There Doesn’t Have To Be A Reason by MC Kasper

As a chronic thinker who tries not to over-dwell on things, I cannot even begin to tell you what a relief it is to find a book like this. My constant compulsion to justify myself is likely a product of being raised by overly critical parents, so finding a kids’ book that short-circuits the idea that everything has to have a reason or a use or a purpose besides “I like it and I think it’s cute” is honestly staggering — and so, so valuable — to me.

But not only does MC Kasper just flat out state in the title and thesis of this picture book that sometimes There Doesn’t Have To Be A Reason, she also sneakily introduces science facts to young readers, as Bear and their animal friends discuss what all their tails do.

Bear has a stubby little tail that they think is cute. Their friends, however, want to know what the purpose of Bear’s tail is. After all, other animals’ tails play a big part in their everyday lives, whether with movement, communication or safety. What does Bear’s tail do?

As Bear and the other animals try out various activities to see whether Bear’s tail can be useful in the ways that the others’ are, Bear and their friends learn an important lesson. Not everything has to have a practical use in order to be appreciated and admired. Sometimes, it’s just enough to exist. Love, after all, isn’t something you earn. Unlike trust and respect, love is a feeling that doesn’t have to make sense. Most of the time, it’s just there, and that’s okay.

(Oh, no, I think I’m on the brink of an emotional epiphany, help!)

Anyway, this is a crucial lesson for kids to learn in order to grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted people. Caring about things doesn’t have to be transactional. Liking something purely for your personal aesthetics is okay actually. You don’t have to justify your appreciation for things that aren’t actively bad for you.

God, I wish I’d had this book when I was younger.

Ms Kasper does a terrific job illustrating her debut, using watercolors to bring her adorable, expressive characters to life. Honestly, it’s hard to believe that this is her first book ever. The blend of cuteness with science with a very important lesson in self-acceptance is just astonishing. I genuinely can’t wait to see what she does next.

There Doesn’t Have To Be A Reason by MC Kasper was published February 18 2025 by Flare Kids and is available from all good booksellers, including