Mac Barnett Comes to Maine!

 

Behold! The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is hitting the road!

Award-winning author Mac Barnett is excited to share his passion for picture books with children and adults.

The tradition of the picture book is a tradition of experimentation, just like childhood itself. Every page turn contains infinite possibilities—a journey of discovery and connections. After all, picture books blend words and illustrations to create a uniquely powerful reading experience, one that is often the foundation for a lifetime of reading.

On his nationwide tour as national ambassador, Mac invites readers of all ages to join him in celebrating what’s vibrant, joyful and inspiring about this quintessential American art form.

Island Readers & Writers is thrilled to welcome Mac Barnett to Maine—his only East Coast stop on the 2026 Ambassador Tour!

Come Meet Mac!

IRW will host two opportunities to meet Mac at the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, ME. 

When: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

4:00 pm, “Mac Talks to Grownups About Picture Books”

We invite educators, librarians, authors, illustrators, and creative grownups of all kinds to join Mac in a conversation inspired by his book, Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children. It’s time to reexamine great literature hiding in plain sight: the children’s picture book!

Due to space limitations, we ask that guests register for either this session (for adults) OR the community event at 6:00pm. 

6:00 pm Behold, the Picture Book! let’s Celebrate Stories we can Feel, Hear, and See

KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE: Join us for a free event celebrating the children’s picture book, with readings from Mac’s own work and a book signing.

Please note: for children and families; one adult caregiver must be present with children at all times. 

Advance registration required, as seating is limited. Registration opens Monday, April 27, 2026. This event is free to the public.

Who is Mac Barnett?!

Mac Barnett is the ninth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He’s a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 books for kids, including “Sam & Dave Dig a Hole,”“Twenty Questions,” “The First Cat in Space” graphic novels, and the “Shape” picture books which inspired the “Shape Island” animated series on Apple TV+. He has also written a six-volume memoir called “Mac B, Kid Spy” all about the missions he completed in 1989 as a secret agent for the Queen of England. Mac is from Oakland, California, he has a dog named Henry, and he believes that picture books are exciting and deserve to be celebrated.

Learn More

Resources

Printables that celebrate picture books!

Q&A with Mac! BEHOLD, Bookmarks! How to Read a Picture Book Out Loud Storytime Guide for A Polar Bear in the Snow

Visit Bookshop.org to shop IRW’s collection of Mac’s books; purchases made using our affiliate link benefit IRW’s programs.

 

Mac Barnett standing_PhotoCredit Shawn Miller.jpg

“Children deserve entertaining stories and meaningful art! I am, of course, excited to talk to young readers. But I’m also eager to speak to adults—who often underestimate or overlook children’s literature —to champion the power of picture books and the brilliance of the kids who read them.”

—Mac Barnett, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature