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The Barnabus Project
In a world built for Perfect Pets, Barnabus is a Failed Project, half mouse, half elephant, kept out of sight until his dreams of freedom lead him and his misfit friends on a perilous adventure. A stunning picture book from international bestsellers The Fan Brothers, joined by their brother Devin Fan.
'A stately, cathartic morality tale about freeing oneself from the tyranny of wanting to be perfect.' — The Financial Times
'ingeniously imaginative' — School Library Journal
'A heartfelt, timely allegory celebrating diversity, bravery, and solidarity.' — Kirkus
Deep underground beneath Perfect Pets, where children can buy genetically engineered "perfect" creatures, there is a secret lab. Barnabus and his friends live in this lab, but none of them is perfect. They are all Failed Projects. Barnabus has never been outside his tiny bell jar, yet he dreams of one day seeing the world above ground that his pal Pip the cockroach has told him about: a world with green hills and trees, and buildings that reach all the way to the sky, lit with their own stars. But Barnabus may have to reach the outside world sooner than he thought, because the Green Rubber Suits are about to recycle all Failed Projects . . . and Barnabus doesn't want to be made into a fluffier pet with bigger eyes. He just wants to be himself. So he decides it's time for he and the others to escape. With his little trunk and a lot of cooperation and courage, Barnabus sets out to find freedom – and a place where he and his friends can finally be accepted for who they are.
This suspenseful, poignant and magical story about following your dreams and finding where you truly belong will draw readers into a surreal, lushly detailed world in which perfection really means being true to yourself and your friends.
'A stately, cathartic morality tale about freeing oneself from the tyranny of wanting to be perfect.' — The Financial Times
'ingeniously imaginative' — School Library Journal
'A heartfelt, timely allegory celebrating diversity, bravery, and solidarity.' — Kirkus
Deep underground beneath Perfect Pets, where children can buy genetically engineered "perfect" creatures, there is a secret lab. Barnabus and his friends live in this lab, but none of them is perfect. They are all Failed Projects. Barnabus has never been outside his tiny bell jar, yet he dreams of one day seeing the world above ground that his pal Pip the cockroach has told him about: a world with green hills and trees, and buildings that reach all the way to the sky, lit with their own stars. But Barnabus may have to reach the outside world sooner than he thought, because the Green Rubber Suits are about to recycle all Failed Projects . . . and Barnabus doesn't want to be made into a fluffier pet with bigger eyes. He just wants to be himself. So he decides it's time for he and the others to escape. With his little trunk and a lot of cooperation and courage, Barnabus sets out to find freedom – and a place where he and his friends can finally be accepted for who they are.
This suspenseful, poignant and magical story about following your dreams and finding where you truly belong will draw readers into a surreal, lushly detailed world in which perfection really means being true to yourself and your friends.
Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
9 people are currently reading
1418 people want to read
About the author
Eric Fan
19 books125 followersEric Fan is an artist and writer who lives in Toronto, Canada. Born in Hawaii and raised in Toronto, he attended the Ontario College of Art and Design, where he studied illustration, sculpture, and film. He has a passion for vintage bikes, clockwork contraptions, and impossible dreams. Eric is the cocreator of The Night Gardener, It Fell from the Sky, and Lizzy and the Cloud.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 583 reviews
December 25, 2021
In a Nutshell: I liked the idea behind this book. I didn’t like the book. I found the content too dark for kids and the plot wasn’t structured well.
Story:
This strange SFF type of story will evoke many emotions in you as Barnabus and his friends attempt to achieve their freedom. There is suspense and sadness and hope and happiness. The positive emotions come mainly in the second half but the end still leaves a bit of sadness and many unanswered questions.
The story is quite metaphorical, though I doubt younger kids might be able to see the deeper meaning of the content without adult guidance. The quest for perfection, the sad tendency of keeping strange things away from the public eye, the courage to follow your dreams regardless of what people say, the willingness to work with cooperation and team spirit, the belief in yourself and the determination to at least try… all are brought out pretty well in the story.
At the same time, I’m not really sure how it works as a children’s book because of its initial plot idea of keeping misfits in glass jars in the basement. (That’s scary for little kids!) Add to it the mention of genetically modified animals and of theirs being “recycled” if they aren’t perfect. I’m not really sure if this is the best way to introduce the idea of how foolish the quest for perfection can be. Also, the aim of the story seems to be how the trapped animals can be free. Barnabus’ purpose is to find freedom. But he is still disheartened that he isn’t “perfect”. But then he declares “I’m not perfect, but at least I am free!” What’s the idea behind that? How are the two things connected? I’m not very convinced about the handling of this particular aspect of the narrative.
The illustrations are extraordinary. Be it the perfect pets in the store of the misfits in the basement, every creature is drawn well and serves to increase your enjoyment. The artwork is the best part of the book.
