Bat and the Waiting Game
#2 in Bat Series
What’s inside...
In the tradition of Clementine and Ramona Quimby, meet Bat. Author Elana K. Arnold returns with another irresistible story of friendship in this widely acclaimed series starring an unforgettable boy on the autism spectrum.
For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life is pretty great. He’s the caretaker of the best baby skunk in the world — even Janie, his older sister, is warming up to Thor.
When Janie gets a part in the school play and can’t watch Bat after school, it means some pretty big changes. Someone else has to take care of the skunk kit in the afternoons, Janie is having sleepovers with her new friends, and Bat wants everything to go back to normal.
He just has to make it to the night of Janie’s performance...
Why read this book
- Explores themes of patience and friendship.
- Enhances emotional intelligence and empathy.
- Supports development of communication skills.
- Encourages resilience through engaging narrative.
Character compass
Bixby Alexander Tam (bat)
Israel
Janie Tam
Dr. Tam
Discussion points
How do you think Bat felt when he had to wait for his mom to come home? Have you ever felt similar?
What are some ways that Bat shows kindness to others in the story? Can you think of a time you helped someone?
Why is it important for Bat to take care of Thor? What responsibilities do you have at home or at school?
How does Bat handle his frustrations in the story? What do you do when you're feeling frustrated?
What did you learn from Bat's experiences in the book? How can you apply that lesson in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Foster a deeper connection with your child by sitting down and discussing the book's themes after reading. Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to express feelings and opinions, and share your own thoughts and experiences related to the story's situations. Validate their feelings and guide them to understand different perspectives, promoting empathy and emotional growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Through Bat's experiences in waiting for his mother to return from her veterinarian trips and anticipating the growth of a baby skunk, the story exemplifies the virtue of patience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand that some things require time, such as waiting their turn, growing a plant from a seed, or the arrival of a special event.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Bat expresses deep understanding and care for the animals around him, especially a baby skunk. His actions reflect empathy and kindness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to consider the feelings of others, whether it’s caring for pets or understanding a friend’s emotions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of a pet, Bat learns and demonstrates responsibility by managing daily tasks that ensure the well-being of the baby skunk.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of adhering to responsibilities like chores or homework, showing them the value and satisfaction of diligence and reliability.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Bat encounters various challenges that require creative thinking and problem-solving skills, such as finding ways to keep the skunk safe.
Real-World Application: Helps children apply logical thinking to overcome obstacles in their own lives, from resolving simple conflicts with peers to handling school projects.