Just Only John, written by Jack Kent.  First paperback printing, November 1969. Published by Young Readers Press, New York and printed in the USA in 1999. Paperback book, 40 pages. The book measures 9.25" x 7" (235mm x 178mm).

Synopsis: Just Only John by Jack Kent is a whimsical picture book about a little boy named John who grows tired of being "just only John." Curious about what it would really be like to be something else, he visits a friendly witch and buys a one-cent magic spell. At first the spell seems to do nothing, but John soon discovers that whenever someone calls him by a nickname—such as "little lamb," "bunny," or even "pig"—he instantly transforms into exactly that. As the unexpected changes become more and more troublesome, John and his parents scramble to find a way to break the spell.

Filled with Jack Kent's signature humor and expressive cartoon-style illustrations, the story is both entertaining and reassuring. Beneath its magical premise is a gentle message about identity and self-acceptance: while it can be fun to imagine being someone—or something—else, there is real value in being yourself. The book concludes with the memorable moral, "Be yourself, because somebody has to, and you're the closest," making it a charming and enduring classic for young readers.

Condition: The book's covers have some wear at the top and bottom of the spine, there is a name written faintly in red at the top of the front cover, and there are small dogear creases on the right corner edges of the covers and pages. The inside pages are in very good condition with no writing or marks but they have some yellowing due to age.(see photos).