Kaz Windness is the author-illustrator of picture books Swim, Jim!; Bitsy Bat, Team Star; and Bitsy Bat, School Star, which received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and BookPage. She created the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics book Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, which received a starred review and is a Junior Library Guild selection, and its sequel Worm and Butterfly Are Friends Always and the Level 1 Ready-to-Reads Cat vs. Vac, Go! Go! Dino!, and Squid in Pants. Kaz is also the illustrator of Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea by Andrew Hacket and the author of When You Love a Book, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. When she’s not writing or illustrating books, Kaz mentors children’s book authors and artists at The Cuddlefish Academy and enjoys making deep-dish pizza. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two children, and Boston terrier. Visit her at WindnessBooks.com.

Gabriella Aldeman is a Panamanian American author and professional translator. She’s the author of the picture books Paula’s Patches and Squawk of Spanish. Gaby lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with her husband and two children. Visit her at WriteBetween.com.

“This heartfelt story told from an autistic perspective celebrates the differences that make each one of us special—and will inspire kids to follow their own BIG STAR dreams.”

—Catherine L., Senior Editor, on Bitsy Bat, School Star

• Publisher: Beach Lane Books (May 20, 2025)
• Length: 48 pages
• ISBN13: 9781665970655
• Grades: P - 3
• Ages: 4 - 8

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