Bat and the Business of Ferrets
(Book)

The bestselling Bat returns! Bat and the Business of Ferrets is the fourth title in National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold's heartfelt and widely acclaimed series featuring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum. Now in paperback!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. Pena does not have a class rabbit. In fact, Mr. Pena 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. Pena 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.

Schneider Family Book Honor, Young Children, 2026.