The Barnabus Project

Product Information

One of the main lessons is acceptance. To love ourselves the way we are and to feel proud of ourselves.

One reason we love this book is because of the characters. They are mixed-up animals. For example, the main character, Barnabus, is an elephant/mouse. Some are really tiny and all of them are cute! Another cool character is a combination of an owl and a lion! All the characters are brave and determined. 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. From the imagination of two acclaimed picture book creators, together for the first time, this dreamlike picture book is a magical ode to Victorian lunch wagons. Evoking the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the city at night, Night Lunch reveals how empathy and kindness as well as dignity and gratitude can be found — and savored — in the most unexpected places.” A funny and tender picture book. . . . [V]isual surprises and pleasures abound in this cathartic delight for children.” — Wall Street Journal 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.

Featured Reviews

A heartfelt, timely allegory celebrating diversity, bravery, and solidarity.” - Kirkus Starred Review .

One of the rooms contains the Failed Projects. Creatures who aren't perfect enough to make it to the store are kept there in tiny bell jars. Eric Fan and his brother Terry Fan debuted with the widely acclaimed picture book The Night Gardener. 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. Marmalade Books: https://readmarmalade.com/blogs/news/my-interview-with-children-s-author-and-illustrator-team-terry-and-eric-fan-the-fan-brothersIt 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. 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. None of the insects know where it came from, or what it is. Some say it’s an egg. Others, a gumdrop. But whatever it is, it fell near Spider’s house, so he’s convinced it belongs to him. To have an idea of the drawing style in this book, you can take a sneak peek here: http://www.thefanbrothers.com/#/the-barnabus-project/ ! Devin Fan is an artist, poet and youth worker. 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.