Big congratulations to McSweeney’s friend, colleague, and writer Mac Barnett, who has been named the 2025-26 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Here’s the press release from the Library of Congress:
The Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader announce the appointment of Mac Barnett as the 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Barnett is the ninth author to hold this position. He succeeds Meg Medina, who served as the National Ambassador from 2023 through 2024.
Barnett is the author of more than 60 books for children, including Twenty Questions, Sam & Dave Dig a Hole, A Polar Bear in the Snow and Extra Yarn, as well as the popular Mac B., Kid Spy series of novels, The First Cat in Space graphic novels and The Shapes Trilogy picture books.
Barnett began working with children as a high school and college student, and these early experiences inspired a dream of writing for them. Now an accomplished author, Barnett is known for his deep respect for children—for their intelligence, their emotional acumen, and their time and attention. Barnett has won numerous prizes, 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, among others.
“It’s a profound honor to serve as ambassador. When I got the news, I was speechless, which is unusual for me,” said Barnett. “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,” Barnett said. “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.”
During his two-year term as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Barnett will celebrate the children’s picture book through his platform, Behold, The Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See. Barnett will explore the deeply impactful ways picture books blend words and illustrations to create a uniquely powerful reading experience, one that is often the foundation for a lifetime of reading. Ultimately, Barnett will assert the picture book is a quintessential American art form and deserves its rightful place among the best American literature.
“I’m excited for Mac Barnett’s tenure as the National Ambassador,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “The way he elevates the picture book with originality and intentionality, making space for young readers to embrace the unknown, is magical. I often mention the joy of seeing myself for the first time in ‘Bright April’ by Marguerite De Angeli, a book about a young African American girl celebrating her 10th birthday. I look forward to the many joyous ways Mac will use picture books to inspire connections within our communities.”
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the selection of Mac Barnett as the next ambassador,” said Shaina Birkhead, associate executive director of Every Child a Reader and the Children’s Book Council. “Who better to champion picture books in this national role than someone who has been doing just that their entire career. Mac’s enthusiasm and passion for storytelling through picture books will make everyone stand up and take notice of this exceptional art form.”
We’re thrilled for Mac—there isn’t a better person to help champion children’s literature. Come see him, along with Shawn Harris, this Saturday, February 22, as they host “THE FIRST CAT IN SPACE LIVE!” an immersive and 360-degree theatrical experience celebrating the New York Times bestselling First Cat in Space series, featuring song, dance, and fun. Free to all. 11 a.m., at 849 Valencia Street (McSweeney’s and International Youth Library Headquarters), San Francisco.