Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages

Matthew McConaugheyis adding children’s book author to his list of many achievements.
The actor, 53, is penning his second book, his debut children’s picture bookJust Because, with Viking Children’s Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, PEOPLE can reveal.
Just Becauseexplores all of life’s little complexities through the eyes of children while seeing the world and each other as full of possibility.
“I didn’t make plans to write a children’s book so much as the idea ofJust Becausecame to me one night at 2:00 a.m. as a ditty in a dream,” McConaughey tells PEOPLE exclusively about the picture book.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Penguin Young Readers

“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,” says McConaughey, who shares sonsLivingston, 10, and Levi, 14, and daughter Vida, 13, with wifeCamila Alves McConaughey.
“I believe this book will resonate with children of all ages ‘just because’ it speaks to the kid in all of us.”
McConaughey made his debut as an author with his 2020 memoir,Greenlights, and says he thinks it’s possible there’s more writing for kids in his future.
“As my own kids grow up and I keep learning how they’re measuring the world around them, I think it’s inevitable that I’ll follow up with some more fun approaches to living that we can all enjoy,” he tells PEOPLE.
Rick Kern/WireImage

“It’s all about balance,” she told PEOPLE. “If parents take the time to talk to their children about healthy eating then they will grow up to be adults with healthier habits. And having conversations about balance allows for an open dialogue between parents and children.”
She added: “I used to hide chocolate around the house because I didn’t want my kids to see. One time, Vida and Levi saw me and I acted like I was grabbing something else but they told me, ‘We caught you! You shouldn’t be doing that!’ "
For more onJust Because, including how to preorder, visitjustbecausebook.com.
source: people.com