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176 pages, Paperback
Published February 8, 2022
The fourth book in the wonderfully charming, comical and sweet Megabat series by Anna Humphrey and Kass Reich, Megabat and the Not-Happy Birthday might just be the strongest and funniest series entry yet! If you have been following along with the adventures of the tiny, adorable, watermelon-loving Megabat and his circle of friends from the beginning, you might be especially tickled by the escapades, mishaps, and shows of friendship and care in Megabat and the Not-Happy Birthday. When the story begins, readers learn that Megabat’s beloved human friend Daniel now has to wear “face windows” (glasses!) due to an incident that recently occurred during a class field trip. Daniel is a bit grumpy with both the glasses and with Megabat because of what happened, but Daniel does have something exciting to look forward to: his upcoming birthday party! Megabat has never experienced a birthday or birthday party before, and while he’s happy for Daniel, he cannot help but maybe, possibly feel a little bit jealous. While preparing for Daniel’s party, Megabat- along with his pigeon love Birdgirl and a mischievous puffer rat (squirrel!)- make a huge mess while attempting to assemble a birthday piñata. Not only that, it seems like Daniel and his best friend Talia have some whispering secrets they’re trying to keep from Megabat! With some frustration gnawing and building, Megabat ends up making a bad mistake and mess at Daniel’s birthday party and decides that his only choice is to run away! With the hopes that he will “make an excellent explorationer”, Megabat decides that Daniel will surely not miss him, especially surrounded by presents, classmates, and other fun birthday things, and heads for Daniel’s backyard and the unknown. Lest you worry that Megabat might get into scary trouble, or feel sorry for himself too much, do not fear! Anna Humphrey takes readers on a terrifically zany and sweet ride of funny incidents and adventures, full of backyard animals, moustaches, and busy baby Kwirls (squirrels!), as well as a super satisfying return to home. While the Megabat series is always sweet and thoughtful and full of loopy charm, this fourth book is especially laugh out loud funny and really highlights just how much love the members of this close-knit circle of friends have for each other. Lovely and lively all-around, featuring Kass Reich’s completely winning illustrations of Megabat and friends, Megabat and the Not-Happy Birthday is supremely fun chapter book reading.