Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children

by Mac Barnett

A book for adults about books for children, a rallying cry for art and imagination, and a celebration of the power of storytelling in all our lives.  

Make Believe is bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett’s 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.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Parenting, Books About Books, Adult, Childrens, Essays

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2026

About the author

Born 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.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Shelby Logan-Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Allie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Amy Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Pari · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Since the invention of the printing press, children's books have been a battleground between those who want to tell kids what to do and those who want to tell them stories.”

The children want to be entertained and to be treated with respect, they don’t want to be pandered to and have lessons shoved down their throats! They deserve to experience real art, to play, to be treated with dignity, and to arrive at meaning on their own terms:)

[Rachael Marsceau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mr. Barnett's brain and his books so much.

[Lindsey (endless_tbr_list) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a new and burning need for every adult - all of them - to read this book. Witty, humorous, well-written, and chock-full of important information, this truly changed my way of viewing children’s books.

Despite absolutely devouring books these days, and even once being a child(!), I had, without realizing it, fallen into the dangerous and embarrassing belief that children’s literature is not real literature, and by default, as Barnett points out, that children are not real people. Adults simply cannot continue with this way of thinking, particularly when we alone are the ones deciding what gets published for the children of the world, and this book is a wonderful way to start combating those thoughts.

Whether you have kids or not, whether you regularly read to kids or not, please take the time to read this work. It’s charming and thoughtful and will remind you that the board books and early readers filling bookstores and bookshelves should not just be seen as tools, but rather as the doorways through which storytelling and the joy of reading enter our lives. Children are people and their books are just as real and as valuable as ours.

Thank you Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Colton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think my original critique may have been a little influenced by all of the faceless voices shouting out into the void - something that faceless voices are becoming more and more comfortable doing.

I'll say this about what I thought of this book:
Mac Barnett is right (about some things). The essays are well-written critiques on why children's literature should be taken seriously and his theses are understandable. I think where he went wrong is in the sentences used to back up his theses. And I think, after looking through a lot of the social media discourse, that many people who have big opinions about the book and the author haven't actually READ the book but saw someone post a quote and based their entire opinion of both the work and the writer on that one sentence (a sentence that I think is heinous, by the way).

Another thing I think:
We have a literacy problem. And I'm not just saying that because I'm an elementary school teacher who had an entire class of kids who read well-below their grade level this year or because I see students in upper elementary struggling to read decodable texts written for first graders. But we, as adults, have a literacy problem. And social media is the gasoline constantly poured on that fire. We have to do better about forming solid opinions based on criticism of the work, not the weak and lazy modern day "art" of forming a shaky opinion off of 10 words from a ~100 page book.

A final thought:
Mac Barnett is a bit of a snob when it comes to his tastes in children's literature and what he believes to be the gold standard of a well-written children's book. His sentiments are just rewrapped versions of sentiments made by elitists and academics who desire to make the art of writing (no matter for what age group or within what genre) an exclusive club where the inclusion criteria markers are forever pushed out of reach for groups who already know decentering. His waxing poetic about a golden age of children's literature (the mid-twentieth century) is without the critique of the period in its entirety. This would have offered the reader a checkpoint for their understanding that, yes, Goodnight Moon was a children's book that has done well and it was written at a time when a lot of really great children's books were being written, but decentered groups were also decentered from the publishing sphere and weren't having their stories published. So his golden age wasn't golden for many people outside of those within the demographics he finds himself in.

He had the opportunity here to make many great points to adults who are interested in the argument surrounding taking children's literature seriously. He could have talked about book banning or the ever-declining literacy rate or the capitalistic takeover of the publishing realm, but he didn't. He didn't really ask a single question and I think that's the hallmark of a good leader. Ask more questions, Mr. Barnett. Be like the child with wonder and curiosity and exploration. For every statement you make, you should ask two questions. Be more curious than you are sure.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every communication, regardless of form is a mighty act of persuasion. Storytelling, whether to children or adults is no different, and here is where the nugget of Mac Barnett's Make Believe lands.

