The Important Thing(s) About Writing Picture Books

In this intimate interview with Mac Barnett, we hear directly from one of the greatest innovators of the picture book form. Mac delves deep into the following topics about the art and craft of writing picture books:

  • How he got his start writing (and how kids are at the center)
  • Why many of his books are "out-of-the-box," and how does he generate those ideas/concepts
  • The element of surprise in picture books
  • How he keeps the child perspective squarely in the center of his books
  • Tips for writing humor
  • Working in collaboration (or not) with illustrators
  • In-depth discussion of THE IMPORTANT THING ABOUT MARGARET WISE BROWN
  • Plus more!


Your Instructor


Mac Barnett
Mac Barnett

Mac Barnett is a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide. Mac’s picture books include two Caldecott-Honor-winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole, which also won the E.B White Read-Aloud Award, and Extra Yarn, which won both the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award. Leo: A Ghost Story, illustrated by Christian Robinson, Just Because, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault, and The Skunk, illustrated by Patrick McDonnell, were all named Best Illustrated Books by The New York Times. Mac's novels include the Mac B., Kid Spy books, the Brixton Brothers mysteries and the Terrible Two series. He lives in Oakland, California.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
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