FICTION

I’m Not Scary

Scholastic. Jul. 2024. 32p. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781338899641.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1–A cute, little bat strikes fear in the hearts of his fellow forest creatures as he flies by their windows at night, casting monster-like shadows. Finally, Beattie the bear stumbles upon Bat’s cozy home in a “gnarly old oak tree” and realizes he is just a pastry-loving animal who wants to make friends. The message of the book is not new, but it is sweet nonetheless. Adorable illustrations depict an endearing, fluffy brown bat and other cute forest animals within a cozy forest adorned with warm tones. The flow of the words through the pages and several full spreads break up the layout and add slight drama to the story arc, though in reality, there is no peril to be found.
VERDICT While the book adds nothing new to the canon, it is a gentle story that young readers will enjoy. Recommended for large picture book collections.

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