Accepting Difference & Saving the World: Pixar Veteran Alan Barillaro on 'Bunns Rabbit 2'

Oct 9

https://www.alanbarillaro.com/

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony sits down with director, animator, and author Alan Barillaro (Piper, Bunns Rabbit) for an in-depth conversation on visual storytelling, character empathy, and the craft of middle-grade fantasy. After a 25-year career at Pixar working on iconic animated films, Alan shares how observing real-world nature sparked the journey of Buns—a unique meadow rabbit whose shorter ears and innate kindness thrust her into an epic elemental world.

Alan discusses the release of Bunns Rabbit 2: Return of the Spirit Rabbit, exploring how the sequel expands Buns’s hero’s journey from self-acceptance to global responsibility as she ventures into the deep ocean to protect her world. We dive into the book's rich world-building, where competing animal species—from birds to rabbits—each carry their own oral traditions and conflicting mythologies.

We also go behind the scenes of the publishing industry. Alan explains his vision for creating a hybrid format between a graphic novel and a traditional chapter book to build reading stamina and enhance family bedtime reading. Plus, he reflects on pitching a massive 550-page fully colored manuscript, applying animation editing habits to editorial revisions, and viewing art as an evolving conversation between creator and reader.

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