WaldenPond Bat and the Waiting Game, Children's, Paperback, Elana Arnold
727 ratings
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Price: £6.99
Brand: WaldenPond
Description: Reminiscent of Clementine and The Year of Billy Miller, Bat and the Waiting Game is the second book in a funny, heartfelt, irresistible, and widely acclaimed middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum from National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold. WaldenPond Bat and the Waiting Game, Children's, Paperback, Elana Arnold - shop the best deal online on thebookbug.co.uk
Category: Books
Merchant: Harper Collins
Product ID: 9780062445865
Delivery cost: Spend £20 and get free shipping
Dimensions: 130x194mm
ISBN: 9780062445865
Author: Abs
Rating: 5
Review: My son loved the book…we have ordered the next one.
Author: Ancient Mariner
Rating: 4
Review: This is the second Bat, (Bixby Alexander Tam), book and a fine entry in the series. The "hook", if you want to call it that, is that Bat is on the autism spectrum, and we follow his daily adventures from his point of view. This series is often compared to book sets that feature antic or hyper characters - Clementine, Ramona, and so on - which I think gives a false sense of the feel of the series. Bat is quiet and thoughtful and observant, and the insights Bat shares and the action in which he engages are also low-key and mild. I think it's important to emphasize that these aren't "problem" books that have been written just to teach people about autism or otherwise to illustrate or educate about autism. That is an aspect of the book because that is an important element of Bat's life and character, but these books have a much larger appeal. Bat is a smart, good kid going through the process of growing up. He deals with family, friends, school, frustration, making mistakes, and so on, just like everyone else. The lessons he learns are relatable to any kid reader. That said, these also aren't just dry lesson books. Bat is funny and engaging. His family is supportive and his friends are appealing. The emphasis on pets and little critters adds appeal. The situations Bat finds himself in can be silly or even slapstick, but they are just right for young readers, and Bat's adventures, while mild, are easy and fun for new readers to follow. I suspect they would recognize themselves in these characters and relate to their adventures in a rewarding and entertaining fashion. (The two dozen or so black and white drawings help in that regard, since they nicely illustrate, frame and enhance the story.) The upshot, for me, is that the Bat books introduce an appealing kid character in a kid friendly package that's aimed at a tough to serve early-reader crowd. Add in their heart and humor and that's a winner to me. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
