Bitsy Bat, School Star
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- $16.99
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
Three starred reviews!
2024 Bank Street Best Children’s Book Selection
A little bat struggles to fit in only to learn to celebrate differences in this “darling book for all children but especially those with autism” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) from Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor–winning author-illustrator Kaz Windness about starting school, making friends, and seeing what makes each person special.
Bitsy is a little bat with big star dreams of making friends at her new school. But when she arrives, Bitsy doesn’t feel like she fits in. The other kids sit on their chairs, but sitting upright makes Bitsy dizzy. The other kids paint with their fingers, but Bitsy would rather use her toes. Everyone tells Bitsy she’s doing things wrong-wrong-wrong, so she tries harder…and ends up having a five-star meltdown.
Now Bitsy feels like a very small star and doesn’t want to go back to school. But with help from her family, Bitsy musters her courage, comes up with a new plan, and discovers that being a good friend is just one of the ways she shines bright!
Backmatter includes a More About Autism facts page, making this “a particularly helpful resource for all kids” (BookPage, starred review).
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
On nocturnal Bitsy Bat's first night at her new school, Crittercrawl Elementary, nothing goes as planned. From the moment the teacher invites her to "take your seat," the neurodivergent-cued protagonist doesn't feel like she fits in. Chair-sitting, finger-painting, snack time, and recess pose various challenges, until the protagonist experiences sensory overload that leads to "a five-star meltdown." Back at home, Bitsy gains perspective from her parents. "I can't sit, paint, eat, or play like everyone else," she laments until Mama reassures her that "everyone shines a little differently." Windness's illustrations lean into dusty hues with scenes that center Bitsy's emotions. After Bitsy finds ways to navigate the classroom experience ("SUNGLASSES!... HEADPHONES!"), she also comes up with a successful plan to assist her classmates in appreciating one another's unique qualities, making for a winningly inclusive conclusion. Back matter defines autism-related vocabulary, and an author's note describes how personal experiences shaped the narrative. Ages 4–8.
