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Секретная дверь: Почему детские книги — это очень серьезно
Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 00:05:20
30 copies available
U.S. only
Что такое детская литература? Какой она должна или не должна быть? Обязана ли детская книга чему-то учить, отражать действительность, нравиться взрослым, говорить только на безопасные темы, иметь картинки и всегда хорошо заканчиваться? Серьезное и в то же время ироничное рассуждение о потенциале детской литературы, важности детских книг и уважении к своему читателю от Мака Барнета, одного из самых важных американских авторов для детей и подростков.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 5, 2026
26 people are currently reading
18715 people want to read
About the author
Mac Barnett
119 books1,397 followersBorn to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's too bad that the people who need to read this book never will, yet those who already know the importance of children's literature will read it. Not that we won't benefit from reading it, because we will, just would be nice if just once, someone would actually come to the realization it is important. Really enjoyed reading this and would recommend it!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
February 2, 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 the ones that aren’t beating them over the head with how to become good adults, they let them lead the experience, while having the time of their life immersed in it.
His overall point that children’s books aren’t a stepping stone to writing “real books” is how every children’s author should approach their work. Kids deserve good books always. And adults should read more good kids books.
And learn a thing or two from kids books.
Quick wonderful read 🤍
A B&N and Edelweiss provided ARC.
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 the ones that aren’t beating them over the head with how to become good adults, they let them lead the experience, while having the time of their life immersed in it.
His overall point that children’s books aren’t a stepping stone to writing “real books” is how every children’s author should approach their work. Kids deserve good books always. And adults should read more good kids books.
And learn a thing or two from kids books.
Quick wonderful read 🤍
A B&N and Edelweiss provided ARC.
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.
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.
January 30, 2026
Puts into words why I really enjoy working in children’s books!!
July 9, 2024
Un saggio che parla di libri per ragazzi (è giusto classificarli così?) dedicato agli adulti che hanno dimenticato com'è essere bambini. Personalmente, per professione e per passione, leggo molti libri per bambini e spesso sono molto più interessanti e coinvolgenti rispetto a quelli scritti per un pubblico adulto. Ho anche letto libri di autori conosciuti che hanno tentato di scrivere per i bimbi con risultati non sempre eccellenti (sottovalutano la "categoria"?? Può darsi).
I ragazzi danno molto e si aspettano altrettando. Ascoltano, pongono domande, fanno riflessioni, provano emozioni che, se ci soffermiamo ad ascoltarli, stupiscono e meravigliano: è un periodo della vita indimenticabile, da proteggere.
Dopo la Rundell anche Barnett cerca di far aprire gli occhi sulla letteratura dedicata all'infanzia e tenta con questo saggio di smuovere i pregiudizi e aprire le menti. Lettura consigliata.
I ragazzi danno molto e si aspettano altrettando. Ascoltano, pongono domande, fanno riflessioni, provano emozioni che, se ci soffermiamo ad ascoltarli, stupiscono e meravigliano: è un periodo della vita indimenticabile, da proteggere.
Dopo la Rundell anche Barnett cerca di far aprire gli occhi sulla letteratura dedicata all'infanzia e tenta con questo saggio di smuovere i pregiudizi e aprire le menti. Lettura consigliata.
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.
Thanks to Hachette and Edelweiss for the ARC!
Thanks to Hachette and Edelweiss for the ARC!
January 21, 2026
brilliant as always. as an avid subscriber to barnett’s substack with jon klassen, looking at picture books, i was over the moon to learn this book was going to exist and it exceeded my expectations wonderfully. he has such a great way of seeing the complex, realized reality of children and children’s books that i really believe if anyone took the time to read this, they’d probably walk away a bit changed.
also, i wonder if the person who made the summary on the back knew they were quoting rachel sennott from bodies bodies bodies’ fake podcast.
also, i wonder if the person who made the summary on the back knew they were quoting rachel sennott from bodies bodies bodies’ fake podcast.
June 19, 2024
Come prendere una boccata d’aria fresca.
