Mac Barnett to visit Concord Schools, and you can get free tickets
Mac Barnett, a New York Times best-selling author, will visit Elkhart for a special celebration of picture books this October.
Barnett is the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, as appointed by the Librarian of Congress.
“Picture books are the source of some of the most profound reading experiences in children’s (and adults’) lives,” Barnett says. “What excites me is the living, thinking, feeling kid who exists right now and needs a good story. Magic is what happens at that moment in childhood.”
“Behold, The Picture Book!” will take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 14, at Concord Junior High School. Barnett’s event for families will explore the vibrant, joyful and inspiring American art form of picture books.
The event will be free and open to the public. Due to limited space, free tickets can be reserved at MyEPL.org/Barnett starting Sept. 15.
During his public events, Barnett showcases his deep passion for words and illustrations. He takes audience questions, and he does book signings at the end of the program. A selection of books will be available to purchase, too.
< < Click here to get tickets for Mac Barnett’s Oct. 14 event > >
The National Ambassador, in partnership with the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader, advocates for reading across the country. Out of hundreds of applications, Elkhart was one of five communities nationwide selected for a visit, thanks to an application submitted by Sarah Hooley, Ox Bow Elementary media specialist. Barnett will stop by Ox Bow Elementary for a private visit with students and teachers on Oct. 13.
“I love using Mac Barnett’s books for storytime or to read aloud to classrooms,” says Allison McLean, children’s department head for EPL. “Some of them are laugh-out-loud hilarious and some have kids on the edge of their seat in suspense. All of them are fantastic stories and readers of all ages really connect with the storytelling.”
Barnett has written more than 60 books for kids, including “Sam and Dave Dig a Hole,” “The First Cat in Space” graphic novels, and the Shape picture books. His work inspired the “Shape Island” animated series on Apple TV+.
Click here to reserve tickets for Mac Barnett’s Behold! The Picture Book!