can have. The perspective is from a young boy as he talks about his sister, Clemmie. On the first page, the younger brother tells the readers his older sister cannot walk, talk, or really move much. He doesn't understand why, but as the story progresses, the readers understand that it doesn't truly matter. Clemmie and her brother do everything together anyways, like build sand castles, play cowboys, and make each other laugh. This story is truly heart-warming and a joy to read!

What I loved most about this story is the idea or message that Clemmie's disability did not change her and her brother's relationship. Every page demonstrates how they do everything together, so students with disabilities or without disabilities will be able to connect to this book. This would be a great story for grades 1st-3rd. After reading, there can be a discussion about inclusion and proving the point that disabilities do not define a person. Students can also have a discussion connecting their sibling or cousin relationships to the one in the story.

After reading this book on the 2012 Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award winners list, I found this book as a read aloud on YouTube and enjoyed the reader. She did a nice job reading aloud the story and gave ample amounts of time for the readers to view the illustrations. I enjoyed the illustrations because they showed the strong bond the siblings have. By looking at the pictures, you can see they both love and care for each other.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little brother describes his disabled older sister. He doesn't know why she is the way she is - just because. Cute illustrations and cute concept. Does not dwell on the disability, just emphasizes the good things that make his sister special.

[Katelyn Osborne]

Audience: boys and girls, grades K-3th grade, best in a full inclusion school

Appeal: adventurous, tells a great story while tells a good message, lots of colorful images, sibling connections, prior knowledge

Application: This book deals a lot with disabilities and connection between siblings. It allows students a different view point to a circumstance that they may be in or that they may experience. Also if read in a full inclusion school, this could answer a lot of questions for students

Award List: Dolly Gray Award 2012

KIRKUS REVIEW


An endearing and enduring picture book about sibling love. On the very first page, Toby tells readers about his older sister. “My big sister Clemmie is my best friend. She can’t walk, talk, move around much…cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebra. I don’t know why she doesn’t do these things. Just because.” With the many books about disabilities that are already on the shelves, it is refreshing to find a book where the narrator is the younger sibling. However, Clemmie’s wheelchair plays only a minor role in this story. The wide-set eyes of Toby and Clemmie (and each creature on the page) reveal a deep concern and appreciation for each other. The list of quirky things about both children, whether it's eating crayons or having enormous hair, are accompanied by the refrain that emphasizes that the reasons why don't really matter: Just because. The double-page spreads burst forth in vibrant colors and energetic streaks and swirls. Clemmie, whose name, like the refrain, is always in the same distinctive faux-handwritten type, remains (mostly) serene and still. Full of unconditional love, this is a must-have title in today’s world of false perfection. (Picture book. 5-10)

AGREE
I love the way that Kirkus reviewed this book, it was simple and to the point. They backed up their information and their thoughts with actual passages from the book. I also agree with their statement of the narrator being the younger sibling, you do not see that very often in books, especially ones dealing with a main point like this. This book overall was fun and interesting to read and all the reviews that I read had great, positive feedback.

[Emily Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toby loves his sister Clemmie, just because. He does not have the words to describe why he loves her so he says 'Just Because,' which is enough reason to love anyone.

Just Because is a heart-warming story of a little brother having fun with his big sister. It is made clear from the start Clemmie cannot walk or talk but the book moves on to describe all her likes, dislikes and the adventures they have together through Toby's eyes. The book is a wonderful illustration of a brother accepting everything that is amazing about his sister and shows that she is his best friend so he shares everything with her. This story is supported with beautiful, happy illustrations that encapsulate the true meaning of the story and sibling love.

What I love about this book is that its main focus is about just being loved and the special bond a brother and sister share. It not only focuses on all the fun things they do together but also how Clemmie looks after Toby in her special way, like when he is scared she looks after him. I like how one of the characters just happens to be in a wheelchair but is not the sole focus of the story and how the chair is used for their adventures; they go to the moon on her special chair. Finally, the main reason I enjoyed this book is very few children's books have a significantly disabled main character. I feel this is a very important aspect that should be included in more stories due to children needing to learn about diversity and that a child with a disability is the same as they are.

