Mac Barnett, the author of more than 60 children's books, has been named the 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. He is the ninth author to hold the position, and succeeds Meg Medina, who served from 2023-2024. His platform as ambassador will be "Behold, the Picture Book! Let's Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See."
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National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Mac Barnett (photo: Chris Black) |
Barnett's work includes Just Because (illus. by Isabelle Arsenault); Twenty Questions (illus. by Christian Robinson), Sam & Dave Dig a Hole (illus. by Jon Klassen), A Polar Bear in the Snow (illus. by Shawn Harris), and Extra Yarn (illus. by Jon Klassen). He has won numerous awards, including two Caldecott Honors, three New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Awards, three E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, and an International Children's Literature Award.
"It's a profound honor to serve as ambassador. When I got the news, I was speechless, which is unusual for me," Barnett said. "Now I feel energized to proclaim the many glories of children's literature, with a particular focus on a unique and marvelous way of telling stories: the children's picture book.
"Picture books are a beautiful, sophisticated and vibrant art form, the source of some of the most profound reading experiences in children's (and adults') lives. I am, of course, excited to talk to young readers. The joy of sharing picture books with kids is why I started writing children’s books in the first place. 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."
Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, will inaugurate Barnett on Thursday, February 6, at 10:30 a.m. The event will be streamed on the Library of Congress's YouTube page, and Medina will be in attendance. Later that day, Barnett will take part in a "Storytime for Grown Ups" event featuring Cece Bell, Raúl the Third, and Jon Scieszka.
Hayden made the selection based on recommendations from children's publishing professionals as well as a selection committee that included Calvin Crosby, co-owner of the King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, Utah.