To sum up, I partly like the concept but I don’t think it was executed well. I find most children’s books cute and/or heartwarming but this one did neither. Looking at the other gushing reviews, I certainly feel like I’m the outlier here, but it is what it is. :/
2.5 stars, rounding up because it’s a kiddie book and I hate being a Scrooge for children’s fiction.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC of “The Barnabus Project”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
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Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Barnabus is a failed project of a pet store. Half mouse and half elephant, he is kept in a glass jar in the basement storage along with the other hybrid misfits. When a cockroach tells Barnabus of the stars and rivers and other beauties of nature, Barnabus decides to escape. As he keeps saying, “nothing is impossible”. Will all the misfits succeed in escaping the dank basement and find freedom? Will they be allowed a chance at happiness despite their appearance? You need to read and find out.
This strange SFF type of story will evoke many emotions in you as Barnabus and his friends attempt to achieve their freedom. There is suspense and sadness and hope and happiness. The positive emotions come mainly in the second half but the end still leaves a bit of sadness and many unanswered questions.
The story is quite metaphorical, though I doubt younger kids might be able to see the deeper meaning of the content without adult guidance. The quest for perfection, the sad tendency of keeping strange things away from the public eye, the courage to follow your dreams regardless of what people say, the willingness to work with cooperation and team spirit, the belief in yourself and the determination to at least try… all are brought out pretty well in the story.
At the same time, I’m not really sure how it works as a children’s book because of its initial plot idea of keeping misfits in glass jars in the basement. (That’s scary for little kids!) Add to it the mention of genetically modified animals and of theirs being “recycled” if they aren’t perfect. I’m not really sure if this is the best way to introduce the idea of how foolish the quest for perfection can be. Also, the aim of the story seems to be how the trapped animals can be free. Barnabus’ purpose is to find freedom. But he is still disheartened that he isn’t “perfect”. But then he declares “I’m not perfect, but at least I am free!” What’s the idea behind that? How are the two things connected? I’m not very convinced about the handling of this particular aspect of the narrative.
The illustrations are extraordinary. Be it the perfect pets in the store of the misfits in the basement, every creature is drawn well and serves to increase your enjoyment. The artwork is the best part of the book.
To sum up, I partly like the concept but I don’t think it was executed well. I find most children’s books cute and/or heartwarming but this one did neither. Looking at the other gushing reviews, I certainly feel like I’m the outlier here, but it is what it is. :/
2.5 stars, rounding up because it’s a kiddie book and I hate being a Scrooge for children’s fiction.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC of “The Barnabus Project”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
May 9, 2020
The artwork is the star of this lovely picture book that looks like a Pixar movie already. The premise is that Barnabus and his friends are failed pets in a lab that makes genetically engineered perfect pets for kids. Barnabus dreams of seeing the real world and when they all realize they're about to be destroyed they make a daring escape plan. The second half feels rushed and incomplete. It almost felt like it was just out there to set it up for the series or movie or something that's coming next. I'm in love with the illustrations though, and intrigued to see where the author is going with it.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
July 26, 2021
Beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming story about cute creatures created in an underground lab, who decide to escape.
February 6, 2022
I'm rating this a four solely from my, obviously, non-child perspective. As an adult I absolutely loved this story about imperfectness and the importance of being yourself, no matter what the world around you tells you.
I agree with some other reviews that maybe this is perhaps a shade darker than what is expected, or wanted, of children's books so maybe this would be for the older range of younger children (I don't even know what the age range is for this one, to be fair). But I think it's still an important message; even if the way it's delivered isn't the standard happily ever after. It is also a little rushed near the end and I think an extra few pages to flesh things out a bit would've been helpful. Will kids notice though? Likely not.
Also, the art? Absolutely stunning. So creative, colourful, and the perspectives were delightful.
This is definitely a contender for my nieces when they get a little older.
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
I agree with some other reviews that maybe this is perhaps a shade darker than what is expected, or wanted, of children's books so maybe this would be for the older range of younger children (I don't even know what the age range is for this one, to be fair). But I think it's still an important message; even if the way it's delivered isn't the standard happily ever after. It is also a little rushed near the end and I think an extra few pages to flesh things out a bit would've been helpful. Will kids notice though? Likely not.
Also, the art? Absolutely stunning. So creative, colourful, and the perspectives were delightful.
This is definitely a contender for my nieces when they get a little older.
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
July 21, 2020
Way, Way, Way below the street, underneath a pet store that sells genetically engineered perfect pets, far below where nobody can see, lives Barnabus. He lives in a glass jar, a cute tiny elephant, along side other glass jars holding his friends. They are the failed experiments. The less-than-perfect pets. Not quite cute enough. Not quite fuzzy enough. Then men in green suits come and feed them, but also put big red stickers on their glass jars.
Fail.
That's what they call Barnabus and all his pals. Failures.
But, Barnabus and his friends will all learn the power of friendship, sticking together through tough times and making the best of life. And.....the joys of not being perfect!!
