Bat and the Business of Ferrets by Elana K. Arnold - ADVISABLE

Bat and the Business of Ferrets (A Boy Called Bat #4) by Elana K. Arnold, 196 pages. Clarion, 2025. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

10yo Bat finds that there are a lot of changes when starting 4th grade. He expected a new teacher, but Mr. Pena is new to the school, and he is nothing like his beloved 3rd-grade teacher, Mr. Grayson. Lucca is in his class again, but she has made a lot of changes over the summer, and Bat can't help but comment. And, worst of all, Mr. Pena does not have a class pet! Bat survived 3rd grade because Mr. Grayson allowed him to cuddle Babycakes, the 3rd graders' bunny, whenever he needed. Convince Mr. Pena to change his mind? 

A sweet book, Bat struggles negotiating a lot of things, his social skills especially, but also leaving 3rd grade behind and accepting change. Charles Santoso's illustrations are fun and help complete the story. Book #4 in a series, it stood alone, but I would think a richer reading experience would be had if read in order. While not stated in the book, Bat appears to be neuro-divergent. 

Lisa Librarian