Grazie, grazie, grazie per aver scritto questo libro.
Con giocosità e leggerezza Mac Barnett riesce ad arrivare al cuore della questione: i bambini sono persone degne di rispetto e hanno diritto a storie belle. E le storie più belle sono spesso quelle più buffe, assurde, irriverenti, divertenti, coinvolgenti e soprattutto non vogliono insegnarti un bel niente!!
Grazie, grazie, grazie per aver scritto questo libro.
Con giocosità e leggerezza Mac Barnett riesce ad arrivare al cuore della questione: i bambini sono persone degne di rispetto e hanno diritto a storie belle. E le storie più belle sono spesso quelle più buffe, assurde, irriverenti, divertenti, coinvolgenti e soprattutto non vogliono insegnarti un bel niente!!
June 21, 2024
La prima parte è un magnifico inno all’infanzia. L’esempio della Brown (dalla sua esperienza come aspirante maestra alla lettura di “Buonanotte luna”) è limpido ed efficace. “La porta segreta” contiene passaggi illuminanti. Alla fine ho capito perché Dahl, scrittore che non amo, sia comunque un grande.
“La teoria delle tre zie” però è ridondante e un po’ sessista 😉sia chiaro, parlo da zia non da autrice con tendenza al “didascalismo”.
“La teoria delle tre zie” però è ridondante e un po’ sessista 😉sia chiaro, parlo da zia non da autrice con tendenza al “didascalismo”.
December 18, 2024
Mentre leggevo questo libro mi veniva voglia di sottolinearlo e postittarlo in continuazione (peccato che era della biblioteca 😅). Uno di quei libri che offre così tanti spunti di riflessione interessanti da essere difficile da riassumere senza citarlo per intero. In ogni caso il concetto che più mi è rimasto è che i libri per bambini devono essere considerati al pari di quelli per adulti, diversi ma pari. Bisogna trattare i bambini come persone, non come esseri incompiuti ai quali bisogna insegnare qualcosa ogni volta che se ne ha l’occasione. Per questo i libri per bambini non devono essere didascalici (cioè non devono insegnare una morale in modo palese e banale) i bambini le sanno già queste cose. I libri per bambini devono mirare a creare arte, bellezza, stupore e immaginazione… i bei messaggi poi vengono da sè, oppure anche no, non è questo il punto. Il problema è che i libri per bambini vengono scelti, scritti e comprati dagli adulti, adulti che si sono dimenticati come ragionano i bambini. Quindi a volte dobbiamo osare e scegliere per loro anche libri non convenzionali, apparentemente complessi, perché spesso i bambini sono più bravi di noi a farsi coinvolgere dalle storie e dall’arte.
-> Se non consideriamo i libri per bambini come libri veri in grado di creare arte e bellezza allora significa che non consideriamo i bambini come persone vere.
-> Se non consideriamo i libri per bambini come libri veri in grado di creare arte e bellezza allora significa che non consideriamo i bambini come persone vere.
March 5, 2025
Un saggio veramente bellissimo, sia per il tema che affronta sia per lo stile di scrittura. Barnett spiega che il modo in cui consideriamo e valutiamo la letteratura per bambini dice molto di ciò che pensiamo sui bambini. Spesso gli adulti hanno dimenticato cosa vuol dire essere bambini, quanto i bambini siano intelligenti, curiosi e creativi e quanto il loro modo di pensare sia distante da quello degli adulti.
Mac Barnett invita a riflettere su chi sono davvero i bambini e sulla necessità di creare libri bellissimi per loro, che sappiano osare e abbandonare le regole, le lezioni e il didascalismo che gli adulti spesso riservano loro.
Mac Barnett invita a riflettere su chi sono davvero i bambini e sulla necessità di creare libri bellissimi per loro, che sappiano osare e abbandonare le regole, le lezioni e il didascalismo che gli adulti spesso riservano loro.
