Make Believe by Mac Garnett

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you tell a child a story. The wide eyes. The held breath. The way a simple “once upon a time” can turn an ordinary afternoon into an adventure.

In Make Believe, acclaimed author Mac Barnett invites us to think more deeply about that magic—and the art of telling stories to children. This is a thoughtful, charming exploration of why we tell tales, how stories shape young minds, and what it really means to spark a child’s imagination.

Barnett brings the same warmth and wit that have made him a beloved voice in children’s literature. But here, he’s writing for the grown-ups: the parents, the teachers, the librarians, and anyone who has ever sat at the edge of a bed and made something up out of thin air.

It’s part meditation, part guide, and entirely delightful. You’ll come away with a renewed sense of wonder—and maybe a few new ideas for your own bedtime ritual.

This handsome hardcover is a brand-new release, and it makes a wonderful gift for the storyteller in your life. (Or, let’s be honest, for yourself.)

We’ve got a copy waiting on our shelves, just steps from the salt air and the footbridge. Stop in, linger a while, and let it find you.

Perfect for:

• Parents and caregivers who love bedtime stories
• Teachers and librarians shaping young readers
• Anyone curious about the craft of storytelling

Some books remind us why we read in the first place. This is one of them.

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