Terry Fan

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.… (more)

I thought this sweet and whimsical picture book offers an interesting perspective -- to look at an everyday object from a bug's point of view. Another review noted that most of the bugs are male except the ladybug and luna moth - I noted that as well while reading. I am also not sure about the anti-capitalist message (with the greedy spider) thrown in, but I did enjoy the introduction of "new" objects to the story. The illustrations are great - I enjoyed the use of color versus black & white illustrations.… (more)