A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold
Reviewed by: Brian Wilson
Children
Title: A Boy Called Bat
By: Arnold, Elana K.
Published: 2017
Call #: J Arnol.E
In Elana K. Arnold’s poignant and fast-paced chapter book (great for 3rd to 5th graders), a 10-year-old autistic boy with the nickname of Bat befriends a baby skunk. His veterinarian mother brings home the orphaned kit and Bat’s world changes. He wants to spend every moment caring for the little critter, and discovers that he too would love to take care of animals when he grows up. What’s great about this skillfully written piece of realistic fiction is it avoids saccharine sentiment even though, as depicted in Charles Santoso’s illustrations, that skunk is indeed adorable. Bat’s frustrations and fears about being separated from his furry friend engage the reader, and the book remains thoughtful throughout about the realities of wildlife rehabilitation. Compelling and quietly suspenseful, A Boy Called Bat will entertain those who like animal stories. Arnold also does a convincing job showing life from Bat’s perspective and point-of-view.
