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)

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"Lies' signature illustrations are beautifully executed and filled with details.... [An] engaging tale about attending school for the first time and learning to fit in."—Booklist

"Warm and engaging illustrations and a charming main character make this a winning and comforting title for a new school year audience."—School Library Journal

"The ups and downs of the classroom are captured with delicacy and sensitivity, a useful model of the changing social dynamics that can turn strangers to playmates and new adults into trusted teachers."—Kirkus Reviews

"The pages find a grin in every new school experience.... Lies creates artwork with remarkable detail, polish, humor, and inventiveness, and it should bring young readers flying."—Publishers Weekly

"Little Bat in Night School is fueled by disarming humor rooted in the universal queasiness about facing the unknown.... Amusing and reassuring."—Shelf Awareness