The Barnabus Project

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A dreamy story of caretaking and letting go in the surreally gorgeous picture book Lizzy and the Cloud. This subtle, whimsical reflection on the caretaker relationship provides many openings for discussing growth and letting go.” — Shelf Awareness for Readers. It’s difficult to create stories that plug directly into the looping logic of the minds of very young children that are also smart and engaging enough for adults in charge of bedtime reading. Toronto’s Eric Fan and Calgary’s Dena Seiferling perform both feats in Night Lunch” - Quill & Quire Starred Review. The Barnabus Project is a Magical, Heartwarming, Uplifting, Educational and beautifully illustrated Children's book. The Fan brothers ( The Night Gardener) switch easily between fantasy elements (furry aliens with glowing eyes lurk in Chris’s bedroom) and documentary images. The idea that a famous astronaut was once afraid of the dark may win some recalcitrant bed-goers’ hearts, and readers with dreams of space travel will jump at this." - Publishers Weekly Starred Review. Evocative art captures the Earthly night and lunar landscape…gracefully layered and developed, this pensive account speaks to one boy’s experience and to his burgeoning curiosity and courage." - San Francisco Chronicle.

Half mouse and Half Elephant Barnabus never quiet made the cut for the 'perfect' creatures. So he ends up being put in a glass Jar with the rest of the failed toys. One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William's gray little town is full of color and life. And although the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, William - and his town- are changed forever. 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.

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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. A funny and tender picture book… visual surprises and pleasures abound in this cathartic delight for children.” - The 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. Those who're attentive to the pictures, will see that there's also a reference to The Night Gardener. Not only is this a nice touch for the readers of the Fan brothers' first book, but it shows the brothers' eye for detail as well.

The end, however not bad, is a bit less dreamlike than the rest of the book and may therefore feel a bit out of tone to some people. But on the other hand, it goes well with the real life issues that are being raised. Then the unthinkable. Each confinement was stamped fail. Barnabus did not understand what that meant. Upon finding out that the failed "projects" were to be destroyed, Barnabus chooses to try and break out of his confinement and help others break free as well.

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