Mac Barnett will visit five states this year on his first cross-country tour as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, the Library of Congress announced in a news release.
Barnett, the author of children’s books including Extra Yarn, illustrated by Jon Klassen, and A Polar Bear in the Snow, illustrated by Shawn Harris, was named the new National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature in February by the Library of Congress in partnership with the literary charity Every Child a Reader.
Barnett’s tour has the theme “Behold, the Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See,” which the Library of Congress says “explores the deeply impactful ways picture books blend words and illustrations, and even the turning of a page, to create a unique and lasting reading experience.”
Barnett will kick things off in Coronado, California, on May 20. In the fall, he will visit Elkhart, Indiana; Greensboro, North Carolina; Hanover, Pennsylvania; and Manvel, Texas.
In a statement, Barnett said, “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 from communities all around the country. The joy of sharing picture books with kids is why I started writing children’s books in the first place. And 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.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