Just Because would be suitable for Reception and KS1 classes in school. It would be a good book to read to a group of children to address talking about differences and special educational needs. It would create a platform for children to feel comfortable to ask any questions they have about disability. The story can be used to create an awareness of disability but also show that it does not define a person. Finally, it can be used in literacy or PSED to discuss the positives of sibling relationships and to illustrate unconditional love.

Just Because is a feel good book about a sibling friendship so I would give it four stars because it does not deal with the realities and frustrations that sadly often come hand in hand with disability.

[Js26jl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflection: Text to Self -- This story reminds me of my own experience with my brother. When he was younger he suffered from a speech impediment that simply made it hard for people to understand what he was saying -- there was no other physical or mental impairment, simply he could not get his mouth to form the words he was thinking as well as others. As a result there were times when my brother and I spent almost all our time together, we were each others best friend...just because.

Exposure: This book does not expose readers to the perspective of the autistic wheelchair bound young girl, but it does expose us to the values of the brother who loves her very much and the care he shows towards her and how he doesn’t view her as disabled or as being unable to participate in play -- nor that she doesn’t enjoy it, simply he has care and consideration in the activities they participate in together.

Six Bloom’s Taxonomy Discussion Questions:

Remembering -- How would you describe Toby’s relationship with Clemmie? What are three things Toby enjoys doing with/for Clemmie?

Understanding -- Can you explain why Toby and Clemmie’s relationship is something we need to understand?

Applying -- How would you demonstrate your understanding of students who are differently-abled like Clemmie?

Analyzing -- What is the motive of the authors for writing a story about these two children and their relationship?

Evaluating -- Would the story be better if it had been done from Clemmie’s point of view and why do you think so?

Creating -- Imagine you are unable to move very well on your own and you cannot speak: what is one thing you would want your parents and friends to know as they care about you?

[Shanshad Whelan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has lovely artwork and it's a beautifully sweet story of a boy with an older sister who is clearly disabled in some significant ways, though he loves her anyway. I think I wanted to like this more than I did, it's so rare to find good works with disabled kids that don't become pendantic and plodding. The issue for me with this text is that every line of text ends with the same "just because" comment, even when it doesn't really make sense or when it isn't necessary. I feel like the author could have done perfectly well without it through most of the story, and only peppered the phrase in a few times. The use of it so often feels like overkill. Our main character also paints a pretty rosy scenario, without frustration or jealousy on the part of the sibling and while that's perfectly fine, it won't help children dealing with those emotions in a real-life situation. It's a feel-good book. Still, worthwhile and a good book to have to hand if you're looking for books featuring this subject and how a sibling deals with it.

[Laura Cope · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Toby tells you all about his best friend in the world who he shares everything with - his big sister Clemmie. Toby tells you everything that he loves about Clemmie, including the things that she likes, such as the pet bug that she and Toby share, and dislikes, such as when Toby draws pictures of pigeons. He also talks about how they go on adventures together - last week they went to the moon! They went to the moon on Clemmie's special chair - her wheelchair.

This is a wonderful story about a young boy and his invaluable friendship with his sister, who simply happens to be in a wheelchair. He initially describes the things that she doesn't do like most sisters, such as walk and talk, but then talks about all of the wonderful things that she can do with him, including helping him to feel better when there's a storm.

This story would be excellent to use in Early Years and Infant classes for disability awareness, particularly if it is relevant to a particular child in a class.

[Maria Burel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In JUST BECAUSE, Elliott explores the simple love of a young boy for his older, wheelchair bound sister. From the very first page, the reader learns that big sister Clemmie cannot "walk, talk, or move around much...." And yet here little brother loves her for the way she makes silly faces, or has crazy hair, or even the way she prefers his pictures of dragonflies over that of pigeons. There are not too many books that feature significantly disabled characters. JUST BECAUSE celebrates the normalcy of children who sometimes struggle to fit into the mainstream.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was cute.

Just Because.

The illustrations were enjoyable to look at.

Just Because.

I like the whole "Just Because" idea because I remember when I was kid hearing that answer a lot!

Just Because.

[Emily E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Just Because

Author/Illustrator: Rebecca Elliot

Genre: Fiction

Theme(s): Siblings and disabilities

Opening line/Sentence: “My big sister Clemmie is my best friend.”

