I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
I'm delighted that Arnold brought Bat back for another book! Readers see him start fourth grade and deal with the challenges of a new teacher and classroom. Unfortunately, he does not pick up on how some of what he says makes other people feel. This feels like a bit of a backslide from how far he had come and very realistic. We see him work hard to push for a class pet even though the teacher has said no. He hurts a classmate ,ignores Israel when he tries to share, and doesn't make an effort to hear what the teacher shares. We see Bat's sister Janie struggle with a new school; Bat is so focused on his need for a class pet that he misses what is happening. Finally, by the end, Bat is ready to listen and process what other people are feeling and excited about. Arnold brings her characters to life and reveals more about them with each book. Middle grade readers will connect with the emotions and day to day life at school and home. Hope she continues this adventure with Bat and his family and friends.

A nice gentle read and learning about friendships, accepting change, and the fun of ferrets. this is all i have to say. sorry it's been awhile since i read it but also

Bat is BACK!
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Bat is headed to fourth grade and he’s not excited about missing out on Mr. Grayson’s class and chances to pet Babycakes. His sister is also struggling going into middle school and being cool enough. When Bat’s vet mom has four baby ferrets dropped at her clinic, Bat is convinced this means he should adopt on as his new class pet. The only problem is two people won’t agree: Bat’s new teacher, Mr. Pena, and the person he gets along with least in class: Lucca. He spends so much time fighting for the ferret he misses out on a lot that’s happening around him.
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I almost wept when I saw this was available on Netgalley @elanakarnold Bat has my heart and I thought this MG series was over so when I discovered he was back I immediately read this title. Bat’s stories are like a warm hug. The ways his neurodivergence is explained and how it affects those around him is perfection. So many kids love Bat and I hope this series never ends! Out February 11!

My daughters school read the first book in their series, so it was very exciting to be able to read an advance copy of this! Such a cute story and the characters are so fun for my kids to follow. Highly recommend

This is another great book about Bat. He’s starting 4th grade and has a new teacher this year. He hopes that his new teacher will want a class pet just like they had in 3rd grade. When Bat’s mom shows him a business (group) of ferrets at the vet clinic, Bat thinks a ferret would make a good class pet. His friend,Israel, comes up with a plan to have the class sign a petition so the teacher would see they want a class pet. There’s a problem though when one of the students, Lucca, won’t sign the petition because she’s mad at Bat. Can Bat get Lucca to change her mind? Will the teacher allow a class pet?

Cover and Illustrations are really cute, simple yet engaging. It was just enough of a chapter book to keep younger readers interested while breaking up the text with pictures.