This book is wonderful! The artwork is gorgeous! And the moral lesson is awesome! Nobody has to be perfect. And those who aren't quite enough to some....can be wonderously awesome to others! Friends stick together and persevere, through good times and bad. Great children's book!!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Penguin Random House. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Fail.
That's what they call Barnabus and all his pals. Failures.
But, Barnabus and his friends will all learn the power of friendship, sticking together through tough times and making the best of life. And.....the joys of not being perfect!!
This book is wonderful! The artwork is gorgeous! And the moral lesson is awesome! Nobody has to be perfect. And those who aren't quite enough to some....can be wonderously awesome to others! Friends stick together and persevere, through good times and bad. Great children's book!!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Penguin Random House. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
December 31, 2020
5☆ A Superb Children's Picture Book!
The Barnabus Project is a Magical, Heartwarming, Uplifting, Educational and beautifully illustrated Children's book.
Half mouse and Half Elephant Barnabus never quiet made the cut for the 'perfect' creatures. So he ends up being put in a glass Jar with the rest of the failed toys.
But Barnabus never gives up, and what he learns is, that it's ok to be different.
He makes some special friends with the other toys on the shelf, that are also different.
They all stick together to try and plan an escape and help each other out.
Barnabus is an adorable character and children will most definitely fall in love with him. I certainly did!
He is brave and kind and is the perfect character to show children it's ok to be different and to follow your dreams and not to be afraid.
The illustrations are simply superb and children will love the enchanting characters.
Not only is this book beautifully written, it also is Educational and written in a way children will have no problem understanding.
The Barnabus Project would definitely make a special gift for someone or a treasured keepsake. Either way I highly recommend this adorable book!
Thank you to Quarto Publishing and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/1...
The Barnabus Project is a Magical, Heartwarming, Uplifting, Educational and beautifully illustrated Children's book.
Half mouse and Half Elephant Barnabus never quiet made the cut for the 'perfect' creatures. So he ends up being put in a glass Jar with the rest of the failed toys.
But Barnabus never gives up, and what he learns is, that it's ok to be different.
He makes some special friends with the other toys on the shelf, that are also different.
They all stick together to try and plan an escape and help each other out.
Barnabus is an adorable character and children will most definitely fall in love with him. I certainly did!
He is brave and kind and is the perfect character to show children it's ok to be different and to follow your dreams and not to be afraid.
The illustrations are simply superb and children will love the enchanting characters.
Not only is this book beautifully written, it also is Educational and written in a way children will have no problem understanding.
The Barnabus Project would definitely make a special gift for someone or a treasured keepsake. Either way I highly recommend this adorable book!
Thank you to Quarto Publishing and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/1...
April 7, 2020
Really beautiful art in this book. Unfortunately the story was starting strong but soon felt into something kind of «heavy» subject that wasn't handle very well in my opinion. The principle of being perfect or not is a good subject for a children book, but the presentation/execution of that particular subject in this book was a failure, again in my personal opinion. Didn't like it!
November 11, 2020
I love this book so much it HURTS. The illustrations are so sweet, Barnabus is the cutest thing on the whole planet, the messages are so pure... I just love it. This book was a warm cup of tea for my soul.
February 5, 2021
My daughter's review: "It's a cross between Misfit Toys and Ugly Dolls."
Well said. I love this little elemouse. What a lovely book with gorgeous illustrations.
Well said. I love this little elemouse. What a lovely book with gorgeous illustrations.
January 28, 2021
4.5 Stars
The Fan Brothers always seem to conjure up magic. Their books are works of art! The pages hold breathtakingly, realistic lines and depth with strong, sweet lessons for all ages underneath it all.
Barnabus is the cutest half mouse, half elephant ever! He lives in a lab of Failed Projects with an adorable gang of misfits. They’ve all been labeled failed or un-perfect, but who decides who or what is perfect? These guys like who they are! Can they escape and find a home of their own out in the world? A place where they can be themselves? I “honk”—ing hope so!
I keep re-visiting these pages, which for me, means I found something special. It may be a bit long for a picture book, but that’s its only flaw in my book. The art is dazzling! I can get lost in those twisty-turvy pipes. And that bench! It looks as if I could reach out and touch it.
All that said though…my favorite part of this story was the togetherness.
“Nothing is impossible” if we work together.
Highly recommended.
March 1, 2025
Mi succede spesso di leggere libri destinati a bambini/ragazzi e spesse volte mi sento dire: "Ma stai leggendo un libro per bambini?!". Quest'atteggiamento mi disorienta sempre, non riesco a decifrare l'enigma insito in una domanda siffatta. Perchè un libro può essere per solo una fascia di età? Magari ai bambini o minorenni si "vietano" alcuni libri definiti per adulti, per il semplice fatto che magari le argomentazioni ed i llinguaggio usati, potrebbero recargli danno. Ma è un divieto prettamente umano, siamo noi ad imporlo, per educazione, per insegnamento, per paura ecc...
