Today we are very excited to share a special interview with author Kaz Windness (Bitsy Bat, School Star)!
Read on to learn more about her, her book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Kaz Windness
Kaz Windness is an author-illustrator who loves to make her readers laugh. When she’s not writing or illustrating books, Kaz teaches illustration at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and enjoys making deep-dish pizza. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two children, and Boston terrier. She’s the author of picture books Swim, Jim! and Bitsy Bat, School Star. She also created the Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends. Visit her at WindnessBooks.com.
Website * Instagram * Twitter * Facebook
About the Book: Bitsy Bat, School Star
A little bat struggles to fit in only to learn to celebrate differences in this heartfelt picture book from an autistic perspective about starting school, making friends, and seeing what makes each person special.
Bitsy is a little bat with big star dreams of making friends at her new school. But when she arrives, Bitsy doesn’t feel like she fits in. The other kids sit on their chairs, but being right-side-up makes Bitsy dizzy. The other kids paint with their fingers, but Bitsy would rather use her toes. Everyone tells Bitsy she’s doing things wrong-wrong-wrong, so she tries harder…and ends up having a five-star meltdown.
Now Bitsy feels like a very small star and doesn’t want to go back to school. But with help from her family, Bitsy musters her courage, comes up with a new plan, and discovers that being a good friend is just one of the ways she shines bright!
~Author Chat~
What gave you the inspiration to write/illustrate Bitsy Bat, School Star?
Bats are my favorite animal and my favorite thing to draw. In the fall of 2019, I gave myself the challenge to draw bats every day for 100 days (#100DaysofBats) and post them to social media. During this time, I was talking to an art friend who is autistic like me, and I compared growing up neurodivergent to being like a bat in a school for mice. Everything felt all upside down to me, and when I tried to act like a mouse and not flap my wings or hang from my toes, it made me feel dizzy, upset, and more prone to meltdown. I quickly realized there was a story there and began writing and drawing Bitsy Bat that very day.
Who is your favorite character in Bitsy Bat, School Star?
I love Bitsy, of course, but Benjamin Berry has a special place in my heart. Benjamin is Bitsy’s sweet friend who doesn’t mind that Bitsy is different and does his best to help her feel accepted—which isn’t easy with Winnie Whiskers yelling “WRONG!” all the time.
Which came first, the title or the book?
The story came first. It took me a while to settle on Bitsy’s name. I have a writer friend named Bitsy Kemper, and she’s the most magical, fun, and kind person you’ll ever meet, so I finally asked her if it would be okay to borrow her name for Bitsy. Once Bitsy had a name, the book had a title.
What scene in Bitsy Bat, School Star are you most proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of the scene where Bitsy discovers the solution to helping her classmates celebrate all their special differences. It’s a magical moment for Bitsy and the art reflects this.
Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
Writing BITSY BAT, SCHOOL STAR has been a test in vulnerability. I gravitate to more silly and humorous topics, mostly because it gives me an escape from what is hard in my life. There are also a lot of misunderstandings around what it means to be autistic, and sharing my truth exposes me to that criticism. But when I think about what is hard about being autistic, it’s not so much the autism as it is ableism. A world that understands and accommodates us is a world where we can thrive. I know this from having an autistic child. I am proud of my neurotype, and the more I face my fears and share my story, the more others feel safe to share their stories. My hope is that BITSY BAT, SCHOOL STAR helps to make the world a more accepting and inclusive place for all our children.
What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2023?
Besides my two books, BITSY BAT, SCHOOL STAR and WORM AND CATERPILLAR ARE FRIENDS (Simon Spotlight), I’m very much looking forward to SOMETIMES, A TIGER by my friend and critique mate Z.B. Asterplume/Amber Owen (Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan).
What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
I just read “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy. It holds up to the hype and was very relatable to me in terms of being raised Mormon, some of the family dynamics, and also overcoming an eating disorder.
I typically read middle grade fantasy and most recently, “The Last Cuentista” by Donna Barba Higuera. It was AMAZING. I will definitely be reading it again. And again.
What’s up next for you?
I’m working on the illustrations for two books right now—OLLIE, THE ACORN, AND THE MIGHTY IDEA by Andrew Hackett (Page Street Publishing) and CAT VS VAC written and illustrated by me for Simon Spotlight. I just painted a cat in underpants and I couldn’t be happier about that. I’m also working with my editor on a potential new book for BITSY BAT. Stay tuned!
Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?
It took me the most time to illustrate the big classroom spread. There’s a lot going on in that scene and it’s such an important transitional moment to the book, I had to get it right.
What gave you the most trouble when writing/illustrating Bitsy Bat, School Star?
The story pacing was a challenge. We didn’t want to rush the storytelling or the importance of Bitsy’s emotional journey, and that was hard to accomplish in 32 or 40 pages. Once our team made the decision to go up to 48 pages, the book came together. It took me a bit longer to illustrate, but I am very grateful for the extra pages, and I’m sure readers will enjoy the extra art and breathing room, too.
What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from Bitsy Bat, School Star?
I hope readers gain a better understanding and sympathy for what it’s like to be autistic. I hope the book inspires more inclusivity. I also want all children to know that they are special and loved exactly as they are. The school star activity that goes along with the book is something I’m very proud of and excited for educators and students to implement in the classroom. I can’t wait!
What would you say is your superpower?
Besides talking to ghosts? Or making pizza? Well, I’m a very good teacher. I know how to identify what things my students are struggling with and give them just the right tools and encouragement to get over that hump. I don’t know if it’s a superpower, but it’s something I’m proud of.
Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
Many! Including:
Bat World Sanctuary: On the front line to end the mistreatment of bats. Each year we rescue hundreds of bats who might otherwise die. https://batworld.org/
The Trevor Project: Focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
I also like Not an Autism Mom and her Ausome Book Club for more wonderful autistic-approved autism titles: https://notanautismmom.com/
What advice do you have for new writers/illustrators?
I have a whole TikTok channel and online school dedicated to this topic! Cuddlefish Academy! https://www.tiktok.com/@cuddlefishacademy?refer=embed
Choosing a career in children’s publishing is challenging, but it’s also beautiful, fun, and rewarding work. You’ve chosen an industry that will surround you with the kindest and most welcoming community you can possibly imagine. Kidlit people are amazing!
Is there anything that you would like to add?
Thank you for the great interview! I’m very excited for everyone to meet Bitsy Bat. Please feel free to visit me on all your favorite social media. https://linktr.ee/KazWindness
Title: Bitsy Bat, School Star
Author: Kaz Windness
ISBN-13: 9781665905053
ISBN-10: 1665905050
On-sale date: June 6, 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Imprint: Paula Wiseman Books
Ages: Ages 4-8, Grades P to 3
~ Giveaway Details ~
Three (3) winners will receive a copy of Bitsy Bat, School Star (Kaz Windness) ~US Only (No P.O. Boxes)!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
LOVE BATS
This comes out on my birthday :). I can’t wait to read it.
The absolute cutest bat I’ve ever seen!! We need this one for our budding animal lover
I’m so in love with this cover, story and illustrations. Congrats on this project.
such a cute cover! 🙂
The cover is adorable and has great detail. I would love to add this book to our LFL to teach other children about autism.
The cover is so cute and I love the synopsis.