October 11, 2024
delizioso
Libro brevissimo ma denso di arguzia, ironia e autoironia, che spiega come l'autore, da scrittore, vede e vive la letteratura per l'infanzia; e che i lettori, anche i più piccoli, non vanno mai sottovalutati e che, come molti lettori grandi, non vogliono tanto storie che insegnino qualcosa, ma storie che piacciano, che divertano, che sorprendano, in sostanza che siano belle. Storie che li trattino come le persone che sono.
Libro brevissimo ma denso di arguzia, ironia e autoironia, che spiega come l'autore, da scrittore, vede e vive la letteratura per l'infanzia; e che i lettori, anche i più piccoli, non vanno mai sottovalutati e che, come molti lettori grandi, non vogliono tanto storie che insegnino qualcosa, ma storie che piacciano, che divertano, che sorprendano, in sostanza che siano belle. Storie che li trattino come le persone che sono.
November 2, 2024
Un saggio breve che porta con sé ironia, ispirazione, tante riflessioni e una rinnovata passione per la letteratura dell’infanzia.
Grazie a Terre di Mezzo per aver dato il la a questo libro per adulti e grazie a Mac per averlo scritto
Grazie a Terre di Mezzo per aver dato il la a questo libro per adulti e grazie a Mac per averlo scritto
January 31, 2026
Очень хорошая книжка о том, почему детская литература это важно, нужно и относиться к ней нужно серьёзно, а к детям как к людям, и что вообще они всё понимают, не надо пытаться их обманывать и вот это вот всё. Всем бы пихала в руки, педагогам, родителям, писателям, критикам... всем короче)
July 2, 2024
Capolavoro. Chiaro, conciso e divertente.
(Altro che Perché dovresti leggere libri per ragazzi [etc etc] della Rundell.)
(Altro che Perché dovresti leggere libri per ragazzi [etc etc] della Rundell.)
October 16, 2024
Viva i bei libri per i bambini
June 1, 2025
Ένα βιβλίο που οφείλει να διαβάσει οποίος ασχολείται με βιβλία για παιδιά. κυκλοφόρησε και στα ελληνικά, οπότε αναζητήσετε το.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Goodnight Moon has always been a confusing picture book for me. I don’t remember reading it as a child, though I’m sure I did. But as an adult, I’ve never quite made sense of why the first movement that introduces parts and pieces in the great green room doesn’t match the second half that says goodnight to different things. Socks and an old lady appear and disappear. A mouse scampers around unnoticed by the two cats in the middle of the room. A red balloon hangs ominously just below the ceiling. A rabbit in waders fishes a baby rabbit out of the water (!). Out of nowhere we say goodnight to “nobody,” staring at a blank page. And then, goodnight mush.
My kids, however, have always loved it.
And then I read Make Believe, and their attachment to this strange little board book suddenly made more sense. Barnett argues that Goodnight Moon is meant to be experimental. It breaks the expected flow of children’s literature (expected mostly by adults), with its disappearing characters, nonparallel structure, and slightly eerie atmosphere. And yet kids embrace it. My own have loved it from babyhood into their tweens. They seem to find comfort in its intentional chaos, delighting in its oddities and accepting that saying goodnight to nobody is somehow exactly right.
The other day, my five-year-old told me how strange nighttime feels: he falls asleep in darkness and what feels like seconds later wakes to the brightness of day, with no memory of what happened in between. To him, bedtime is mysterious, even disconcerting. And that’s exactly the brilliance of Goodnight Moon. It reflects the child’s perspective on sleep—this bizarre daily ritual of closing one’s eyes and waking again to the world. The parts adults find unsettling are often the parts that make the most sense to kids.
Barnett’s larger argument is that adults tend to misunderstand children’s literature. Because adults control the writing, publishing, and reading of kids’ books, they often try to sneak in lessons or moralizing viewpoints—like finely chopped broccoli hidden in chicken nuggets. Kids can spot that a mile away. What they respond to instead are stories filled with uncertainty, intensity, humor, and transformation.
