and checked each bell jar
one by one.
They made strange noises
to each other.
They peered
and they poked.
They peeked and they prodded."
The ARC for this book arrived in a lovely package - an invitation to read it on the spot. I did that, and wanted to read it again. I have done that often as well. Today, I want to share it with you.
Barnabus is unusual, to say the least. He is half mouse and half elephant - a rare and curious creature combination. Turns out that he lives in a jar in the secret underground lab of a specialized store called 'Perfect Pets'. To say Barnabus does not fit that mold is an understatement. It explains his current predicament and the fate of many other failed laboratory experiments meant to stock the store far above the lab. Fed cheese and peanuts, Barnabus is generally content. When a friendly cockroach allows that there is life beyond the laboratory, Barnabus and his friends are surprised. Pip tells them about lakes, trees, mountains, stars - a whole new world. It makes Barnabus sad to think about that.
An upcoming crisis - the recycling of all failed experiments - generates momentum to do something before it's too late. Barnabus is first to break free of his confines, and works with the rest to plan their escape. As challenging and frightful as it is, they are determined to make it to the faraway floor and find a way out. Loud footsteps force them to do that quickly.
"They all crawled into the vent
with Lite-Up Lois leading the way.
It was a tight squeeze for some of them.
The vent led into an enormous lab.
They all looked up."
About to be captured, their final struggle frees them to float up and up, straight into the Perfect Pet Store. Out the door they go to visit the world Pip has promised. Together, they make a new life for themselves. Bravo!
The Fan Brothers, with help from their other brother Devin, continue to enthrall readers with dazzling graphite artwork. Full of color and eye-catching detail, they fill these pages with creatures to love and to cheer for in their quest for freedom, and a new exhilarating world. I cannot begin to tell you about the many small scenes that will attract attention and provide opportunity for discussion. This is their sixth book. If you are new to their work, be sure to check at the library for the rest. You have a real treat in store for you.
Magical, hopeful, brilliant, and brave, this is a book needed for every library.
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