Forts

by Katie Venit, Kenard Pak (illustrator)

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A lyrical ode to all the secret spaces in our world, this gorgeous picture book inspires imagination, creativity, and wonder.

The world is filled with forts.
Tiny worlds within this world,
safe as coat pockets.

Everyone needs a room of their own. A place to hide and play, ponder and dream. Whether it’s a tree house in the backyard or a blanket fort inside, a fort is a magical place filled with imagination and wonder.

Debut author Katie Venit and celebrated illustrator Kenard Pak have crafted a lyrical celebration of the secret spaces we hold so dear. Forts encourages readers to explore the world around them to find the perfect place where they belong—no matter how big or small.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nature, Storytime, Fiction, Adventure, Plays

33 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Katie Venit has been writing since the fifth grade when she and her friends passed around a composition notebook in which they took turns making up. But she didn’t know she wanted to be a writer for kids (the best of all audiences, as it turns out) until her son asked her to write a book about the solar system.

Katie has held quite a few jobs, from working at a barbeque catering company in Maryland to waiting tables at a beach in Delaware to teaching English in Japan. Now she lives in Wisconsin and works as an instructional designer helping college instructors put their courses online.

As a professional writer, Katie writes picture books and middle grade graphic novels, including Forts and Cassini’s Mission. Her nonfiction essays have appeared in Literary Mama and Wisconsin Public Radio’s Wisconsin Life.

Katie goes for long walks with her dog and bakes too many macarons for her family to eat by themselves. She sits on the advisory board of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild and regularly fills up two XL Lands’ End bags on her weekly trips to the library.

Reviews

[Lorellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Library Storytime. Pretty art and the idea that a fort is way of relaxing, more than a structure.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenard Pak is one of my favorite illustrators and I've always loved forts, especially as a child, so I had to check this out. Katie Venit's debut picture book is a great ode to the cozy, secret spots kids find, build, or claim as their own. Safety, independence, and imagination all thrive inside this tour of forts. The playful illustrations use light and shadow to great effect to shift between moods and seasons. While the words on the page suggest a universal overview, the more parent/child visual story works in tandem providing a more specific perspective. All around a lovely picture book.

[Stephanie Lucianovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fills me with such yearning. Yearning to go back to my children's fort days -- or those of my own -- yearning to have written the text, yearning to live in the illustrations. A simply delightful meditation on how and where we make special spaces and what they mean to us. Could re-read again and again. WILL re-read again and again.

[Katie Logonauts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a joyous exploration of forts everywhere - from those out in the world to those inside our homes to the ones we make ourselves. It is a complete celebration that will make any reader want to grab some pillows, blankets, a few sturdy chairs ... and cuddle up inside their fort to read the book again!

[Nancycampbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this look at the different kinds of secret spaces humans create to hide and dream and experience peace. The first page of this picture book is perfection. "The world is filled with forts. Tiny worlds within this world, safe as coat pockets".

[Ann Haefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful descriptive prose highlights various types of forts that give off magical feelings for children. Readers will want to go find or create a fort of their own after reading this book.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this poem about the importance of having our own space, the author highlights forts of all kinds. Inside, outside, tents or tree houses, under the table or built from cushions. Everyone needs a safe space to relax and think, and those spaces can come in all kinds of forms. Under the staircase, in the yard, alone or with friends, forts can provide comfort. The book reminded me of some of the forts I used when I was a child. It brought back a lot of memories. The imagination of a child can turn the simplest box or collection of cushions into something fun and exciting. The book will undoubtedly inspire the creation of all kinds of forts. A book to be shared with friends, family, or even at school. The poem is lovely whether read all together or in selected pieces as the reader(s) contemplate the different kinds of forts and the refuge they can provide. Both a celebration of childhood play and a reminder that all of us need our own space to be ourselves; a space that can be kept private or shared with that special someone. The muted illustrations leave lots of room for memory and imagination, highlighting the lights and darks of such spaces. Highly recommended.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book captures the magic of childhood imagination and play by exploring unexpected and familiar forts indoors and in nature. The intriguing text and enticing art in FORTS by Katie Venit and Kenard Pak will resonate deeply with young readers. Forts are “safe as coat pockets” and are “for being alone. When the world is too bright, too loud, or too peopley.” Forts are also for friends “because only friends can share a fort.” As a parent, this is one I will recommend to everyone. As an author, this is one I will study. Brilliant book!

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In lyrical prose, Venit describes a wide variety of forts in nature ("The world is filled with forts. Tiny worlds within this world, safe as coat pockets.") and human-made, with forts serving as small, safe places to be with a friend or all alone, appealing to the senses (have you ever heard the stars?) and offering suggestions for readers to make their own forts. Pak's colorful illustrations show the variety of forts and the comfort found there. FORTS is a beautiful book in text, images, and creativity!

[Amy Oberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Forts" is a thoughtful and whimsical addition to our library's picture book collection! I believe this story is one meant to be shared side by side with a young reader/listener and savored a page at a time. Venit's sparse, concise descriptions are enhanced by Pak's remarkable illustrations, making this a book sure to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Publication Date: 2025
Format: Picture book
Elements: Brief text with accompanying illustrations in muted tones
Connection/Topics: Forts/imaginative play, nature/surroundings, creative nooks

[Christine Alemshah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is lovely, lyrical language throughout this entire book. I love how the story welcomes readers, young and old, to view the world as one with hidden treasure troves where there are places to hide, feel cozy and safe, and explore the natural world and even their own homes. I loved building blanket forts and forts from cardboard boxes as a child, and so do my children. FORTS is sure to become a family favorite for us!