Brief Book Summary: The young brother or boy in the story talks about his sister Clemmie often and says what she likes and what she does to make him laugh or feel better. The young girl Clemmie, is in a wheelchair in the story but her young brother doesn’t know why so it takes away the stigma and negative ideas people may put onto those who are in wheelchairs. The young boy is named Toby in the story and he talks about all of the fun adventures he and Clemmie go on and how she reacts to certain things that they are playing.

Response to two professional reviews: One of the professional reviews talks about how many books about disabilities are not narrated or told from the perspective of a younger sibling. I think it was smart to have this book told from the younger siblings perspective because he isn’t totally sure why Clemmie, his older sister is in a wheelchair, but it adds a lighter connotation to disabilities and normalizes being in a wheelchair. Another review talked about how the author based this book off her own children Clemmie who has disabilities and her son Toby who does not. I think this adds a personal touch that the author does very well and Toby accepts Clemmie just as she is because he understands that she will never be able to walk or even talk.

Tell Me Framework:

Like(s): I really liked that the author based this story and book off of her own two children to make the connection deeper and show the unconditional love between siblings.

Dislike(s): I think that there should’ve been more mention of Clemmie’s disabilities or referenced them more than just Toby explaining everything.

Pattern(s): The phrase “just because” was repeated throughout the story and it is a phrase that children would be expecting during a read aloud.

Puzzle(s): Why did the author decide to title this story “just because”?

Consideration of Instruction Application: Before reading this story to a group of preschoolers, the teacher can show them the picture on the front cover and have a discussion with them about what they think the book will be about. Once the read aloud is over, the teacher could have the children draw a picture of a game or activity that they could play with Clemmie if she was one of their classmates. This will reinforce the idea that being in a wheelchair is very normal and many people are, so if a child ever meets another child or adult they will have an idea of what activity they can do with that person.

[Amy Clausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Amusing and often touching, this story encompasses the issue of disability in a charming celebration of sibling friendship to which all children can relate.
My big sister Clemmie is my best friend. She can't walk, talk, move around much, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebra. I don't know why she doesn't do these things. Just because.
A younger brother describes all the fun he has with the big sister he loves so much--just because, in this heartwarming picture book about being perfectly loved, no matter what. He is enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, and delights in telling us about all the fun things they do together. Only as his tale unfolds does the reader begin to realize that his sister has special needs--and by then the reader just accepts, as he does, all the wonderful things about her. Teachers and librarians will appreciate this book for its sincere and convincing treatment of children with special needs, while parents will use this book to encourage sibling friendship and to read with children who are beginning to ask why a particular child they know is "different.""

-Lovely book for a read aloud. Narrator is a little brother of a big sister who has multiple disabilities. Starts by explaining how she is different “just because” but continues describing how we all have differences, likes and dislikes, “just because”
-Children’s picture book; Reading level 1.6

[Richard Avalos · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book a young brother describes to the readers all of the fun him and his sister have playing and doing various activities. However, later in the book do readers realize that she has a disability. The book’s illustrations stand out to the readers in the fact that the author and illustrator use cartoon art. Further, one can see that this cartoon art consists of exaggerated caricatures. For example, the faces of the children. The overarching theme of this book is that despite his sister’s disability, they are still able to have fun and play with each other. Moreover, the theme allows readers to understand that even though there are those with disabilities, they are not limited to them. This book does a good job appealing to its intended audience by providing a plot with illustrations that children find interesting. For example, at first glance readers see the young boy and his sister on a rocket ship in space. This allows readers to stay engaged and interested so that they may catch on to what the author is trying to tell them. Overall, I believe this is a good book to use a supplementary material to show readers that they are not limited to their disabilities and show children that their loved ones and peers are not limited to them.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super sweet! It addresses the subject of disability without actually mentioning that Clemmie has a disability. You know she does because of the illustrations showing her in a wheelchair but that doesn't effect the story being told, which I think is the whole purpose of the book. Her little brother doesn't care that she can't walk or talk much, because she still takes part in things and can play with him and cuddle him at night, like any able bodied person would do. The repetition of "just because" reinforces how it doesn't matter why she may do things slightly differently from others, he enjoys spending time with her all the same.