Ma quando adulti lo si è già da tempo? Si dice che i libri destinati ai bambini siano ricchi di buoni sentimenti, buona educazione e via discorrendo... vuol dire che sono stati creati apposta così, quindi edulcorati, plasmati per un determinato scopo? Dai! sono bambini, bisogna raccontargli la bella favola della bella famiglia, dei bei amici ecc...?
Io penso che tutto ciò sia nettamente errato e lo testimoniano i diversi libri 'per bambini' che ho letto e nello specifico questo "Barnabus".
Nel presente libro, Barnabus, un animaletto che potrebbe assomigliare ad un topo come ad un elefante, si troverà a conoscere la malvagità dei 'giganti verdi' e soprattutto a scoprire l'amicizia, la cooperazione, la condivisione, la gentilezza e la libertà.
Tutti temi fondamentali per la vita di tutti gli esseri viventi, perchè senza essi cosa saremmo?
Anche se il testo è composto da poche parole, le illustrazioni hanno quel tratto, definito, erroneamente, bambinesco, questo prezioso libricino parla in modo schietto e naturale della libertà, quella fondante, che spesse volte nella società umana è relegata da parte e...
Ma quando adulti lo si è già da tempo? Si dice che i libri destinati ai bambini siano ricchi di buoni sentimenti, buona educazione e via discorrendo... vuol dire che sono stati creati apposta così, quindi edulcorati, plasmati per un determinato scopo? Dai! sono bambini, bisogna raccontargli la bella favola della bella famiglia, dei bei amici ecc...?
Io penso che tutto ciò sia nettamente errato e lo testimoniano i diversi libri 'per bambini' che ho letto e nello specifico questo "Barnabus".
Nel presente libro, Barnabus, un animaletto che potrebbe assomigliare ad un topo come ad un elefante, si troverà a conoscere la malvagità dei 'giganti verdi' e soprattutto a scoprire l'amicizia, la cooperazione, la condivisione, la gentilezza e la libertà.
Tutti temi fondamentali per la vita di tutti gli esseri viventi, perchè senza essi cosa saremmo?
Anche se il testo è composto da poche parole, le illustrazioni hanno quel tratto, definito, erroneamente, bambinesco, questo prezioso libricino parla in modo schietto e naturale della libertà, quella fondante, che spesse volte nella società umana è relegata da parte e...
April 9, 2021
Ένα πανέμο��φο βιβλίο με υπέροχη εικονογράφηση! Μια ιστορία για τη διαφορετικότητα, για την αποδοχή, τη συνεργασία. Είναι βιβλίο ύμνος για την ελευθερία και το δικαίωμα μας στο όνειρο!
November 17, 2021
Яка ж мила книжечка з неперевершеними, настільки атмосферними казковими ілюстраціями, що я би розглядала їх годинами. Найголовніший посил книжечки: немає нічого неможливого. А ще ми всі прекрасні такі, якими ми є і ніхто не має права відправляти нас на «смітник» тільки тому, що ми їм не подобаємося чи тому, що не ідеальні. Ну і звичайно, разом ми - сила і можемо досягнути бажаного, склавши докупи наші сили.
Барнабус та його друзі - так звані провалені проєкти, які знаходяться у підвальній лабораторії магазину Ідеальні домашні улюбленці. Власне, того вони знаходяться в підвалі, бо не ідеальні, невдалі і так далі. Їх чекає рісайклінг, після якого вони мають стати кращими. Але Барнабус подобається собі таким, який він є. І до того ж його дружбан Піп розповів йому про зовнішній світ з травою та зірками. Тому Барнабус вирішує втекти з лабораторії.
Чудова дитяча книжечка.
Барнабус та його друзі - так звані провалені проєкти, які знаходяться у підвальній лабораторії магазину Ідеальні домашні улюбленці. Власне, того вони знаходяться в підвалі, бо не ідеальні, невдалі і так далі. Їх чекає рісайклінг, після якого вони мають стати кращими. Але Барнабус подобається собі таким, який він є. І до того ж його дружбан Піп розповів йому про зовнішній світ з травою та зірками. Тому Барнабус вирішує втекти з лабораторії.
Чудова дитяча книжечка.
March 31, 2022
The lab was where they made Perfect Pets. Except Barnabus wasn’t perfect. He had been put in a part of the lab called Failed Projects.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀
I love Stitch from Lilo and Stitch and to be deemed a failed projects is so hurtful. I always felt bad for Stitch then happy he found his family. It wasn’t easy and it was broken but he found it all by himself. Barnabus did the same thing when rescuing the other failed projects. They became a unit out of necessity then a family out of love.