Kids, Barnett reminds us, are remarkably comfortable with ambiguity. They lean into the rollercoaster ride of story in ways adults often resist. If we want to raise readers—and compete with the screens that increasingly capture their attention—we need to stop speaking down to children and start trusting their imaginative instincts. Give them a genuinely good story and let them do the rest.
Make Believe is a short, comical, brilliant book for adults about children’s literature—more of a spirited argument than a traditional study of children’s lit. It’s for publishers and parents and educators alike. It’s a call to rethink how we approach the crucial task of bookmaking for kids. For me, that meant inventorying all our bookshelves with my kiddos and letting them take the lead on finding and reading the most engrossing tales. And rereading Goodnight Moon, of course.
My kids, however, have always loved it.
And then I read Make Believe, and their attachment to this strange little board book suddenly made more sense. Barnett argues that Goodnight Moon is meant to be experimental. It breaks the expected flow of children’s literature (expected mostly by adults), with its disappearing characters, nonparallel structure, and slightly eerie atmosphere. And yet kids embrace it. My own have loved it from babyhood into their tweens. They seem to find comfort in its intentional chaos, delighting in its oddities and accepting that saying goodnight to nobody is somehow exactly right.
The other day, my five-year-old told me how strange nighttime feels: he falls asleep in darkness and what feels like seconds later wakes to the brightness of day, with no memory of what happened in between. To him, bedtime is mysterious, even disconcerting. And that’s exactly the brilliance of Goodnight Moon. It reflects the child’s perspective on sleep—this bizarre daily ritual of closing one’s eyes and waking again to the world. The parts adults find unsettling are often the parts that make the most sense to kids.
Barnett’s larger argument is that adults tend to misunderstand children’s literature. Because adults control the writing, publishing, and reading of kids’ books, they often try to sneak in lessons or moralizing viewpoints—like finely chopped broccoli hidden in chicken nuggets. Kids can spot that a mile away. What they respond to instead are stories filled with uncertainty, intensity, humor, and transformation.
Kids, Barnett reminds us, are remarkably comfortable with ambiguity. They lean into the rollercoaster ride of story in ways adults often resist. If we want to raise readers—and compete with the screens that increasingly capture their attention—we need to stop speaking down to children and start trusting their imaginative instincts. Give them a genuinely good story and let them do the rest.
Make Believe is a short, comical, brilliant book for adults about children’s literature—more of a spirited argument than a traditional study of children’s lit. It’s for publishers and parents and educators alike. It’s a call to rethink how we approach the crucial task of bookmaking for kids. For me, that meant inventorying all our bookshelves with my kiddos and letting them take the lead on finding and reading the most engrossing tales. And rereading Goodnight Moon, of course.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of Mac Barnett's brilliant first book for *adults*
This book feels, to me, like a return to the very reasons I became a children’s librarian in the first place. It’s a love letter to imagination. It allows us - the adults- to question how children understand stories, to think more deeply about what we're offering young readers. What makes a truly great children’s book? Why do some stories resonate while others fall flat? What separates great books from forgettable ones? Barnett critiques the ways adults can underestimate children, reminding us that young readers deserve stories that respect their intelligence, curiosity, and emotional depth.
One of my favorite things about this book is Barnett’s voice: playful, conversational, and humorous, it’s the same voice that has made him one of my favorite children’s authors. For anyone who works with children, this book is a compelling reminder that inspiring readers isn’t just about literacy. It’s about creating spaces where stories feel alive, where imagination is valued, and where children learn that reading is not a task, but an invitation to help bring new worlds into existence. The books we choose, the way we read them, the excitement we show, it all tells children whether stories matter. Kids don’t become readers just by being around books. They become readers when they’re encouraged to interact with stories, to question them, to play with them. In that sense, we become co-creators of imaginative experiences. In my role as a librarian, I help “make believe” matter. I gratefully respect Barnett’s thoughtful opinions, and I hope that adults can consider these perspectives for the good of young readers everywhere. A very great read!
