Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children

"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. 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.


Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Published: 05/05/2026
ISBN: 9780316601122
Pages: 112
Weight: 0.39lbs
Size: 7.36h x 5.27w x 0.57d

Review Citations: Booklist 04/01/2026
Library Journal 02/06/2026 pg. 1
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026
Publishers Weekly 03/09/2026
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001