I asked my students to draw their favorite character from the story and they did not disappoint. I didn’t have much time becaue we spent it all talking about not being good enough. How sometimes we feel like we don’t belong or we can’t do something. I reminded them, “We can’t do it, YET.” We also talked about times we felt stuck. This conversation took a while and it got dark. I read the room. The room was sad! So we drew our favorite character and the kids love drawing. It was a little sad but still a success. The discussion after the story was very powerful and we all loved Barnabus.
I highly recommend this book. The illustrations are amazing and the story is one the kids will connect with. Not being a small defected pet but feeling rejected and not good enough. Hopefully you spend the time discussing how important friendships and family is. Also, how a good community helps and supports. Honestly, there’s so much to unpack. I keep coming back to this story and I love how much my students continue to love it.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀
I love Stitch from Lilo and Stitch and to be deemed a failed projects is so hurtful. I always felt bad for Stitch then happy he found his family. It wasn’t easy and it was broken but he found it all by himself. Barnabus did the same thing when rescuing the other failed projects. They became a unit out of necessity then a family out of love.
I asked my students to draw their favorite character from the story and they did not disappoint. I didn’t have much time becaue we spent it all talking about not being good enough. How sometimes we feel like we don’t belong or we can’t do something. I reminded them, “We can’t do it, YET.” We also talked about times we felt stuck. This conversation took a while and it got dark. I read the room. The room was sad! So we drew our favorite character and the kids love drawing. It was a little sad but still a success. The discussion after the story was very powerful and we all loved Barnabus.
I highly recommend this book. The illustrations are amazing and the story is one the kids will connect with. Not being a small defected pet but feeling rejected and not good enough. Hopefully you spend the time discussing how important friendships and family is. Also, how a good community helps and supports. Honestly, there’s so much to unpack. I keep coming back to this story and I love how much my students continue to love it.
January 14, 2021
Barnabus, a half mouse half elephant, has lived in a lab for as long as he can remember in the section for ‘failed projects’. One day, to avoid being recycled, Barnabus and the other failed projects decide to escape their glass bell jars and be free. Barnabus is torn between escaping and becoming perfect during the escape, however he quickly comes to love himself and his differences and decides to escape with the other animals. They learn to live together in the big outside world and work together to overcome the difficulties they have due to their differences.
The story flows well, however I do feel it was slightly rushed at the end (I would’ve loved to have seen more of the escape and how the ‘failed projects’ lived in the outside world once they were free). The illustrations are great and very detailed. I liked how they were darker in the first half of the book and then began to get brighter as the book (and the escape) went on.
This is such a touching book and I found myself getting emotional whilst reading it – right from the start I was rooting for Barnabus to become free! I think this would be great to use as part of a discussion with children around differences we all have and how it doesn’t matter, we should all learn to love ourselves as we are, because we are perfect.
The story flows well, however I do feel it was slightly rushed at the end (I would’ve loved to have seen more of the escape and how the ‘failed projects’ lived in the outside world once they were free). The illustrations are great and very detailed. I liked how they were darker in the first half of the book and then began to get brighter as the book (and the escape) went on.
This is such a touching book and I found myself getting emotional whilst reading it – right from the start I was rooting for Barnabus to become free! I think this would be great to use as part of a discussion with children around differences we all have and how it doesn’t matter, we should all learn to love ourselves as we are, because we are perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2020
Coming soon to a theatre near you! An epic tale of bravery, solidarity and inclusivity.
Wonderful use of colour in the illustrations. When Barnabus and fellow Failed Projects are entombed in the underground lab there is dark, foreboding steampunkery feel and when freedom beckons more light and colours infuse the pages.
Cue swelling music score.
Wonderful use of colour in the illustrations. When Barnabus and fellow Failed Projects are entombed in the underground lab there is dark, foreboding steampunkery feel and when freedom beckons more light and colours infuse the pages.
Cue swelling music score.
June 19, 2020
Absolutely adorable, sweet, and the slightest bit melancholic, a perfect mixture. The art style is amazing–soft, yet vibrant–and the story’s message is excellent.
Barnabus is a half mouse, half elephant hybrid who has been deemed a “Failed Project” and lives in a bell jar underneath the Perfect Pets store, where the creatures deemed successful are sold in droves. Barnabus and his fellow Failures (all of whom are adorable and I want them all) plot to escape, wanting to see the outside world. The message of not seeing yourself as a failure, but embracing your strengths is woven throughout the narrative without feeling too heavy, and Baranbus is an easy character to sympathize with.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
Barnabus is a half mouse, half elephant hybrid who has been deemed a “Failed Project” and lives in a bell jar underneath the Perfect Pets store, where the creatures deemed successful are sold in droves. Barnabus and his fellow Failures (all of whom are adorable and I want them all) plot to escape, wanting to see the outside world. The message of not seeing yourself as a failure, but embracing your strengths is woven throughout the narrative without feeling too heavy, and Baranbus is an easy character to sympathize with.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
November 9, 2021
Una dintre minunile ființelor gânditoare este neasemuita lor curiozitate. Este și cazul oamenilor, dar și al multor animale, dar și a lui Barnabus, un animăluț simpatic, creat în laborator și „asamblat” greșit, devenit o corcitură între un șoricel și un elefant, la dimensiuni miniaturale. Chiar și dacă și-a petrecut toată viața într-un borcan, în subteran, a auzit lucruri frumoase despre lumea de deasupra, despre zgârie-nori și cerul plin de stele, așa că nu poate fi oprit în curiozitatea sa.