This book feels, to me, like a return to the very reasons I became a children’s librarian in the first place. It’s a love letter to imagination. It allows us - the adults- to question how children understand stories, to think more deeply about what we're offering young readers. What makes a truly great children’s book? Why do some stories resonate while others fall flat? What separates great books from forgettable ones? Barnett critiques the ways adults can underestimate children, reminding us that young readers deserve stories that respect their intelligence, curiosity, and emotional depth.
One of my favorite things about this book is Barnett’s voice: playful, conversational, and humorous, it’s the same voice that has made him one of my favorite children’s authors. For anyone who works with children, this book is a compelling reminder that inspiring readers isn’t just about literacy. It’s about creating spaces where stories feel alive, where imagination is valued, and where children learn that reading is not a task, but an invitation to help bring new worlds into existence. The books we choose, the way we read them, the excitement we show, it all tells children whether stories matter. Kids don’t become readers just by being around books. They become readers when they’re encouraged to interact with stories, to question them, to play with them. In that sense, we become co-creators of imaginative experiences. In my role as a librarian, I help “make believe” matter. I gratefully respect Barnett’s thoughtful opinions, and I hope that adults can consider these perspectives for the good of young readers everywhere. A very great read!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
*** I received an advance copy from Edelweiss for an honest review***
First of all, I’m glad that Mac Barnett wrote this book as he has a unique perspective on children’s books. Second of all, I know the work many writers put into writing their books. I know there is a lot of effort into not being didactic, but I do see the value in having some books and stories teach in the least didactic way possible. Not everything is for the sake of art, as much as I truly would love for it to be. Given I am completely guilty of reading books about kindness to kids. I’ve also read books about teamwork that I don’t think I would have even considered to be didactic, it’s just how the characters solved the problem.
What I’m saying is, I love a good story, if the good story also teaches something (like shapes) without hammering a lesson over the child’s head, then great! Ultimately, I think this book is truly worth reading for anyone with an interest in children’s literature. You don’t have to agree 100% with the author (obviously), but he does make a good case on giving children story more than lessons.
The main reason I didn’t give this one five stars is because I know how much work authors and illustrators put into seeing their books to publication. I thought the first portion of the book was a bit critical as to how many published children’s books this author thought were good. Though, definitely I wish the industry wouldn’t latch onto a character and drain a character completely of who they are just for the sake of publishing more books with said character, just because the character gained popularity (I too have opinions of the publishing industry).
First of all, I’m glad that Mac Barnett wrote this book as he has a unique perspective on children’s books. Second of all, I know the work many writers put into writing their books. I know there is a lot of effort into not being didactic, but I do see the value in having some books and stories teach in the least didactic way possible. Not everything is for the sake of art, as much as I truly would love for it to be. Given I am completely guilty of reading books about kindness to kids. I’ve also read books about teamwork that I don’t think I would have even considered to be didactic, it’s just how the characters solved the problem.
What I’m saying is, I love a good story, if the good story also teaches something (like shapes) without hammering a lesson over the child’s head, then great! Ultimately, I think this book is truly worth reading for anyone with an interest in children’s literature. You don’t have to agree 100% with the author (obviously), but he does make a good case on giving children story more than lessons.
The main reason I didn’t give this one five stars is because I know how much work authors and illustrators put into seeing their books to publication. I thought the first portion of the book was a bit critical as to how many published children’s books this author thought were good. Though, definitely I wish the industry wouldn’t latch onto a character and drain a character completely of who they are just for the sake of publishing more books with said character, just because the character gained popularity (I too have opinions of the publishing industry).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The problem: Books for children are written by, illustrated by, published by, bought by, and taught by adults. And so books that should be shaped for the needs and preferences of their child readers are almost always, at least partly, shaped for their adult buyers—that is, for what those adult buyers believe would most benefit real or imagined children.
The proposal: All those adults should take very seriously their responsibility to understand what actual children actually enjoy, and to prioritize *that* when they're making, choosing, and sharing children's books.
