PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: Betsy Bat, School Star (Available June 6, 2023) by Kay Windness
REVIEW
Kaz Windness's Bitsy Bat eagerly awaits her first day of school. She wants to be a star, but worries that she's not ready. She rehearses raising her wing, painting friends, and sharing snacks. As a bat, however, she can't sit like the other students, she paints with her feet, and no one wants her bug snacks. After having 'a five-star meltdown', Bitsy refuses to return to the school where she can't do anything the way the other students do. Thanks to her family's encouragement and her teacher's help, Bitsy comes up with an idea to show the students in her class the ways she does things and help them all show what makes them special. A note providing additional information about autism and a special note from the author/illustrator round out the book. Bitsy Bat is an adorable character with big dreams, but she has her struggles. Themes of acceptance, adaptation, and peacemaking shine through this touching book. And the adorable illustrations are bright and eye-catching and highly appealing. Bitsy will be hard for children to resist as she shares both her dreams and her unique way of doing things. A winner through and through and a great choice for sharing at home or at school.
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