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2026 Schneider Younger Children Honor Book

“Offering insights into Bat’s ways of thinking and reacting to challenges, the fourth book in the Bat series portrays this lovable, well-developed character, his problems, and his successes, with empathy and elements of humor.”

—Booklist

Bat and the Business of Ferrets (The Bat Series #4)

Written by Elana K. Arnold
Illustrated by Charles Santoso
Published by Clarion Books

Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed “Bat”) is about to start fourth grade—and unfortunately for him, everything is changing: There’s a new teacher, a new classroom, new seats…and new rules. Mr. Grayson, Bat’s third grade teacher, had a lovable class rabbit named Babycakes who Bat could visit anytime he needed a break. But Mr. Peña does not have a class rabbit. In fact, Mr. Peña doesn’t believe in class pets at all. And for Bat, that’s one change too many.

Bat and his best friend, Israel, know they need to convince Mr. Peña to change his mind about class pets—and when a business of friendly ferrets arrives at Bat’s mom’s veterinary clinic, they think they’ve found the perfect pet to do so. But when they discover that their classmate Lucca also doesn’t like the idea of an animal in the classroom, Bat starts to worry that things will never be the way they were again.

Don’t miss the rest of the series! Explore:

Primary ISBN: 9780063385139
Publication Date: February 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Chapter Book, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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