Da, e o poveste pentru cei mai mici dintre noi (și cărora le-o recomand călduros!), dar are așa de multe calități încât nu mă pot opri să nu scriu câteva cuvinte despre această minunată carte: este despre curiozitate, și prietenie, și descoperirea lumii, este foarte frumos ilustrată, colorat și atrăgător.
Da, e o poveste pentru cei mai mici dintre noi (și cărora le-o recomand călduros!), dar are așa de multe calități încât nu mă pot opri să nu scriu câteva cuvinte despre această minunată carte: este despre curiozitate, și prietenie, și descoperirea lumii, este foarte frumos ilustrată, colorat și atrăgător.
August 11, 2020
I received a copy of this book thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for an honest review.
This was my most anticipated children’s book release this year - I knew from the title, description and cover that I was going to love it - and love it, I did.
In this book, we are introduced to the adorable creation that is Barnabus, a half mouse and half elephant creation that has been labelled a Failed Project. He lives deep in an underground lab with all his friends who are also Failed Projects. But they dream of the world above them. The book follows their adventures as they dare to break free and find a place in the world, imperfections and all.
This was an adorable book, filled with creations are so loveable and a story that is so heartwarming. It’s going to be a definite hit with children and I personally cannot wait to get a copy of this book to share with my students.
This was my most anticipated children’s book release this year - I knew from the title, description and cover that I was going to love it - and love it, I did.
In this book, we are introduced to the adorable creation that is Barnabus, a half mouse and half elephant creation that has been labelled a Failed Project. He lives deep in an underground lab with all his friends who are also Failed Projects. But they dream of the world above them. The book follows their adventures as they dare to break free and find a place in the world, imperfections and all.
This was an adorable book, filled with creations are so loveable and a story that is so heartwarming. It’s going to be a definite hit with children and I personally cannot wait to get a copy of this book to share with my students.
March 6, 2021
A tiny mouse/elephant hybrid, Barnabus was one of Perfect Pets' failed projects: just not good enough to sell to consumers, as a genetically engineered "animal" companion. Living in a tiny bell jar in a laboratory far underground, Barnabus dreamed of the wider world, which he knew about thanks to his friend, Pip the cockroach. Deciding to escape, rather than be "recycled," he and his friends made a break for it, finding their way to the surface after many adventures, eventually settling in a park, and always sticking together...
I absolutely adore the work of co-authors, co-illustrators and brothers Terry and Eric Fan, and have read their gorgeous picture-books - The Night Gardener , The Antlered Ship , Ocean Meets Sky , etc. - with great pleasure. Consequently, I was very excited to learn of The Barnabus Project, which brings in a third Fan brother, Devin. I found the story here entertaining and ultimately heartwarming, reminded at least in part of one of my favorite children's novels, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH , about a group of rats (and one mouse) who also escape a laboratory. I appreciated the theme here of preferring freedom and authenticity to some kind of artificial perfection, and I loved the friendship and cooperation amongst the failed projects, as they make their escape. The artwork, needless to say, was absolutely beautiful, and I enjoyed perusing these pages, poring over everything from the decorative endpapers to the detailed scenes with all the projects on the shelf, in their bell jars. At seventy-two pages, this is a very long picture-book, but it isn't particularly text-dense, so it doesn't feel that long. Recommended to fellow Fan Brothers fans, and to picture-book readers who enjoy fantastical tales and/or gorgeous illustrations.
I absolutely adore the work of co-authors, co-illustrators and brothers Terry and Eric Fan, and have read their gorgeous picture-books - The Night Gardener , The Antlered Ship , Ocean Meets Sky , etc. - with great pleasure. Consequently, I was very excited to learn of The Barnabus Project, which brings in a third Fan brother, Devin. I found the story here entertaining and ultimately heartwarming, reminded at least in part of one of my favorite children's novels, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH , about a group of rats (and one mouse) who also escape a laboratory. I appreciated the theme here of preferring freedom and authenticity to some kind of artificial perfection, and I loved the friendship and cooperation amongst the failed projects, as they make their escape. The artwork, needless to say, was absolutely beautiful, and I enjoyed perusing these pages, poring over everything from the decorative endpapers to the detailed scenes with all the projects on the shelf, in their bell jars. At seventy-two pages, this is a very long picture-book, but it isn't particularly text-dense, so it doesn't feel that long. Recommended to fellow Fan Brothers fans, and to picture-book readers who enjoy fantastical tales and/or gorgeous illustrations.