Every story has an agenda - to teach, to inculcate, instill, ingrain concepts, ideas, fables with a moral, myths (same but at a distance) and cautionary tales full of ethical consequences. Barnett considers many of the 'stories for children' that are available (throughout the fairly recent time of written, published, available books) heavy-handed and disrespectful toward their ultimate audience. His tone leans toward contempt and impatience, with a near accusation of breach of truth-telling. When he hits that ball squarely out of the field, he begins with his real message: honor, respect, and an understanding of equality between the teller and hearer, with the story's foundation built upon the understanding that the true nature of children is they are no different than untainted adults - who were also children once upon a time. He reminds readers we all started in that very first unpersuaded perspective, the one without any other but the simplest agenda or POV - to fulfill the most basic of needs, among which are those of play, joy, and pleasure. That's where our purpose in storytelling the very young, very old, and very human should begin, says he.

Make Believe is a wonderful consideration of the most basic reasons to share stories we tell to each other - especially those told to the youngest and most open of us. Here is a plea to dispel doubt and consider the importance of how our stories are told by remembering our very own youngest, newest selves as we open our mouths, lift our pens and offer pages to those which whom we share life's space, time and experience.

*A sincere thank you to Mac Barnett, Little, Brown & Company, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #MakeBelieve #NetGalley 26|52:41h

[Mike S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac Barnett writes really cool books for kids. Smart, funny, silly, and often paired with the illustrations of Jon Klassen. I saw this on the pre-pub list and got really excited. I'm sure I read a LOT more "picture books" than the typical 46-year-old dude who doesn't have kids of his own...it goes with my profession, but also? I absolutely LOVE a good, clever, silly, fun, whimsical, or beautifully-illustrated book for kids.

It takes all of a couple hours at most to read the three essays that constitute the chapters and bulk of the book. It's about kids books, but it's also about how we constantly underestimate kids' abilities and needs and wants. It's about how kids books don't need to have some high-minded concept or moral or educational component. It's about how so often kids are more observant than adults, don't have a lifetime of biases and pretensions, and can truly see and understand great art just as much as an adult or whoever thinks appreciating art takes "training." It's about how kids deserve great books and how we as a society kind of ghettoize writers who write for them.

I think this is an IMPORTANT little book for educators, for children's librarians, for administrators, for parents, for readers who love great books and think that kids deserve and have a right to cool shit just as much as "grown ups" do.

[Georgia Earley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former Children’s Librarian and former child, this book hit home. Children’s books are some of my favorite, and the role that they play in our lives cannot be ignored. I have read some truly horrible picture books and have read some that make an entire room of 3 year olds giggle. This book reminds us that writing, especially for children, is a special kind of magic. I have had the pleasure of enjoying such classics as Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett and I can’t wait to read more of his work. This was a gem.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has spent a large portion of my career selecting and reading aloud children’s books and also as a mother who continues to do so and also as a human being who has a fond affinity for “middle grade” works. Huzzah Mac Barnett. “May we always be unfinished.”

[John Caleb Grenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, the criticism out there of this book is kind of embarrassingly unfounded? Even more than I expected. This book is timely, pertinent, and I’d say even 75-80% of the jokes land 😂. Packs a lot into a long-essay-length book, a strong manifesto of sorts for how we as adults should be invested in children’s literature, somehow, by not really even being all that preachy or didactic about it. He just presents information and speaks his mind, and I truly hate to see the adulthood-crushed whimsykillers out there trying to make anything wrong with this book. It’s lovely and important.

[Tamara York · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic collection of essays about children's literature, a subject near and dear to my heart. It is short (only 2 hours/112 pages) but full of insight, wisdom, and all-around good stuff. It was especially great on audio, read by the author.

[Shelbie Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids are amazing. Kids books are amazing. I need to buy another bookshelf. 🤪📚

[yush · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think of my one year interning at a children’s publishing house very very fondly and the thought that any of the stories i got the chance to touch might stick with a child for the rest of their life makes me really emotional

[Laura Noi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Emma Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only controversial take on this book is that the jacket doesn't fit. What's up with that? It felt like holding a hot dog while the bun was breaking. Slippery and unsatisfying.

