Bitsy Bat, School Star

On nocturnal Bitsy Bat’s first night at her new school, Crittercrawl Elementary, nothing goes as planned. From the moment the teacher invites her to “take your seat,” the neurodivergent-cued protagonist doesn’t feel like she fits in. Chair-sitting, finger-painting, snack time, and recess pose various challenges, until the protagonist experiences sensory overload that leads to “a five-star meltdown.” Back at home, Bitsy gains perspective from her parents. “I can’t sit, paint, eat, or play like everyone else,” she laments until Mama reassures her that “everyone shines a little differently.” Windness’s illustrations lean into dusty hues with scenes that center Bitsy’s emotions. After Bitsy finds ways to navigate the classroom experience (“SUNGLASSES!... HEADPHONES!”), she also comes up with a successful plan to assist her classmates in appreciating one another’s unique qualities, making for a winningly inclusive conclusion. Back matter defines autism-related vocabulary, and an author’s note describes how personal experiences shaped the narrative. Ages 4–8. (June)