November 27, 2020
Day twenty three of Hannah's picture book challenge - a book you think everybody should read
What a breath of fresh air. This picture book is nothing less than exquisite. Beautiful in depth, illustrations and carefully chosen words which have deep meaning on many different levels.
This would be a brilliant book to use with older children to celebrate and embrace our differences which will lead to some very in depth and meaningful conversations.
What a breath of fresh air. This picture book is nothing less than exquisite. Beautiful in depth, illustrations and carefully chosen words which have deep meaning on many different levels.
This would be a brilliant book to use with older children to celebrate and embrace our differences which will lead to some very in depth and meaningful conversations.
November 15, 2021
Tare mult mi-a plăcut această carte, are o doză potrivită de emoție, un mesaj inspirațional pentru copii și adulți deopotrivă, ilustrații captivante și personaje de care te atașezi de la primele pagini. De obicei, cărțile pentru copii se axează doar pe o singură lecție de viață, însă Proiectul Barnabus ne învață că nu trebuie să fii perfect ca să meriți iubirea celorlalți, că totul e mai frumos alături de prieteni, că este important să fii tu însuți, că merită să lupți pentru visele proprii și că să te dai bătut nu e niciodată o alegere bună.
https://ciobanuldeazi.home.blog/2021/...
https://ciobanuldeazi.home.blog/2021/...
April 4, 2025
j’ai lu le livre à une classe de CE2, je me suis faite applaudir à la fin 😎 trop forte ma belle, tu dégommes tout ‼️
après sans rire, c’est un de mes albums préférés je pense. les illustrations sont magnifiques, l’histoire est parfaite et, d’expérience, on peut en parler très facilement avec les enfants etc. barnabus c’est mon bibou d’amour <3
après sans rire, c’est un de mes albums préférés je pense. les illustrations sont magnifiques, l’histoire est parfaite et, d’expérience, on peut en parler très facilement avec les enfants etc. barnabus c’est mon bibou d’amour <3
January 10, 2025
Werkelijk waar prachtig, in tekst en beeld. Een pareltje!
November 1, 2021
Foarte drăguț mesajul cărții, ilustrațiile, personajele. Aș fi vrut să am, în copilărie, jucării la fel de „defecte” precum Barnabus și prietenii săi!
Cred că e o carte minunată pentru copiii mai mici, ilustrațiile sunt deosebite, pline de culoare și de personalitate.
Cred că e o carte minunată pentru copiii mai mici, ilustrațiile sunt deosebite, pline de culoare și de personalitate.
December 24, 2020
First, the illustrations are perfect in every way. I also enjoyed the story, as it was different, but a classic message for children.
April 16, 2021
This is a simple story, beautifully illustrated, with much attention to detail. It's a wee bit dark, Barnabus is the creation of some scary creatures in Green Rubber Suits, but he has dreams, and a fierce loyalty towards his friends. I questioned the choice of the dark lab and the suited figures, but I suppose kids have seen things like that in Monsters, Inc? It's a very sweet little story about friendship
February 24, 2021
Here is The Barnabus project being read aloud by the Fan Brothers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipk37...
Here is The Barnabus Project being illustrated by the Fan Brothers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js1R2...
*****Spoilers ahead!*****
Summary:
This story follows Barnabus who is a genetically engineered creature, created in the quest to form genetically perfect pets. Barnabus is half mouse and half elephant, but he is a failed project and as a result lives in a bell jar where he is trapped.
Barnabus appears content with his life in the bell jar. His friend Pip the cockroach tells him stories about the outside world that has mountains lit with stars. It is then revealed that Barnabus wants to see this outside world, so he is not as content as it first appears.
The Green Rubber Suits are the ones who created the Failed Projects and The Perfect Pets.
Pip reveals that the Green Rubber Suits are planning to recycle all the Failed Projects to make them perfect. Barnabus decides he likes himself the way he is and so he does not want to be recylcled.
Therefore Pip makes the decision to escape his jar and take his friends with him so that they are not recycled either.
During their escape the Failed Projects find another project who has been rejected. This project is very large and is water based. Barnabus convinces the other projects that they should help this creature escape. However, they are interrupted by the Green Rubber Suits who are trying to capture all the Failed Projects.
The new project they found saves all the other Failed Projects because the water from the tank carries all the other characters up to Perfect Pet shop. Whilst in the shop Barnabus meets his perfect counterpart, Barnaby. Barnabus decides that although he isn't perfect his freedom is much better.
The Failed Projects escape and finally get to see the mountains lit with their own stars. The projects find a new home in the park and work together to survive.
Analysis:
The illustrations of the book are complimentary to the text. Whilst the text drives the story forward and helps to keep up the pace, the illustrations reveal things that the text cannot (such as the escape through the pipes and how the water appeared to carry the projects up to the store).
