BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

Matthew McConaughey Shares the Idea Behind His First Children's Book

The actor’s ‘Just Because’ picture book explores life’s possibilities and all of the contradictions around us through the eyes of children.
save article
profile picture of Wyndi Kappes
By Wyndi Kappes, Associate Editor
Published February 10, 2023
Matthew McConaughey and family attend the 2019 Texas Medal Of Arts Awards at the Long Center for the Performing Arts on February 27, 2019 in Austin, Texas.
Image: Rick Kern | Getty Images

Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey is bringing his trademark humor and soul to children’s publishing!

The How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days star announced the presale of his first kid’s book Just Because on Thursday. The colorful picture book illustrated by Renée Kurilla, explores life’s possibilities and focuses on all of the contradictions around us through the eyes of children.

Just Because addresses questions like, “Have you ever felt worried and excited at the same time? Have you ever had your feelings hurt but forgiven someone anyway? Have you ever thought there was more than one right answer to a question? That’s because contradictions are all around us. And they make us who we are,” the teaser for the book explains.

The father of three, Livingston, 10, Levi, 14, and Vida, 13, told People that he “didn’t make plans to write a children’s book” but that the idea came to him “one night at 2:00 a.m. as a ditty in a dream.”

“Hanging around my own children, seeing them first make sense of the world in black and white and then maturing into understanding the more subtle realities of life, I’ve seen them slowly realize the innuendos, context and poetry in people’s actions and feelings,” McConaughey said. “I believe this book will resonate with children of all ages ‘just because’ it speaks to the kid in all of us.”

The picture book will be the New York Times bestselling author’s second book. He previously released his acclaimed memoir Greenlights in 2020. Just Because will be released on September 12, 2023.

Just Because is now available for preorder on Amazon at Amazon.com and across various other platforms at JustBecauseBook.com.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Best Personalized Children's Books-hero
The Best Personalized Baby Books Starring Your Child
By Martina Garvey
Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton on BuzzFeed's "AM To DM" on October 15, 2019 in New York City
Julie Andrews and Her Daughter Pen New Children's Book
By Wyndi Kappes
Best Photo Storage Hero
The 9 Best Photo Storage Services for Parents’ Gazillion Pics
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
Jamie Lee Curtis takes Lindsay Lohan's hands as she talks to her during an after party at the Annex following the premiere of the Disney film Freaky Friday August 4, 2003 in Hollywood, CA
See the Adorable Baby Gift Jamie Lee Curtis Sent Lindsay Lohan
By Wyndi Kappes
mother holding a book with baby photos
The 20 Best Baby Memory Books for Marking All Their Milestones
By Martina Garvey
couple reading a parenting book at home
The Best Parenting Books to Help You Raise Your Child
By Danielle Halibey
Amanda Kloots attends the World Premiere of Netflix's "Your Place Or Mine" at Regency Village Theatre on February 02, 2023 in Los Angeles, California
Amanda Kloots Pens Children’s Book About Bedtime Rituals With Her Son
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
dolly parton and billy the kid dog
Dolly Parton Pens Children's Book About Her God-Dog Billy the Kid
By Wyndi Kappes
jessica alba's family christmas photo
Jessica Alba Captures the Relatable Stress of Holiday Family Photos
By Wyndi Kappes
LGBTQ+ Children’s Books for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
14 Great LGBTQ+ Children’s Books for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
By Brittany Murlas
ADVERTISEMENT
newborn baby holding hands with its parents
The Best Cameras to Capture Professional-Looking Photos of Your Kids
By Michelle Rose Sulcov
dad reading a book to his child
These Are Amazon's Picks for the Best Children's Books of 2020 (So Far)
By Nehal Aggarwal
lupita nyong'o publishes a children's book to help girls of color see their beauty
Lupita Nyong’o’s New Kids' Book Inspires Girls to Love Their Dark Skin
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
parents entertain hyper children in their kitchen while cooking
Hit Parenting Book 'Go the F*ck to Sleep' Is Getting a Sequel
By Laurie Ulster
Best Toddler Cameras Hero
The Best Toddler Cameras for Junior Photographers
By Korin Miller
bluey season 3 on disney+
Bluey Goes on a Break: Final 10 Episodes of Season 3 Arrive Next Month
By Wyndi Kappes
best-baby-floor-mats-HERO
The 11 Best Baby Play Mats for Tummy Time and Beyond
By Korin Miller
ADVERTISEMENT
Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton on BuzzFeed's "AM To DM" on October 15, 2019 in New York City
Julie Andrews and Her Daughter Pen New Children's Book
By Wyndi Kappes
build a bear donating bears to classrooms for national teddy bear day 2023
Build-A-Bear Is Donating Stuffed "Learning Buddies" to Schools in Need
By Wyndi Kappes
Baby playing with a stroller toy
10 Best Stroller Toys to Keep Baby Entertained on the Go
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.