Make Believe, Mac Barnett
Make Believe, Mac Barnett
2 Rating(s)
List: $14.99 | Sale: $10.50
Club: $7.49

Make Believe
On Telling Stories to Children

Bestseller

Author: Mac Barnett

Narrator: Mac Barnett

Unabridged: 2 hr 17 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/05/2026


Synopsis

“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.

 

About Mac Barnett

Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than thirty languages. His picture books include two Caldecott Honor–winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn. Among his other popular books are I Love You Like a Pig, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli, and The Magic Word, illustrated by Elise Parsley. He lives in Oakland, California. You can visit him online at macbarnett.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Shelby on February 02, 2026

Wow two things: 1. Mac Barnett’s worldview is brilliant 2. He is funny as hell. This book will vindicate any children’s bookseller or librarian or really any adult who loves young reader books. It gets to the heart of why the books I recommend to children are the books I put in their hands. They’re t......more

Goodreads review by Veronica on February 28, 2025

I libri per bambini hanno tanta dignità e importanza tanto quanto quelli per adulti. I bambini sono persone, come gli adulti, e i libri creati per loro meritano la stessa qualità e dedizione dell' editoria per grandi. Che bel libro, mi ha dato un nuovo punto di vista su questo tema.......more

Goodreads review by Allie on January 30, 2026

Puts into words why I really enjoy working in children’s books!!......more

Goodreads review by Amy on January 31, 2026

This articulated so many of my thoughts about the importance of books for children, and it did so in a way that is both funny and well informed. This is a treasure and so many of the words he shares here validated me and empowered me in how I will relate to and read with children. Loved it so much.......more

Goodreads review by Katy O. on May 09, 2026

As a longtime school librarian, I loved every word of this book. And the detailed analysis of Goodnight Moon? YES PLEASE!......more