The tricky bit is, we're all going to have to do it together. Fortunately, Mac Barnett's brief and very funny book is an incredibly accessible way to start the journey and spread the word. Highly recommended for anyone involved in putting books in kids' hands, from aspiring authors and expectant parents to top brass publishers and school superintendents. (And *definitely* for anyone tempted to coax a young reader to trade in graphic novels for Huckleberry Finn.)
Note: in case anyone else is as curious as I was about all the early Italian reviews, Barnett's Italian publisher proposed the idea for the book and justifiably claimed first dibs!
Advance copy provided by NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for an honest review.
The proposal: All those adults should take very seriously their responsibility to understand what actual children actually enjoy, and to prioritize *that* when they're making, choosing, and sharing children's books.
The tricky bit is, we're all going to have to do it together. Fortunately, Mac Barnett's brief and very funny book is an incredibly accessible way to start the journey and spread the word. Highly recommended for anyone involved in putting books in kids' hands, from aspiring authors and expectant parents to top brass publishers and school superintendents. (And *definitely* for anyone tempted to coax a young reader to trade in graphic novels for Huckleberry Finn.)
Note: in case anyone else is as curious as I was about all the early Italian reviews, Barnett's Italian publisher proposed the idea for the book and justifiably claimed first dibs!
Advance copy provided by NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you've read Mac Barnett then you probably did not need the US of A to tell you that he is the ambassador for children's literature. Mac Barnett's books are funny and exuberant and peculiar and smart and unrestrained, a consistently excellent bounty of literature for children. In this very brief book, Barnett explains to us, adults, where children's books fail children and how to approach them correctly: with respect, with experimentation, with equality if not sameness between the adult writer and the child reader. He is fed up, as I am often fed up! He hates didacticism, and I also hate didacticism! He believes that young people are complete people, with unique and complex capacity for emotion and story. That is true!
Now of course Mac Barnett is preaching to the converted in me, but this is a wonderful book, as an encouraging bolster to many of my grouchier perspectives on children's publishing, as a celebration of literature that takes its readers seriously, and as a reminder of how specific and precious (in the un-cute sense) childhood imaginations are.
Now of course Mac Barnett is preaching to the converted in me, but this is a wonderful book, as an encouraging bolster to many of my grouchier perspectives on children's publishing, as a celebration of literature that takes its readers seriously, and as a reminder of how specific and precious (in the un-cute sense) childhood imaginations are.
March 11, 2026
Grande delusione. Quel "la porta segreta" genera inevitabilmente l'aspettativa di chissà quale rivelazione. Ma tra una battuta e l'altra questa non arriva. Sono appassionata di libri per bambini e concordo con l'autore quando dice che la maggior parte sono brutti. Ahimé. Tuttavia qui ho avuto la sensazione di leggere più un libro su come non dovrebbe essere un libro per bambini (quasi una morale sul non fare morale) che su come dovrebbe essere. Le numerose note, alcune molto lunghe e discorsive, mi hanno dato l'impressione di una tesi. E il punto centrale, che i bambini sono intelligenti e che la loro immaginazione va presa sul serio, per dirla brevemente, mi è sembrato piuttosto evidente. Forse per chi si occupa di pedagogia, esercitando l'autoeducazione e coltivando amore e curiosità verso l'infanzia, queste pagine non offrono spunti particolari. Piuttosto, leggendo le molte recensioni entusiaste, mi viene da chiedermi se il libro non dica qualcosa soprattutto su come gli adulti guardano ai bambini e su quanto raramente si eserciti l'essenziale arte dell'osservazione.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
And this kids bookseller shouts a big fat "YES!!!" Barnett raises the banner for all of us lovers of kids books with a rally cry that kids deserve good books too. In the same tone that Antoine De Saint Exupery wrote The Little Prince and his gripe that adults simply do not understand because they are too busy with "matters of importance," Barnett lovingly, sarcastically, almost snarkily reminds us adults that we were once kids too
and deserve more respect! There are SO many great kids books but there are also way too many not good ones simply because adults have believed too much in the notion that kids books must have a moral. Often missing the point of a good story. Everyone needs to read this book, especially booksellers, and ESPECIALLY children's booksellers. "May we always be unfinished." Love.
