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. Peña does not have a class rabbit. In fact, Mr. Peña 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. Peña 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.

Review Quotes

Praise for BAT AND THE WAITING GAME: "A gentle tale of shared similarities rather than differences that divide and a fine read-aloud with a useful but not didactic message of acceptance." - Kirkus Reviews

"Delightful. This humorous follow-up is even stronger than its predecessor and will leave readers hoping for a third book featuring Bat and his family." - School Library Journal

"A winsome blend of humor and heart, vibrant characters, and laugh-out-loud dialogue. Arnold's narrative also gracefully explores life through the eyes of a boy on the autism spectrum. The ever-lovable Bat is sure to resonate with readers of all ages." - Booklist Online

"Offering insights into Bat's ways of thinking and reacting to challenges, the fourth book in the Bat series portrays this lovable, well-developed character, his problems, and his successes, with empathy and elements of humor." - Booklist

Specifications

Dimensions (Overall): 7.8 Inches (H) x 5.2 Inches (W) x .6 Inches (D)

Weight: .35 Pounds

Suggested Age: 6-10 Years

Number of Pages: 224

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Sub-Genre: Disability

Series Title: Bat

Publisher: Clarion Books

Format: Paperback

Author: Elana K Arnold

Language: English

Street Date: February 3, 2026

TCIN: 1003632632

UPC: 9780063385146

Item Number (DPCI): 247-30-8034

Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

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Shipping & Returns

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.6 inches length x 5.2 inches width x 7.8 inches height

Estimated ship weight: 0.35 pounds

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