A new MegaBat book is always cause for celebration in our house. We love that sweet little fruit bat and his friends Daniel and Talia and his love BirdGirl. In MegaBat and the Not-Happy Birthday by Anna Humphreyand Kass Reich, MegaBat is introduced to the concept of a birthday party when he helps Daniel prepare for his. 

MegaBat has never had a birthday party or even been to a birthday party. When Daniel describes his party to Megabat he gets very excited and tells Daniel to ask for presents for him as well. DAniel explains that a birthday party is for the birthday person and it’s their turn to receive presents, not their secret bat friend. Unfortunately, Megabat begins to feel left out of the celebrations since no one can know about him so he doesn’t get to participate in the birthday fun. He feels so left out that he “rumbs-away”. He doesn’t get very far and spends some time with the sneaky “Kwirl” that’s always bothering him. He even gets roped into babysitting for the “kwirl” family. Little does he know there is a surprise waiting for him if he ever makes his way home.

All of the charm and humour of the first three Megabat stories is packed into the latest instalment. Megabat’s voice is so funny. His way with words is delightful and engaging. Readers will delight in trying to capture Megabat’s speech when reading. 

Kass Reich’s illustrations are so charming and captivating. Her depictions of Megabat and his friends along with the “kwirl” family convey so much of the story and break up the text for those who are new to chapter books.

The Megabat series is a perfect illustrated chapter book series for those readers who are looking for a high interest and engaging story but aren’t quite ready for those longer chapter books.