Because…

In Because…, Mikhail Baryshnikov draws on his own life as a dancer to shape the story: the grandmother’s playful, unpredictable behavior is explained by her passion for dance — something Baryshnikov knows from the inside. His perspective gives the book authenticity and warmth, showing how dance can spill into everyday life.

Vladimir Radunsky’s illustrations amplify that spirit. His energetic lines and whimsical characters mirror the rhythm and freedom of dance. Radunsky often celebrated eccentricity and joy in his art, and here he turns the grandmother’s quirks into vibrant, funny, and affectionate scenes, perfectly matching Baryshnikov’s text.