This is one of those rare early chapter books that actually delivers on character and heart without talking down to kids. Bat is autistic, and the book handles it beautifully—not as inspiration porn, not as a "special issue," just as part of who he is.

The skunk plot is the hook, but the real story is about a kid figuring out compromise, responsibility, and how to advocate for what he needs. It's short, accessible, and genuinely sweet without being saccharine. Teachers report reading it every year; kids report actually wanting to read it.

If you've got an early elementary reader—especially one who's reluctant, animal-obsessed, or neurodivergent themselves—this is a home run. It's also just a really solid pick for any kid ready to graduate from early readers but not quite ready for Diary of a Wimpy Kid length.