Mac Barnett

Mac Barnett (born 1982) is one of the most inventive and critically celebrated American children’s book writers of the past decade — an author whose picture books combine visual wit, narrative surprise, philosophical undertones, and a deep respect for the intelligence of young readers. His collaboration with illustrator Jon Klassen has produced some of the most admired picture books of the 2010s and 2020s, and his chapter book series Mac B., Kid Spy has broadened his readership.

Life and Career

Barnett was born in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in Castro Valley, California. He studied English and art at Pomona College. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked for 826 Valencia, the nonprofit writing center founded by Dave Eggers — an experience that influenced his playful, community-oriented approach to children’s literature.

Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem (2009, illustrated by Adam Rex) was his debut picture book and established his sensibility: deadpan humor, absurd premises taken with complete seriousness, and a willingness to leave questions unanswered. Extra Yarn (2012, illustrated by Jon Klassen) — about a girl who discovers a box of yarn that never runs out and knits sweaters for everyone in her bleak town — won a Caldecott Honor and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. The collaboration with Klassen proved to be one of the most fruitful partnerships in contemporary children’s literature.

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (2014, illustrated by Klassen) won another Caldecott Honor. The book’s visual joke — Sam and Dave repeatedly dig past enormous gems without seeing them — operates on a level that rewards adult readers while remaining satisfying for children. The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse (2017, illustrated by Klassen) and Triangle, Square, and Circle (the Shapes trilogy, 2017–2019, with Klassen) continued the partnership with increasing formal ambition.

The Mac B., Kid Spy chapter book series (2018–present) — about a child spy working for the Queen of England in the 1980s — has been commercially successful and brought Barnett to a middle-grade audience.

Key Works

• Extra Yarn (2012, with Jon Klassen)
• Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (2014, with Jon Klassen)
• The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse (2017, with Jon Klassen)
• Mac B., Kid Spy series (2018–present)

Collecting Barnett

Extra Yarn first edition (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, 2012) is the key collectible — signed by both Barnett and Klassen, it brings $50–$150. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (Candlewick, 2014) signed by both creators is $40–$100. Barnett signs generously at events and school visits. First editions of the Klassen collaborations are the strongest collecting targets, as Caldecott Honor books maintain steady demand. The Shapes trilogy in first edition as a set is sought by collectors of contemporary picture books.