The text and illustrations carry the reader away into a fantasy world and suspenseful story that celebrates uniqueness and freedom. Barnabus lives in a bell jar deep in a lab with other “failed” perfect pet projects. Barnabus wonders about the world outside his jar and once he realizes he may be “recycled” into a perfect pet, he worries about losing his uniqueness and just wants to be himself. So, he decides it's time for an escape. With his little trunk and help from others, Barnabus and the “failed” pets set out to find freedom where they are accepted for who they are.

While some reviews suggested this book was too dark, I found the illustrations to compliment the surreal/fantasy feel of the setting. Give children some credit, not all readers may understand the message with one read, but this is a book is to be read again and again. ( )

The Fan brothers have created an award-winning children's book celebrating diversity. Barnabus, half mouse and half elephant is hidden away with the other outcast projects which is portrayed through illustrations that give off a sinister tone. Barnabus's dream of freedom leads him and his group of misfit friends on an adventure. After freeing the outcast characters, Barnabus and his friends work together to escape their captors. They escape into the outside world, a world they've never known, to find a place to call home. ( )

Barnabus lived in a top-secret lab far underground below the Perfect Pet Shop. Each pet that was created and did not live up to the "perfect" pet status was put in a special room called "Failed Projects." Barnabus lived in a small jar, that he kept very tidy, but he would wonder about the world outside of his jar. Pip, the cockroach, would tell the failed project about the world above. Well, the projects found out they were going to be recycled and that was enough to prompt them to begin a journey to the world above.

The success of books lies in the front and back covers and the front and back endpapers. And the illustrations themselves. The Fan brothers bring a depth to their work--even the littlest brushstroke. Their book, "The Scarecrow," is one of my favorites and now, I might add "The Barnabus Project" to that list.

The story of lab rats, test experiments, and being cast off for being imperfect is a story that I resonate with. I see my "failings." No, they are not Perfect Pets in other people's eyes, but they are still special. They matter. And I'm sorry but Barnabus, half elephant/half mouse is so adorable. I love him ;)

This would be a fun book to do in a storytime where you could have great discussion. Then perhaps a stay and play where kids draw their own "imperfect yet perfect pets" ( )

I love feeling inspired and included in a story, and this story does just that. You feel like you are part of the projects, and you feel like you are along for the ride. The feeling of being labeled is so very selective, and to find your purpose, beyond a label, is how you find your perfect life. ( )