The Barnabus Project

Half elephant and half mouse, Barnabus is not quite perfect.  As only Perfect Pets are wanted, he is hidden away in a secret lab with the other Failed Projects. He dreams of seeing the world outside his tiny bell jar, places which Pip the cockroach tells him and the others about. When he learns he is to be ‘improved’ by being recycled, Barnabus doesn’t want to be made fluffier or given bigger eyes- he wants to be himself. With lots of teamwork and courage, he and the other Failed Projects escape and find their own place in the world.

Utterly adorable, Barnabus will capture both your attention and your heart. The story sends a clear message about the importance of being yourself, valuing who you are, not changing to conform to the ideals of others and finding your place in the world. It is perfect for starting conversations and challenging ideas about conventional notions of beauty or worth. Even when the other Failed Projects are frightened of what they discover in the most secret part of the secret lab, Barnabus reminds them that everyone should be valued and that they should all stick together.

The illustrations are stunning. Lift the beautiful dust jacket and the cover is like a blackboard covered in formulae and calculations. Each spread is full of details to notice and enjoy- are Wilke’s Paperclips something I should know about?! The Fan Bothers are amazingly talented, both at illustration and capturing poignant, heart warming stories perfectly.

‘The Barnabus Project’ lends itself beautifully to being at the heart of quality English work. There are so many points at which both illustration and text could be further explored through drama, discussion and writing in role to inspire artwork, poetry, stories, characters… and planning is currently being developed. It is, quite simply, a masterpiece!

The Barnabus Project The Fan Brothers

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711249448

Ocean Meets Sky

Finn remembers his grandfather who used to tell him wonderful stories. To honour him, Finn creates a boat fit for a long journey, like the one they had planned together. After his hard work, he falls asleep and in his dream, a great golden carp comes to guide him on a magical journey until he wakes to his mother’s voice.

Everything about this book is beautiful. Beneath the dust jacket, golden images shine on a deep blue background, tempting the reader to explore further. In contrast, the jacket is dusky, muted tones, yet just as lovely.

The illustrations are fabulous. Finn leaves the sepia tones of his real life for the blues and greens of his dream land. The world Finn sails through is populated by many of the objects and pictures found on his Grandfather’s desk and around his room. The Library Islands are piled high with books, many of the spines revealing familiar and much loved stories, including ‘The Night Gardener’, also by the Fan brothers.

Finn travels through this land until he reaches a starry sky, full of hot air balloons, a Chinese dragon, submarines and ships of all shapes and sizes. The golden fish, who drooping moustache resembles that of Finn’s grandfather, swims towards the full moon who bears the face of Grandfather, smiling serenely as Finn says goodbye and is called home by a familiar voice.

Love and loss are beautifully explored in this wonderful story, through both the text and the delightful illustrations. One not to be missed.

Ocean Meets Sky The Fan Brothers

Lincoln Children’s Books ISBN: 978-1786032058