The Barnabus Project

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A]n ambitious drama of rebellion, escape, and inclusivity rewarded.”— STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly

Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing - It is a lovely adventure story with big and important messages at its heart. You don’t have to be perfect to fit in, being yourself is more than enough. 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 adored this quirky, imaginative picture book by the ever talented Fan Brothers! It's like a lovable Monster Inc makeover, perfect for fans of Shaun Tan. Barnabus is a hybrid pet half mouse and half elephant, he has been listed as a “Failed Project” and lives in a bell jar in a lab far below the Perfect Pets store, where the successful hybrid pets are sold. Barnabus with other Failed pets plans an escape. And further is the story of there escape from the lab. 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. 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.

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. One of the main lessons is acceptance. To love ourselves the way we are and to feel proud of ourselves. Our last reason we love this book is because it teaches good lessons. One of the lessons is “Be yourself, even if you’re not perfect.” We like this lesson because you should always be yourself. Don’t try to be someone else. Another lesson is “If we work together, nothing is impossible.” When we work together in groups on our research projects, it’s always amazing. The last lesson is “Don’t give up.” The animals never give up and keep on trying. The Barnabus Project is the most curious, imaginative tale, beautifully illustrated with mysterious underground labs, intricate secret tunnels and captivating glass bell jars lined on a shelf with the most wonderful creatures underneath. I can honestly say it's like no other picture book we've read so far, in a really, really good way. Young children will delight in the colourful illustrations while older readers will admire Barnabus for his courage and virtue. The Barnabus Project is a book with wide appeal. It is sure to be a hit.”— CM: Review of Canadian MaterialsBarnabus is an adorable character and children will most definitely fall in love with him. I certainly did! An emotionally impactful exploration of love and loneliness, this is an essential addition to any picture book collection." - School Library Journal Starred Review .

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. 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. Bestselling author Beth Ferry and the widely acclaimed Fan Brothers present this tender and affectionate tale that reminds us of the comforting power of friendship and the joy of helping others”. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle,by Leslie Connor (HarperCollins, 2018). Cover art by Terry Fan and Eric Fan. Cover design by Amy Ryan. 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. A funny and tender picture book… visual surprises and pleasures abound in this cathartic delight for children.” - The Wall Street Journal.The book is perfect for bedtime with a sweet, underlying message about not being perfect being absolutely fine. It also talked about the importance of friendship and working together to help one another out. Gurdon, Meghan Cox (September 4, 2020). "Children's Books: Under the Surface". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Archived from the original on August 26, 2021 . Retrieved August 26, 2021.