Behind the Book: Bat and the Business of Ferrets by Elana K. Arnold
It's hard to believe that it's been almost ten years since award-winning author Elana K. Arnold first introduced us to Bixby Alexander Tam - aka Bat - in A Boy Called Bat. In those years, countless children across the country have fallen in love with Bat. The series has been praised for its authentic representation of autism, it's approachable format, with short chapters and black and white illustrations, and its relatable family and friend dynamics.
Arnold is returning to the series with a new story arc following Bat as he enters fourth grade, bringing Bat to both returning and new readers.
The bestselling Bat returns! Bat and the Business of Ferrets is the fourth title in National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold’s heartfelt and widely acclaimed series featuring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum.
Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed “Bat”) is about to start fourth grade—and unfortunately for him, everything is changing: there's a new teacher, a new classroom, new seats … and new rules. Mr. Grayson, Bat’s third grade teacher, had a lovable class rabbit named Babycakes, who Bat could visit anytime he needed a break. But Mr. Peña does not have a class rabbit. In fact, Mr. Peña doesn't believe in class pets at all. And for Bat, that’s one change too many.
Bat and his best friend, Israel, know they need to convince Mr. Peña to change his mind about class pets—and when a business of friendly ferrets arrives at Bat's mom's veterinary clinic, they think they've found the perfect pet to do so. But when they discover that their classmate Lucca also doesn't like the idea of an animal in the classroom, Bat starts to worry that things will never be the way they were again.
The beloved series that began with A Boy Called Bat continues with this fourth book featuring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum.
Perfect for Classroom Read Aloud!
Since it's release ten years ago, A Boy Called Bat has become a staple of read alouds across the country and Bat and the Business of Ferrets is another great entry point into the series.
Bat is starting fourth grade with a new teacher and new challenges. Readers who are not familiar with the rest of the books will find this a great time to meet Bat.
We've combined our Educator's Guides for all books in the series into one helpful document. These guides work for whole group or small group instruction, or just to guide conversations while using the book as a read aloud.
About the Author
Elana K. Arnold is the award-winning author of many books for children and teens, including the Sydney Taylor and National Jewish Book Award winner The Blood Years, the Printz Honor winner Damsel, the National Book Award finalist What Girls Are Made Of, and the Global Read Aloud selection A Boy Called Bat. She is a member of the faculty at Hamline University’s MFA in writing for children and young adults program and lives in Long Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. You can find her online at elanakarnold.com.