The colours of the lab are very dark in comparison to the outside world, which can show how the Green Rubber Suits are villainous and the Failed Projects are in an unhappy environment. When the Failed Projects escape the lab the world is full of colours. A particular comparison of colours is important for the two different spreads of "the mountains lit with their own stars". When Barnabus imagines the "mountains" there is very limited colour and it is a darkly coloured spread. In comparison the spread where the projects actually see the "mountains", the pages have natural, warm and bright colours used. This shows the lab as a very limited place (even in Barnabus' imagination), whereas the outside world is full of potential.
Here is The Barnabus Project being illustrated by the Fan Brothers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js1R2...
*****Spoilers ahead!*****
Summary:
This story follows Barnabus who is a genetically engineered creature, created in the quest to form genetically perfect pets. Barnabus is half mouse and half elephant, but he is a failed project and as a result lives in a bell jar where he is trapped.
Barnabus appears content with his life in the bell jar. His friend Pip the cockroach tells him stories about the outside world that has mountains lit with stars. It is then revealed that Barnabus wants to see this outside world, so he is not as content as it first appears.
The Green Rubber Suits are the ones who created the Failed Projects and The Perfect Pets.
Pip reveals that the Green Rubber Suits are planning to recycle all the Failed Projects to make them perfect. Barnabus decides he likes himself the way he is and so he does not want to be recylcled.
Therefore Pip makes the decision to escape his jar and take his friends with him so that they are not recycled either.
During their escape the Failed Projects find another project who has been rejected. This project is very large and is water based. Barnabus convinces the other projects that they should help this creature escape. However, they are interrupted by the Green Rubber Suits who are trying to capture all the Failed Projects.
The new project they found saves all the other Failed Projects because the water from the tank carries all the other characters up to Perfect Pet shop. Whilst in the shop Barnabus meets his perfect counterpart, Barnaby. Barnabus decides that although he isn't perfect his freedom is much better.
The Failed Projects escape and finally get to see the mountains lit with their own stars. The projects find a new home in the park and work together to survive.
Analysis:
The illustrations of the book are complimentary to the text. Whilst the text drives the story forward and helps to keep up the pace, the illustrations reveal things that the text cannot (such as the escape through the pipes and how the water appeared to carry the projects up to the store).
The colours of the lab are very dark in comparison to the outside world, which can show how the Green Rubber Suits are villainous and the Failed Projects are in an unhappy environment. When the Failed Projects escape the lab the world is full of colours. A particular comparison of colours is important for the two different spreads of "the mountains lit with their own stars". When Barnabus imagines the "mountains" there is very limited colour and it is a darkly coloured spread. In comparison the spread where the projects actually see the "mountains", the pages have natural, warm and bright colours used. This shows the lab as a very limited place (even in Barnabus' imagination), whereas the outside world is full of potential.
May 12, 2020
The Barnabus Project begins by letting us know that not all is what it seems. Beneath the Pet Store, underground several stories, is a particular work facility. Here is where we find Barnabus.
Barnabus and his friends are held behind glass, confined to their own space. He dreams of what it would be like to be free, to see the outside world. No one believes it possible, but Barnabus.
Then the unthinkable. Each confinement was stamped fail. Barnabus did not understand what that meant. Upon finding out that the failed "projects" were to be destroyed, Barnabus chooses to try and break out of his confinement and help others break free as well.
He finds a strength he never knew he had. He refuses to leave no one behind, What Barnabus and the others find is beautiful yet overwhelming, and a freedom they all believed did not exist.....together.
The artwork is beyond words. I fell in love with each character, their uniqueness. The storyline, strong. The ending a shade darker. This book is a happily ever after based more in reality than an over the rainbow.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Terry Fan, Devin Fan, and Eric Fan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Barnabus and his friends are held behind glass, confined to their own space. He dreams of what it would be like to be free, to see the outside world. No one believes it possible, but Barnabus.
Then the unthinkable. Each confinement was stamped fail. Barnabus did not understand what that meant. Upon finding out that the failed "projects" were to be destroyed, Barnabus chooses to try and break out of his confinement and help others break free as well.
He finds a strength he never knew he had. He refuses to leave no one behind, What Barnabus and the others find is beautiful yet overwhelming, and a freedom they all believed did not exist.....together.
The artwork is beyond words. I fell in love with each character, their uniqueness. The storyline, strong. The ending a shade darker. This book is a happily ever after based more in reality than an over the rainbow.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Terry Fan, Devin Fan, and Eric Fan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2020
Barnabus lives in a lab under the Perfect Pets store with the other Failed Projects. He's happy but longs for a life outside his glass jar. When the Green Rubber Suits plan to "recycle" Barnabus and his friends into genetically perfect pets, the animals decide to run for it. During the chase, Barnabus is forced to choose between perfection and freedom. The pictures in this book are magical, and the story emphasizes the importance of following your dreams, trusting your friends, and realizing that you don't have to be perfect to be happy.
Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien...
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library
Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien...
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library
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