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whatifem's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
readingwithavengeance's review against another edition
5.0
A gorgeously illustrated picture book that explores the beauty of being different. Barnabus will inspire you (and your children) to believe anything is possible. Loved this very relevant story.
toebean5's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the artwork and the story was very cute! I thought my Toy Story-loving young person would be into this, though, and he was not. I don't think he was scared, but disinterested. Oh well- more for me.
erine's review against another edition
This picture book lives in the space between Toy Story and [b:They Threw Us Away|52751359|They Threw Us Away (The Teddies Saga, #1)|Daniel Kraus|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581410102l/52751359._SX50_SY75_.jpg|76178680]. The green rubber suits are disturbing, but Barnabus and the other failed toys have a much more hopeful outlook and a much less tragic journey than the Teddies in They Threw Us Away. Barnabus is an adorable mouse/elephant with big dreams of seeing the world outside of the failed pets lab. He and the rest of the failed pets are on the verge of being "recycled" (a somewhat vague idea that manages to convey the idea of major plastic surgery to make the rejects into perfect pets). There are short motivational speeches, also teamwork, fighting for one's own freedom, and a brief wrestle with whether it is better to be perfect or to be free.
An imaginative adventure from failed project to finding a home and a community within which to belong.
An imaginative adventure from failed project to finding a home and a community within which to belong.
vegan5533's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
5.0
Beautiful. Modern gothic, failed experiments trying to escape their glass domes.
mdevlin923's review against another edition
4.0
Barnabus is a half-mouse, half-elephant "failed project" created by Perfect Pets. He and many other creatures have been kept in bell jars their entire life. When the learn about a plan that will get rid of them, they plan an escape. They must all work together to escape, and when they finally break free, they are enamored by the sights and sounds of the city.
A very wonderful story about bravery, friendship, and freedom.
A very wonderful story about bravery, friendship, and freedom.
aliciagriggs's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
A beautiful story with beautiful illustrations.
abaugher's review against another edition
5.0
What an endearing story! Little bio-engineered critters who aren't quite perfect enough to be manufactured and sold by the thousands are left to languish in the basement of the lab, until the day they get the red stamp that means they'll all perish. Teamwork and caring for one another help the adorable misfits to succeed at their goal: to escape and live free!