The Barnabus Project

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Therefore Pip makes the decision to escape his jar and take his friends with him so that they are not recycled either. 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. 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. The story has a great message about working together to achieve the impossible, and loving yourself for who you truly are. The illustrations are really beautiful as well. And honestly, how can you really going wrong when the main character is a mouse/elephant hybrid who loves peanuts and cheese?! 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.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. What a beautiful picture book! The illustrations were stunning and imaginative. I loved the cast of creative imperfect pets.

When he and his imperfect friends decide to make a break for freedom, you’ll root for them every step of the way.”— Evanston Public Library 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. 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. 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. The Barnabus Project won the 2020 Governor General's Literary Prize for young people's literature — illustrated books.

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. The Barnabus Project is a children's book written and illustrated by The Fan Brothers Terry and Eric Fan, in collaboration with their youngest brother Devin Fan. Published in 2020 by Random House of Canada, it won the 2020 Governor General’s Literary Award for English-language children's illustration. 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. The Fan brothers' second picture book, Ocean Meets Sky, centers on the magical spot between sky and sea. The Barnabus Project is every bit as darkly and delightfully evocative as its predecessors - perhaps more so.” - Quill & Quire, Starred Review.