Make Believe

On Telling Stories to Children

By: Mac Barnett

Narrated by: Mac Barnett

“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.

Who knew? Who learned ??

When I saw the title I was delighted! Then, oh no??!!, a book ABOUT writing? Oh yes, reading??! Changed forever!

Clear and concise

Brilliant, funny, and to the point. Abounds with useful anecdotes and examples. Author reads and is very good at this too.

The author’s wit & wisdom.

A must read or listen for all librarians everywhere and parents of young children everywhere. This is outstanding and I cannot rave enough about this value.

A book as compelling as the classics the author describes

I adored this book. It is extremely funny and incredibly moving. I found myself laughing out loud and fighting back tears. If you don’t already love great children’s books, you will after reading this book. But more importantly the author conveys not only the importance of children’s literature, he also beautifully describes the importance- the uniqueness- of children as individuals and the respect they deserve.
I will listen again and buy the book .
Thank you to the author for this unforgettable experience.

I loved every minute of this very necessary book.

Do not listen to the controversy surrounding this book. Most people engaging in it have not read it, which is obvious from the comments they’re making. Anyone in children’s literature should seriously take the message of this book to heart before they make any critique of it. What he describes is real.