Otherwise, I appreciated a lot of Mac's takes. I like thinking about kids as readers and whole humans, rather than something to be "fixed" or "preached at". Kids like weird stuff and can sniff a moral from a mile away. They deserve a library as eccentric and unique as they are. There's not a secret ingredient for a perfect children's book. Children like different things, just like adults like different things. The only difference is that adults are in charge of buying and curating books for children, which is where Mac encourages us to do better. Imagine if a kid bought you a book about something that they think you need to work on? Kindness? Patience? Buying them more ice cream? You wouldn't read it either. A book is an opportunity to break down the chasm of power between children and adults. Sitting side by side reading is a chance to emote person to person, rather than big person to small person who must always listen to big person or else.

While I appreciated and related to a lot of this essay, I also understand why the children's literature community is upset about it. (I hate "kidlit" as a term. I feel like kids would too?) I also would have appreciated a new story to exemplify wonder, the line between fiction and reality. The one he wrote about was the same as the one he shared in his 2014 TedTalk. I would think SOMETHING in the last 12 years would have sparked a new example better than the melon story at summer camp.

I went to hear him speak at the Library of Congress on Thursday evening on a whim, and I felt his apology was genuine. I don't think he meant to offend authors and illustrators, or make anyone feel that their art isn't valuable. I wish more people would acknowledge other quotes from this book, rather than pulling the "crud" one, but I understand the frustration.

"Instead of slogans, we need a rich, polyphonic, daring literature full of new and distinct voices, presenting a variety of perspectives and experiences" (54).

[kate j · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is a shame that i am so deep in the internet that i know about the “mac barnett CANCELLED??!?” drama for the “94.7% of kids books are crud” quote. what i found underneath all that buzz, in make believe, is a book full of generosity and truth: what it means to write for and nurture the future. the unique and specific power stories hold to teach lessons irreducible to classroom wall slogans.

i read this to give to eli, who ive long thought probably shares some deep like… DNA tie? to mac barnett, because they write in very similar ways. i still believe this, maybe even stronger, after reading make believe, but i think the tie may reside in the media they grew up on: both sesame street, maurice sendak, the monster at the end of this book, and the gentle hands that taught them how to read.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The children’s book author is under no obligation to instruct or encourage or explain. Our only duty is to tell good stories. And the best stories for kids — like the best stories for adults — tell the truth about what it means to be a human in the world. But it means something very different to be a child in this world than it does to be an adult. The best children’s writers tell the truth in a way that is recognizable and authentic to children.”

I love how he views children. I love how he values stories. I love his high standards for children’s books. Nobody will be surprised I gave this five stars.

[Josie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, thoughtful, and often funny essay on the importance of good children’s literature from one of my favorite children’s authors! Many great points are made in this short book but my favorite is that children deserve good books, not because they are the future, but because they are human beings right now. I love children’s books! I had chills multiple times

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, amazing, just as good as everyone says this is!! While I mostly read adult books, I love so many kids/YA books and have read some of them in adulthood and this felt so validating for my interest in them.

Everyone go read Suzanne Collin’s’ Gregor the Overlander series and the Fablehaven series right now

[Nikolina Karoulla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give it 10 stars if I could, it reminded me of my inner child which some people will be like that’s BS haha . Anyway truly amazing book that deserves to be read by everyone . I don’t have kids and I am a lonely child but reading this was amazing

[Courtney Townill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac Barnett made magic with this tiny & powerful book. If you spend a lot of time with children, or a lot of time reading to children (as I do), you will find a lot to appreciate in here. I laughed a lot, and then spent a lot of time staring off into the distance while reflecting on how to make even more fun for my son and kids at story time through books.

*thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids deserve good books! I love working with kids! Quick and easy read, would highly recommend it to anyone who knows a child! I also loved that the mystery of why this was published in Italian first was resolved. I was so curious! Shoutout Mac Barnett.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

[Annalisa Ponti · Rating 4 out of 5]

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”.