Exploring Love through Mac Barnett’s What Is Love?
As a lifelong lover of picture books, I was thrilled to discover What Is Love? by Mac Barnett during the inaugural Picture Book Palooza! hosted by School Library Journal this past summer. It was an engaging virtual event filled with joyous discussions, and this standout read lingered in my mind long after. In today’s fast-paced world, the profound simplicity of asking—and searching for—love is an enchanting theme, and I couldn’t resist diving into Barnett’s exploration.
At its heart, What Is Love? tells the story of a young narrator guided by their grandmother’s gentle yet frustrating prompt: "You must find the answer yourself." This journey leads the child through a vibrant world, where every encounter offers a new, whimsical definition of love—from fish to applause, and even the night sky. What struck me most was the way Barnett illustrates the complexity of love through the eyes of a child, mirroring a universal truth: love can be seen and felt in a myriad of ways, each richer and more nuanced than the last.
Barnett’s clever, rhythmic prose drew me in from the start. The playful tone, interspersed with moments of genuine frustration, captures the essence of childhood curiosity perfectly. I particularly appreciated how the narrator repeatedly hears, “You do not understand!” This phrase resonated with me, highlighting the often complex nature of abstract concepts for young learners. Instead of dumbing it down, Barnett invites readers—both young and old—to engage with and ponder what love truly means. This layered storytelling not only supports higher-level thinking but also respects the intelligence of the intended audience, making it an ideal resource for introducing metaphor in the classroom.
Equally captivating are Carson Ellis’ illustrations, which complement Barnett’s whimsical text beautifully. The gouache on watercolor paper technique results in vibrant images that feel alive on the page. Ellis’s artwork, with its modern yet rustic feel, captures the emotions behind each definition of love, offering readers a visual metaphoric journey. As I flipped through the pages, each spread felt like an invitation to dive deeper into the narrative; the bold colors and sense of movement make it a visual feast.
Notable moments in the text, especially the concluding hug from the grandmother, not only impart a sense of resolution but also mirror the warmth and comfort associated with love itself. It’s a reminder that sometimes the answers we seek are rooted in those simple, yet profound connections we share with others.
In conclusion, What Is Love? is a remarkable picture book that transcends age barriers. It’s perfect for readers from ages 3 to 105—whether you’re tucking little ones into bed or indulging in some soul-searching oneself. If you’ve enjoyed reads like Tiny, Perfect Things or The Night Box, this book should be at the top of your list. It’s a gentle yet thought-provoking exploration of one of life’s biggest questions, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a stronger understanding of love’s many shapes. This experience enriched my perspective as an educator and a reader, reminding me that love, in all its forms, is a journey worth embarking on.