Addie and the Amazing Acrobats

A trio of anthropomorphized bats wow wildlife crowds with nightly on-the-wing exhibitions in this high-flying authorial debut from Cagan. And while Addie is the undisputed star (“Her aerial stunts were simply spectacular”), the seemingly resentment-free team declares they are “BEST BEST FRIENDS”—until Addie is invited to be a solo headliner at the Big Bat Circus. Readily leaving pals Ben and Jude behind, she enters a new world of spotlights, glamorous costumes, and a dressing room filled with fan mail and gifts. As time goes on, though, Addie feels that “something was missing,” and worries whether her friends will want her back. Though the wrap-up seems to unnecessarily portray fame and friendship as an either/or, Cagan makes the characters’ journey fun, with meta-interplay between the narrator and protagonist, and crisply outlined cartooning that evokes a lively nocturnal world. Ages 4–8. Agent: Mona Kanin, Great Dog Literary. (Sept.)