Mac Barnett: Why a good book is a secret door

Summary

Mac Barnett, a children's book author, explores the intersection of truth and fiction through his storytelling, highlighting the power of art to create a 'wonder' where disbelief is willingly suspended. Drawing from personal experiences as a camp counselor and his work at creative writing centers disguised as quirky stores, Barnett illustrates how fiction can blend with reality, creating immersive experiences that resonate with children and adults alike. His talk is a celebration of the imaginative spaces where stories come to life and enrich our understanding of the world.

Takeaways

• 📚 Mac Barnett is an author of children's books who believes in the power of storytelling to convey truths through fiction.
• 🎨 He references Picasso's quote about art being a 'lie' that helps us realize truth, highlighting the role of fiction in revealing deeper realities.
• 🤔 Mac uses humor and personal anecdotes to explore the blurred lines between truth and lies, fiction and reality, particularly in the context of children's literature.
• 📈 He discusses the concept of 'wonder' as the space where art, or fiction, exists, a place where disbelief is suspended and truth is felt, even if not factual.
• 👦 Mac's experiences as a summer camp counselor influenced his understanding of how children can inhabit the space of 'wonder' more easily than adults.
• 🍉 A story about Riley, a little girl who discarded her fruit, illustrates how Mac's storytelling can create a sense of reality and wonder, even with an implausible scenario.
• 📚 Mac's first book, 'Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem,' exemplifies his approach to fiction, where the story extends into reality with a playful offer for a free whale trial.
• 📦 The book's cover includes a real-life interaction element, where children can write in and receive a response that furthers the narrative, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
• 🏪 Mac's involvement with 826 Valencia and The Echo Park Time Travel Mart shows his commitment to creating spaces that merge the fictional with the real, inspiring creativity in children.
• 📝 The Time Travel Mart serves a dual purpose: a quirky storefront and a writing center for kids, demonstrating how the environment can influence the imagination and storytelling.
• 🎭 Mac Barnett's work and philosophy emphasize the importance of engaging children's imaginations and providing them with stories that resonate emotionally and creatively.

Q & A

What is the main occupation of the speaker, Mac?

Mac is a children's book author.

What does Mac claim about the nature of art according to Picasso's quote?

According to Picasso's quote, Mac claims that art is a lie that helps us realize the truth, and the artist must convince others of the truthfulness of his lies.

What is the 'liminal space' Mac refers to in the context of the Venn diagram?

The 'liminal space' Mac refers to is the area in the middle of the Venn diagram, which represents art, the space where truth and lies intersect.

What was Mac's job as a summer camp counselor?

Mac was in charge of four-year-olds at a sports summer camp, where he would tell them made-up stories during their breaks.

What story did Mac tell the children about his weekend activities?

Mac told the children that he would spy for the Queen of England on the weekends.

Why did Riley throw away her fruit and what did Mac do to convince her to stop?

Riley threw away her fruit because she preferred fruit snacks and pudding cups. Mac convinced her to stop by hiding a cantaloupe in the ivy and pretending it grew there because of her discarded fruit.

What is the term Mac uses to describe the place where art and reality intersect?

Mac uses the term 'wonder' to describe the place where art and reality intersect.

What is the significance of the 'secret door' concept in Mac's work?

The 'secret door' concept signifies the idea of fiction breaking into reality, allowing stories to come alive and affect the real world.

What is the name of the first book Mac created and what is its premise?

The first book Mac created is called 'Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem,' which is about a boy who gets a blue whale as a pet as a punishment and has to deal with the consequences.

What is the unique feature of the book 'Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem' that engages children?

The unique feature is an ad in the book offering a free 30-day risk-free trial for a blue whale, which kids can respond to, receiving a series of playful interactions with a fictional law firm and a phone number to leave messages for their 'whale.'

How did Mac's experience with children's reactions to his stories influence his writing?

Mac's experience with children's reactions showed him the power of storytelling to create a sense of wonder and belief, which he aims to capture in his writing.

What is the purpose of the stores Mac mentions, like the pirate supply store and the Echo Park Time Travel Mart?

The purpose of these stores is to serve as a creative and engaging facade for nonprofit writing centers, providing a unique and imaginative space for kids to explore and learn.

What is the term 'metafiction' and how does Mac relate it to his work?

Metafiction is a term for stories about stories, often breaking the fourth wall. Mac relates it to his work by wanting fiction to escape into reality, making books a secret door that opens into the real world.