I think this book would be a great way to introduce the topic of disability in PSHE for example. It could lead to discussions and questions that the children can then learn from and come away from it with possibly a different attitude to a subject they may have viewed negatively before or not known anything at all.

It also reminds me of 'Perfect' by Nicola Davies so those interested in this book could be pointed in the direction of reading that one as well.

[Jaime King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tear jerking story between the love between siblings and accepting others. Many of the books I chose were about accepting others and this is by far my favorite. It captures the love between two siblings. Clemmie is the older sister who can not talk, but she can express herself through facial expressions and more. Toby is Clemmies younger brother who loves Clemmie unconditionally, no matter what. I think this teaches younger readers a wonderful life lesson. People who have a disability are not defined by their disability. They are defined by the person they are. You should love that person for who they are. Toby and Clemmie love each other, “just because” and it is so beautiful to watch their relationship with one another be so pure. I think young readers will be able to relate to this as well. Although their siblings may not have a disability, they do have things that could be wrong with them, or that maybe just make the other sibling mad. At the end of the day though, siblings love each other “just because.”

[Ahtziri Arevalo]

This is heartwarming book to read and it truly touched my heart. It walks you through how an individual can be perfectly loved, no matter what. Overall it tells the story of a brothers love for his sister. This brother has so much love for his sister and soon realizes she is special needs. Because of than he approves and accepts all the wonderful things about her. This books shows the power and brings awareness on how someone with a disability should not be treated differently.

This book also makes me rethink of when I chose to change my major to Special Education a year ago. Being with my ex partner and him speaking of his sister and letting me know she was special needs. It opened my eyes on how much of a passion I had for special needs. Because of that one conversation ti changed my perspective. It made me want to become a voice for those students and it's something I will be doing. As someone who has two special needs cousins I will be there voice and they have been by biggest motivation.

[Magaly Almario · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!!! It has great, colorful illustrations by the author Rebecca Elliot. It's about a little girl who's sister is in a wheelchair, she tells all the things that her sister does and does not do in a positive, innocent way. This books resembles true acceptance and love for her sister who she says "cant walk, talk or move around much" but at the end of each example she gives, she writes: "Just because". She compares her sister to a princess who seats in a castle and looks pretty, just because. I specially like how the author highlights things that "Clemmie" does for her sister that are hard to find in any other sister like, "riding on her big chair to go to the moon". Other sisters can be mean, she says... but Clemmie is not like that! This book shows the special bond between brothers and sisters no matter what and is great to encourage children to build friendships to those in wheelchairs and vice versa.

[Lisa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the cutest and sweetest book ever...just because! This is another great book that should exist in your personal library. After reading it, I see that Rebecca Elliot has other books that are similar and I am excited to read them. The story is loosely based on kids and are told through the perspective of the young boy as he talks ever so sweetly about his sister who has a disability. The disability is not defined in text but it is apparent through the illustrations that cerebral palsy is most likely the disability. The young boy describes and compares his sister to other types of sisters. For example, he says how other sisters are mean, loud, and steal their brother's things but not his sister. The illustrations are fantastic and there is one where he is talking about her hair, how she does not like it brushed or played with and it is enormous, he isn't sure why but just because. The picture aligned with this is so cute beautiful. He talks about how all of the annoying and weird things that he does do not bother her one bit. My favorite part aside from the last page is when there is a storm occurring and he is with his sister, he is scared but she enjoys the loud noises from it so that soothes him. The story ends with most appropriate and supportive text and illustration with the 2 of them cuddling in bed. I absolutely loved this light-hearted realistic approach with a heavy-hearted and real topic.

[Parker Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Because is by Rebecca Elliott, the story talks about a young boy named Toby, he goes on to talk about his big sister Clemmie, and how she is his best friend. The story goes on to explain how his sister cant move and do much of anything but he still loves her. When Toby is said and upset she calms him down and makes him happy. This book never mentions the word disability in it. It just manly talks about how a little boy loves his sister so much no matter what.

This book is a great way to start a conversation about acceptance, and it is a good read. There are lots of important meaningful moments throughout the book. I have always liked books that helps explains that even if someone is different you should still love them the same. This is why I rated this book the way I did. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read it.

