The Barnabus Project

From School Library Journal K-Gr 3—This quirky epic only lacks Spielberg directing to fulfill its cinematic wingspan—and perhaps it will get it. In ingeniously imaginative illustrations, the story unfolds: Barnabus has been labeled a failed project because he is half-mouse, half-elephant with beady eyes and a non-fluffy body. The green rubber suits want him to live his whole life under a small glass dome in a secret basement lab with the other less-than-perfect pets. But when Barnabus learns he could lose his friends, his dreams, and his taste for his favorite foods (cheese and peanuts) because he's about to be "recycled," he decides to escape. This endearing picture book, with graphite and digital illustrations, will rouse justice-minded children to action with its reminders of the important things in life. The three Fan brothers have created new characters who overcome seemingly impossible odds by being resilient, using teamwork, and not leaving anyone behind. VERDICT A fun tale with a big heart, for all ages and all collections.—Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake P.L., Alta. WINNER of the 2020 Governor General's Literary Award for Young People — Illustrated Text!WINNER of thexa02021 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Prize!A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the YearOne of Amazon.com’sxa0Best of the Year PicksOne of Evanston Public Library's 101 Great Books for Kidsxa0One of Booklist 'sxa0Editors' Choice Books for Youth 2020A CBC Books BestsellerA Golden Duck Notable Picture Books List PickA 2021 Bank Street Book of the YearPRAISE FOR The Barnabus Project : “A heartfelt, timely allegory celebrating diversity, bravery, and solidarity.” — STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews "[A]n ambitious drama of rebellion, escape, and inclusivity rewarded." — STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly “The text and illustrations mesh wonderfully to convey the drama of the escape and the critical roles teamwork and friendship play in the animals’ success.” — STARRED REVIEW, Booklist “A fun tale with a big heart, for all ages and all collections.” — STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal “In the Fan brothers’ hands, the result feels like a happy amalgam of Jules Verne, Maurice Sendak, the Moomins, and Monsters, Inc. ” —STARRED REVIEW , Quill & Quire “The story’s exploration of his longing to be free paired with the book’s always timely message of acceptance gives The Barnabus Project mass appeal and a timeless quality.” — BookPage "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 Reviews “An adventure to rival all picture-book adventures.” — Shelf Awareness "A funny and tender picture book. . . . [V]isual surprises and pleasures abound in this cathartic delight for children." — Wall Street Journal “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 storyline is like blades ever-turning and a twist on a timeless tale which remains fresh.” — International Examiner TERRY, ERIC and DEVIN FAN grew up in Toronto, where they continue to live and work. Since a young age, the three brothers have collaborated on creative projects, including artwork, picture book manuscripts and even screenwriting. Recipients of the prestigious Sendak Fellowship as well as Kate Greenaway Medal nominees and Governor General's Literary Award winners, Terry and Eric are the author/illustrators of the critically acclaimed books The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky , and the illustrators of the bestselling Chris Hadfield-penned picture book The Darkest Dark , Dashka Slater's The Antlered Ship and Beth Ferry's The Scarecrow . Devin Fan is an artist, poet and youth worker who has a passion for nature, adventures and kung fu. The Barnabus Project is his first children's book and marks the first time all three brothers have written and illustrated a picture book together. Read more