[Jessica Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

View the world from a child’s perspective again! Remember those blanket forts full of pillows in the living room? Or that cozy spot behind the long curtains? This story will take you back to those days and introduce you to many other forts, many made by nature and home to wildlife. The poetic descriptions of sounds and smells are spot on and pair perfectly with the rich, saturated hues in this beautifully illustrated picture book.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this lyrical love letter to forts! The book itself feels like a fort, a cozy hideaway from the noise of the world. The beautiful illustrations use shadow and light in captivating ways that really capture the essence of the wondeful line of text: "thick with a fortish magic that makes them bigger inside than outside." Kids will have fun finding forts that feel familiar, and finding ideas for new forts to try out!

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

Ah, forts. Much like collecting rocks, making forts of any kind is something all kids can’t help but want to do. This beautiful book is all about the different forts in nature and in your own home. There is a sweet mindfulness and mediation throughout the book as we explore the different forts, something peaceful about making something your own even when you are a child.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated (by Kenard Pak) picture book is an ode to forts that Katie Venit has made so real in this pages. I remember many of these in my childhood, especially the one that my neighbor shared after her father built it so high we could see over the houses all the way down the street we shared. I have a need to build a fort with my students now in my library. I wonder how that will go over with my admin???

[Meneka Repka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of nature and nostalgia, FORTS reminds readers that secret, magical places are all around us…and if we can’t find the perfect fort, we can build one. Katie Venit’s poetic ode to little hideaways will leave young readers inspired; Kenard Pak’s warm and inviting palette captures the beauty of forts perfectly.

[Della Ferreri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world is filled with forts.
Tiny worlds within this world,
safe as coat pockets.

So begins this lovely picture book, dedicated to forts of all kinds - in the forest or backyard, under the stairs or table, even homemade forts constructed with pillows or blankets. Children will be inspired to find or create their own magical place, for just themselves or to share with someone special.

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you want to drop whatever you're doing to build a fort in the living room. The illustrations are beautiful, warm and cozy, and the story blends creative fun with appreciation for nature and quiet spaces. Great for sparking ideas in kids about what they can do with a little space and some imagination. Highly recommended.

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this gorgeous ode to forts that begins with forts in the natural world, moves to forts in a child’s yard, and then finally, to those found and built inside a child’s home. Kids and adults alike will adore the lyrical language and the magic and wonder of forts that is brought to life through the powerful illustrations.

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a cosy fort, inviting young readers into its pages to discover the magic of making their own special little spaces in the world, whether they are cardboard box forts or shady spots beneath a tree. A joyful exploration of all the ways children use forts to transport themselves into new worlds or find peace in their own busy worlds. Lyrically and visually delightful!

[Jessica Stremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while a book grabs ahold of your heart and doesn't let go. Forts is that kind of book. There are so many layers to explore in this gorgeously written lyrical text. The art is incredibly rich and draws you in to the story. This is the kind of book kids will want to read over and over again. Highly recommend for any school or home library.

[Audrey Perrott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful and cozy book feels like stepping inside a fort in its own -- built with imaginative and poetic phrasings that wrap around you while still relating imaginatively to kids and adults alike. I couldn't help but be brought back in time when my kids were in their fort-building phases, and even better, when I was too. A lovely, lyrical read that feels like being tucked into bed.

[Amanda Calatzis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gets my little one's creative fort-building juices flowing. This will absolutely get your kids outside to explore, and find magic in the forest's natural forts. And if it's a rainy day, this book will keep them busy with ideas inside. I've loved Kenard Pak's art for a long time (remember Pax?!) and he's just perfect for this beautifully written story.

[Deirdre Laide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forts is a stunning read. The gorgeous lyrical text filled my heart with nostalgic joy and celebration for all the magic of childhood hideouts.The illustrations are vibrant and full of detail. I'm looking forward to finding forts in the forest or building a giant fort across the kitchen with my children. Beautiful book. ❤️

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, mellow, relaxed story about the many forts we see and make. Would have been an easy 5 star book if not for the illustration of a tipi as a child's toy... We know that play tipis are cultural appropriation, and it's disappointing to see that perpetuated in yet another children's book. I expect better from authors, illustrators, and publishers working in 2025.

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forts by Katie Venit is a lovely picture book celebrating the magic of making forts as a child. This book will inspire children to build forts practically anywhere-- it shows forts in nooks under tables and outside amidst nature. The illustrations are engaging and pair well with the lyrical text. This book is a great addition to home or school libraries.

[Nadina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book that tells all the types of fort but also the stuff you can do in forts. I especially loved it for the fact that it mentions sometimes forts are for being alone when you are feeling overwhelmed. I feel it is low quantity text enough that it could work for preschool story time, or alternatively for early elementary school kids.

[Jenna Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Venit’s book makes me want to curl up under the dining room table and read a pile of books! I love her tribute to the fort, in whatever shape they come in. It was one of my favorite things to make or find as a kid, and for my kids as well. Pak’s gorgeous color palette brings the playfulness and introspective vibes that are true to the fort experience. A delightful read for everyone!

[Bookworm4Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, cozy read. It reminds me of my childhood dream to have my own tree house and sadly that never came true. But reading this book was enjoyable and reminds me of how nice it is to have my own special spot. Children will love this simple story of finding a spot that's just right for you and you alone.

[Anna Ouchchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is gorgeously written and everything about it took me straight back to being a kid. Kids will love the lyrical and whimsical descriptions of forts of all kinds-whether deep in the woods or inside the house. Highly recommended!