Mac Barnett Considers the Picture Book with Colin Meloy and Anis Mojgani
Consider the Picture Book invites adults to reexamine great literature hiding in plain sight: the children’s picture book. What makes for a great picture book? Why are they so fun to read aloud and what can we learn about this unique and experimental art form through other celebrated art forms, such as poetry and song? National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett joins Colin Meloy, bestselling author and singer/songwriter of The Decemberists, and former Oregon poet laureate Anis Mojgani to explore the lyrical techniques used in some of our most treasured picture books.
Learn more about the ‘Consider the Picture Book’ Initiative.
Each ticket to this event includes a copy of Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children by Mac Barnett ($20 value)
Mac Barnett
Mac Barnett is the ninth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, appointed by the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader. He’s a New York Times bestselling author of more than 60 books for children, including Sam & Dave Dig a Hole, Twenty Questions, and The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, as well as the Mac B., Kid Spy series, The First Cat in Space graphic novels, and the Shapes picture books which inspired a stop-motion animated series on Apple TV+ called “Shape Island.” Mac’s work has been translated into more than 30 languages, sold more than 5 million copies worldwide, and garnered many prizes including two Caldecott Honors. He co-writes with Jon Klassen the popular Looking at Picture Books Substack, a newsletter for adults about how picture books work. Mac lives in Oakland, California.
Colin Meloy
Colin Meloy is the author of the middle grade novels The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid, The Stars Did Wander Darkling, and the New York Times bestselling Wildwood Chronicles, as well as two picture books, The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger and Everyone’s Awake! He is also the singer and songwriter for the indie rock band the Decemberists. Colin lives in Oregon with his wife and frequent collaborator, illustrator Carson Ellis, and their sons.
Anis Mojgani
Anis Mojgani served two terms as Oregon’s 10th Poet Laureate, and is two-time individual champion of the National Poetry Slam, winner of the International World Cup Poetry Slam, and co-creator of the Oregon Telephone Poetry Hotline. The author of six poetry collections, the libretto for the opera, Sanctuaries, and a children’s picture book forthcoming from Neal Porter Books. His latest poetry collection is, The Tigers They Let Me. Originally from New Orleans, Anis served on the Literary Arts Board of Directors for six years, and currently resides in Portland.
