During his two year term, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett is excited to champion the power of picture books and the brilliance of the kids who read them. The tradition of the picture book is a tradition of experimentation, just like childhood itself. Every page turn contains infinite possibilities – a journey of discovery and connections. After all, picture books blend words and illustrations to create a uniquely powerful reading experience, one that is often the foundation for a lifetime of reading. At Ci2025, Mac Barnett invites children’s booksellers from across the country to join him in celebrating what’s vibrant, joyful and inspiring about this quintessential American art form.