I am so, so, so delighted to be hosting a stop on the official blog tour for A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold — a truly beautiful, touching story about a boy on the autism spectrum and the baby skunk he befriends. I can’t tell you how much I adored this book, but I can tell you how I devoured it in a single sitting. (And I can also tell you that it’s the first of a new series – so we can expect more stories about these wonderful characters.)
Today, for the blog tour, we have an exclusive excerpt and illustration to share with you from the book – PLUS your chance to win a signed copy! Be sure to check out our review of the book, too!
Illustration (C) Charles Santoso
OPEN DOOR BABYCAKES POLICY
Babycakes, a white angora bunny that looked like a giant fluff ball, lived in a
pen in the back of the room, near the bookshelves. It was a big pen, with a gate.
“If anyone ever needs to cuddle,” Mr. Grayson said, “Babycakes is there for you.”
And that was the thing that made Mr. Grayson the best teacher Bat had ever had: his “open- door Babycakes policy,” which meant that any time a kid needed to cuddle, he or she could go visit Babycakes, no permission needed, no questions asked.
A Boy Called Bat
by Elana K. Arnold
illustrated by Charles Santoso
From acclaimed author Elana K. Arnold and with illustrations by Charles Santoso, A Boy Called Bat is the first book in a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum.
For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life tends to be full of surprises—some of them good, some not so good. Today, though, is a good-surprise day. Bat’s mom, a veterinarian, has brought home a baby skunk, which she needs to take care of until she can hand him over to a wild-animal shelter.
But the minute Bat meets the kit, he knows they belong together. And he’s got one month to show his mom that a baby skunk might just make a pretty terrific pet.
On Sale: 03/14/2017
ISBN: 9780062445827
ISBN 10: 0062445820
Plus, check out this amazing educator’s guide for the book:
Elana K. Arnold grew up in Southern California, where she was lucky enough to have her own perfect pet—a gorgeous mare named Rainbow—and a family who let her read as many books as she wanted. She is the author of picture books, middle grade novels, and books for teens. She lives in Huntington Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. You can find her online at www.elanakarnold.com.
One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, thanks to our friends at Walden Pond Press. To enter, tell us in the comments below about an animal you’ve had a special relationship with – then fill out the Rafflecopter form to complete your entry and earn more chances to win.
Contest is open to the U.S. only and runs through midnight (PT) on Thursday, March 16th.
My special relationship is with my cat Charlie. I adopted him about 1.5 years ago from a lady who was going to take him to the shelter. Everything she said about him, was not true and unfortunately I found this out after I got him home. I wanted a calm, inside car and Charlie is far from that. The vet says he was a farm cat, much older than she said he was. He has eaten through our screen door, gallops through the house and bites me constantly but I love him. I now take him for walks on a leash, we chase each other in the house and we play fight. I know someday, he’ll grow out of this.
My special relationship is with my golden retriever. We adopted him after he failed his helper dog training and he’s been helping me ever since, even though he loves to play more. He always meets me at the door happy to see me. He’s even protected me from another dog charging our way. Berry (on my twitter photo) is the best boy ever.
A Boy Called BatFrom acclaimed author Elana K. Arnold and with illustrations by Charles Santoso, A Boy Called Bat is the first book in a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum.
Elana K. Arnold grew up in Southern California, where she was lucky enough to have her own perfect pet—a gorgeous mare named Rainbow—and a family who let her read as many books as she wanted. She is the author of picture books, middle grade novels, and books for teens. She lives in Huntington Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. You can find her online at www.elanakarnold.com.
One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, thanks to our friends at Walden Pond Press. To enter, tell us in the comments below about an animal you’ve had a special relationship with – then fill out the Rafflecopter form to complete your entry and earn more chances to win.
Novel Novice 
My special relationship is with my cat Charlie. I adopted him about 1.5 years ago from a lady who was going to take him to the shelter. Everything she said about him, was not true and unfortunately I found this out after I got him home. I wanted a calm, inside car and Charlie is far from that. The vet says he was a farm cat, much older than she said he was. He has eaten through our screen door, gallops through the house and bites me constantly but I love him. I now take him for walks on a leash, we chase each other in the house and we play fight. I know someday, he’ll grow out of this.
I’ve had my dog Shadow since he was a pup when we got him from the shelter 14 years ago. We’ve been best friends ever since.
my first dog was a awesome Boxer named Tigger. we hung out and ran at the park and goofed off in the yard. We would watch tv together too.
My special relationship is with my golden retriever. We adopted him after he failed his helper dog training and he’s been helping me ever since, even though he loves to play more. He always meets me at the door happy to see me. He’s even protected me from another dog charging our way. Berry (on my twitter photo) is the best boy ever.
We have two adorable–whiny cats–but I love them both.
I’ve been reading all the posts on the blog tour and I absolutely can NOT wait to read this book!