The Barnabus Project - Eric Fan, Terry Fan & Devin Fan - ★★.½

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AUTHORS: Eric Fan, Terry Fan & Devin Fan
GENRE: Children's Picture Book.
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2020
RATING: 2.5 stars.

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:
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. :/

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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