Make Believe by Mac Barnett

Make Believe

On Telling Stories to Children

Mac Barnett

Little, Brown and Company · Print & ebook · May 5, 2026

“Conversational essays on wonder . . .

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Who it’s for
Readers interested in children's literature and storytelling
Themes
storytelling, children's literature, imagination
Pacing
Reflective

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  3. The Creative ActRick Rubin54% match
  4. Wonder SeekerAndrea Scher53% match

For younger readers: The Wand in the Word, Nightlights, You Are Light

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About this book

“Conversational essays on wonder . . . A meditation on what gives life meaning. . . . A loving sermon on the rewards of children’s books.” ―Kirkus Reviews Make Believe is bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett’s rallying cry for art and imagination, and a celebration of the power of storytelling in all our lives.

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It’s an incisive, intimate, and timely invitation to approach children’s literature not only as an art form worthy of deep study and criticism, but as a portal into the lives of the children. And at a time when we are faced with a national literacy crisis, he champions the profound joys of literature and the importance of reading for pleasure. What if children are a great audience for art? What if they are in fact better equipped to engage deeply with stories than adults? What if humans’ ability to appreciate art is, if not innate, awakened early in childhood? Well, then we’d better do our best to make some good kids’ books. Written with humor and academic rigor, Make Believe reads like a letter from your smartest and funniest friend. Includes spreads from Goodnight Moon and Busy, Busy Town, illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen, and cover art by celebrated illustrator Carson Ellis.

Who it’s for

  • Readers interested in children's literature and storytelling
  • Those who appreciate humor and academic insights on art and imagination

Where it sits

Writing for Children & Teens82%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Family Learning
  • Writing for Children & Teens
  • Readers (Language Arts)
Authors
Mac Barnett
Publisher
Little, Brown and Company
Published
May 5, 2026
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
storytelling · children's literature · imagination
Reading lane
Family Learning