[Azra Hodzic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the board book version so I can use it for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners as well. The illustrations are bright cheery and colorful and go long with the storyline. It's about a little boy who loves his sister and talks about all the fun things he likes to play with her. His sister is seen in a wheelchair and in the illustrations she is doing lot of fun things along with her brother. The line just because it's repeated on every page and it gets kind of tiresome. It doesn't always fit along with the story, but if you can look past it it's a sweet book. To use it to introduce children about other children who might be a little bit different from them. It's a nice way to be inclusive of all children who have different abilities.

[James Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows a brother and sister duo. Toby and Clemmie are best friends. They do just about everything together. But Clemmie cannot walk, talk, or really do anything. But that does not stop Toby from creating adventures for him and his sister. This book is absolutely amazing. It has a great message for students that even though a classmate may not be able to communicate with us they are still seeing the outside world. They are still hearing the word that we speak and still feeling the same feelings we do. I would recommend this book in a classroom that has the inclusion option. It shows students that we are the same humans and not to treat anyone differently because they have a disability.

[Theresa Worona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how innocent this book was! it was about a brother describing his relationship with his sister, who it turns out is special needs. he didnt quite understand why she couldnt do a lot of things that he could. either way he accepted her and said she couldnt do those things just because. the illustrations are very cute in the story and are very fitting with the text. the text itself is easy to read and starts off as a cliffhanger because you have to read more to understand that his sister has special needs. i think every young student should read this book and get a better feel for what disabilities are and to see that they are just like everyone else, just a little different just because.

[Alyssa Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Just Because" by Rebecca Elliott is a story about the relationship between two sisters. The story is told from the point-of-view of the little sister who is telling a story about her big sister Clemmie who has a disability. The little sister describes things her sister does, likes and dislikes, and can and cannot do. She gives her reasoning for her sister not being able to do these things as "just because." I think that this offers a new perspective on disability and the reasoning behind behaviors stating that Clemmie is the way she is "just because." I enjoyed this book as it showed the relationship between two sisters and showed the acceptance and inclusion of Clemmie in all of the activities with little sister.

[Alyssa Drajic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about sisters navigating their relationship while one of them has a disability. The illustrations that go along with the text in my opinion is a little overwhelming due to the coloring and the placement of the illustrations. The story line to the text is wonderful because it does not mention a certain disability but describes a lot of different attributes os a disability. The book teaches that everyone should accept others as the way they are. I feel that this book would be appropriate for kindergarten through first grade. It gives a unique perspective a someone who has a sibling with a disability. A child that does have a sibling with a disability I feel would relate well to this book.

[Julia McMenamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely powerful to me. The book was powerful from the beginning because there is a double spread illustration of the little girl with disabilites sitting on top of a sand castle dressed as a princess. This spoke to me because it really drives home the point that people with disabilities are beautiful and special, just like everyone else. The repetition of "just because" is also powerful because Clemmie's brother says that everything Clemmie is unable to do is just because, and honestly, that is perfect way to look at it. She cannot do things just because she can't and that is perfectly fine. I think this book should be on a bookshelf in every classroom so that children understand that those with disabilities are special, too.

[Zach Stp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not another tear-jerker! This incredible story about an amazing brother and his love for his sister introduces the realities of being disables to a young audience. Rebecca Elliott gives us a heartwarming story of a younger brother who at the time is so young he doesn't realize his sister is disabled, he thinks she can't do certain things "Just Because." At the beginning of the story as a reader you don't know she is disabled which i think is the most important theme about this book. It shows children that just because someone is disabled and/or can;t do the things you do on a daily basis doesn't mean they are less than you it just means they are different and there is nothing wrong with being different!

[Keely Burdine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The introduction to his sister Clemmy, and he states he doesn't even know why she can't do or doesn't do all that he does, but constantly and repeatedly states "just because". This story would be a great addition to any library or classroom as it includes others and their differences, but never is put down. Even misunderstanding, or not understanding at all it does not matter, its just because! Such a good way to teach kids that we do not need to know why to everything. We can still notice the things we enjoy and love about others despite differences, that really don't make a difference at all! The art style is warm and welcoming, and the story shows love between siblings in such a sweet way.