A Boy Called Bat
#1 in Bat Series
What’s inside...
For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life tends to be full of surprises — some of them good, some not so good. Today, though, is a good-surprise day. Bat’s mom, a veterinarian, has brought home a baby skunk, which she needs to take care of until she can hand him over to a wild-animal shelter.
But the minute Bat meets the kit, he knows they belong together. And he’s got one month to show his mom that a baby skunk might just make a pretty terrific pet.
Why read this book
- Explores themes of empathy and friendship.
- Supports understanding of autism spectrum.
- Encourages love for animals and conservation.
- Boosts reading comprehension and emotional awareness.
Discussion points
How do you think Bat felt when he first met the baby skunk? Can you share a time when you met a new friend or pet?
What are some ways Bat shows that he cares for the skunk? How do you show care for your friends or pets?
Why is it important for Bat to have routines, and how do they help him?
How do Bat’s family members support him in taking care of the skunk? What are some ways your family supports your interests or responsibilities?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each reading session, briefly discuss what happened previously in the story to enhance your child's recall and comprehension skills.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, and share your own in return, to foster a deeper connection and understanding of the text.
Link discussions to your child’s experiences, helping them relate personally to Bat’s adventures and challenges.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to ask questions about the story to cultivate curiosity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through Bat’s interactions with the skunk kit and his attempt to understand his classmates, children see how empathy can bridge gaps between individuals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to consider the feelings and perspectives of others, fostering better relationships and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: Bat’s dedication to caring for the skunk kit teaches the importance of responsibility in nurturing another living being.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take responsibility for their pets, belongings, and actions, promoting a sense of accountability.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: The story portrays Bat, who is on the autism spectrum, in a positive light, encouraging acceptance and understanding of individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and celebrate differences among peers, which can lead to inclusive behavior in diverse settings.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Bat faces challenges in convincing his mother to keep the kit, which showcases his problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the ability to think critically and find solutions to their own problems in creative ways.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite difficulties, Bat persists in his goal to care for the skunk, demonstrating the value of determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to pursue their goals with perseverance, even when faced with obstacles.