Megabat and the Not-Happy Birthday is the fourth book in the series featuring Megabat and his human friend Daniel. It's a cute chapter book for middle readers by Anna Humphrey, with illustrations by Kass Reich. Due out 2nd March 2021 from Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is a well written and entertaining book about friendship, planning, anticipation vs. reality, forgiveness, and more. The book has a positive message and manages to show a refreshing diversity in the characters without being strident. I liked it that Daniel shows emotion and isn't shamed for that.
Megabat is adorable, as are the other anthropomorphic characters such as Birdgirl. The human characters are generally helpful and cooperative. The illustrations are full of whimsy and gentle humor. The writing is appealing (and I love Megabat's vernacular - when he doesn't know the word for something, it doesn't stop him for a second; we should all be so brave).
This would make a great gift, bedtime family read, library or classroom circle read, or similar. There is good scope for discussion here about bravery, honesty, facing fears, going outside our comfort zones (even with things such as food and meeting new people), etc.
Just a really lovely book for youngsters. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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