Little Bat in Night School
(Little Bat)

Little Bat, a nocturnal youth who wears swimming floaties, can't wait for his first night of school: "When is sunset?" he pesters his mother. Upon finally arriving, though, he's spurned by the first bats he meets ("We're already playing... with each other"). But when he retreats to a cubby, he discovers Ophelia, an opossum, who's as comfortable hanging upside down as he is. The pages find a grin in every new school experience, from battling feelings of inferiority ("Practice makes better!" says a ferret who's been sculpting "a lot longer than you") to politely navigating an offer of shared snacks: "This is delicious," says Ophelia. "My mama found it on the road. Want some?" As in earlier series entries, Lies creates artwork with remarkable detail, polish, humor, and inventiveness, and it should bring young readers flying. Ages 4-7. (June)