and deserve more respect! There are SO many great kids books but there are also way too many not good ones simply because adults have believed too much in the notion that kids books must have a moral. Often missing the point of a good story. Everyone needs to read this book, especially booksellers, and ESPECIALLY children's booksellers. "May we always be unfinished." Love.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was nourishment for my soul. There is precious wisdom throughout the entirety of the book. I could have highlighted nearly the entire thing. The author writes with playfulness, frankness and wonder about the importance of children's books and, well, children and books. If it doesn't inspire you to advocate for the arts, I don't know what will. The author encouraged me to question, how AM I talking to children? How can I do better to recognize and foster the deep interior lives of the children I know and love? There is always a strange magic in Mac's writing and this book for adults is no exception. I plan to buy copies for myself, friends and parents. I am certain it will be one of the most meaningful books I'll ever have the pleasure to read. 5/5 stars and more.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Overall, a lovely nonfiction book about the importance of children's books!! It took me a while to finish reading this one, as I've been terribly busy, and nonfiction is not usually my favorite kind of book to read. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Mac Barnett is funny, his writing is so full of heart, and he really understands the heart and soul of children's books and just how important they are. While I don't agree with absolutely everything in the story, I think this is definitely a worthwhile read for any children's book author! Four out of five stars from me.
(Although I will say that the story focuses more on books for younger readers, such as picture books, which I wasn't expecting. It does talk a bit about middle-grade and chapter books, but it's more focused on those books for younger readers. So you might want to keep that mind.)
(Although I will say that the story focuses more on books for younger readers, such as picture books, which I wasn't expecting. It does talk a bit about middle-grade and chapter books, but it's more focused on those books for younger readers. So you might want to keep that mind.)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Quick and delightful read from beloved children's author Mac Barnett on the value of children's lit as an art form *for* and *deserved by* children, not for the morality some well-meaning but misguided adults may try to impart through them but for the magical portal they are for children to enjoy and appreciate the experience of being children.
Barnett is the ideal ambassador for this message, using his signature wit and bantery style to convey his points, including the Three Aunts Theory of Children's Literature. Barnett pleads with us (parents, librarians, authors, book buyers) to make sure children's lit shelves are full of books written with a "cool aunt" approach, treating children like they're people with thoughts and feelings and opinions worthy of respect.
Barnett is the ideal ambassador for this message, using his signature wit and bantery style to convey his points, including the Three Aunts Theory of Children's Literature. Barnett pleads with us (parents, librarians, authors, book buyers) to make sure children's lit shelves are full of books written with a "cool aunt" approach, treating children like they're people with thoughts and feelings and opinions worthy of respect.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I feel like if I were still the buyer at an Indie, this book will have fundamentally changed the way I stocked the children's section. I never realized this was even a topic of discussion, but Mac has me completely on his side. Everyone could benefit from reading this book, from parents, professional's who work with children, authors or any level, publishers, librarians, neighbors, friends, and everyone. I'm not someone you'd consider a kid person, but you don't have to be in order to realize the importance of this book and it's topic.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Keep in mind that I'm a biased audience and literally THEE target demographic for a book of this kind; I'm a library worker in the children's room AND I did my undergraduate honors thesis on moral philosophy in children's literature (arguing that children deserve rich, interesting stories). This book was awesome. Entertainingly written, well-researched, and filled with heart and passion. It makes a very compelling case as to why children's books are not only real literature, but its own unique, special artform. Also funny! Very funny!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
can I send this to everyone that asks me what's next now that I'm a youth librarian or those that tell me "they should let you do adult programming" or those that think I'll get burnt out of this work as I get further away from childhood because this is it, it's so fun and adults are boring
I do wish this went into his personal process or how picture books are important for teens since they are still children too and need that space to be childlike, but overall, I think this will be quoted in a many college paper to come
I do wish this went into his personal process or how picture books are important for teens since they are still children too and need that space to be childlike, but overall, I think this will be quoted in a many college paper to come
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