It's a sort of patronizing idea that literature for children has to feature role models of exemplary behavior. I think not only is that bogus, but it leads to really boring books.
Mac BarnettI read The Stinky Cheese Man as an adult. I missed that book when I was a kid. I grew up mostly with books bought at yard sales, picture books from the fifties to 1975, which is really a lucky thing.
Mac BarnettI'd much rather have a book that a few people love intensely than a book that a lot of people like okay.
Mac BarnettPranking exposes the truth that underneath this appearance of order is joy, laughter, and disorder.
Mac Barnett