Bitsy Bat, School Star by Kaz Windness

Bitsy Bat, School Star by Kaz Windness. Simon & Schuster, 2023. 97816665905053






Rating:  1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4



Format : Hardcover picture book



What did you like about the book?  Bitsy Bat has Big Star dreams, but when she arrives for her first night at Crittercrawl Elementary School, she is discouraged to find that the classroom is not well-suited for her.  She awkwardly tries to hang upside down from a chair and struggles to finger paint with her wingtips, her classmates are grossed out by her snack of bugs, and Winnie Whiskers keeps telling her she is doing everything wrong.  Even recess is a challenge, and Bitsy is beginning to have the “awful feeling that she would never, ever fit in.”  This leads to a loud, screeching meltdown.  She tells her parents she feels like a really little star and does not want to go back to school.  They encourage her to see that “everyone shines a little differently” and reassure her that she is still a Big Star in their eyes.  Bitsy comes up with a way to show her new teacher and classmates not only that she is a Big Star, but that they all are too.  She goes to school the next night with a renewed enthusiasm, some accommodations, and her idea.  She cuts out paper stars and asks each of her fellow students to write something special about themselves on the stars.  Soon the classroom is filled with the stars, proclaiming specific skills like “I was brave and ate a bug” and character traits such as “I’m curious.”  



A delightful celebration of inclusivity and empathy, Bitsy Bat, School Star is sure to inspire primary grade classrooms to welcome and encourage students of all learning styles and abilities.  It is not explicitly stated in the story, but an author’s note informs readers that Bitsy has autism, and uses a variety of tools and strategies to self-regulate when she is overstimulated.  Her loving parents and understanding teacher help a lot, as do new friends who are willing to try things in different ways.  The tone of the text is upbeat (even when Bitsy is feeling defeated), and the illustrations are cheerful and busy; the dusky nocturnal palette allows Bitsy’s facial expressions and body language to really stand out.  Young readers will love looking at the details of the classroom and considering the upside-down perspective of the bat family, and will certainly take away a valuable lesson about being a good friend and appreciating others for who they are.  In addition to the author’s note, back matter includes a glossary of terms related to autism.    



Anything you did not like about the book?  No



To whom would you recommend this book? It is a great choice for families of neurodivergent children who are getting ready to start school, and a perfect read aloud in grades PreK-2 for the first few days of school – with a ready-to-go craft activity to decorate classroom walls!



Who should buy this book? Public and elementary school libraries, preschools and primary grade classrooms



Where would you shelve it?  Picture books



Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles?  No



Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City:  Leigh Russell King, Lincoln Street School, Northborough, Massachusetts.



Date of review: June 30, 2023