“Welcome to the festival for the first time, award-winning, genre-crossing illustrator and author, joining us all the way from CO, @kazwindness 🎉“

Kaz’s featured title, Bitsy Bat, Team Star, is the second in her inclusive, engaging, and informative Bitsy Bat picture book series which authentically portrays autism and helps readers to see value in what makes people unique and special! Bitsy Bat is a star student, and the only fantastic flier at Crittercrawl Elementary, until a new nonspeaking student named Enzo Owl arrives and outflies her during recess. Bitsy worries her friends won’t think she’s special anymore, so she’s determined to beat Enzo in the upcoming Critter Games and prove she’s the better flier. But when her friend Mo needs help during the race, Bitsy must choose between winning and being a star teammate. And while she’s at it, she just might discover that making a new friend is more special than any trophy. Also look for Bitsy Bat, School Star, the first in the series, about starting school, making friends, and seeing what makes each person special and the Spanish edition: Bitsy Murcielago, Estrella Escolar.

Kaz will also be signing three adorable Level 1 Ready-to-Read books: Squid in Pants, a hilarious early reader about a squid who wants to dress in the latest fashion—if only he could find some clothes; Go! Go! Dino!, an exciting rhyming story about dinos of all shapes and sizes who gather at the starting line for a big race; and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, a heartwarming and affirming Level 1 Graphics book which celebrates the beauty of true friendship.

In addition, Kaz will be signing two beautiful picture books: When You Love A Book, a poetic, rhyming story about the profound way books shape us and become part of who we are, featuring clever nods to the most classic children’s books of all time; and Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea (written by Andrew Hacket, who will also be the festival), a whimsical story about working together despite differences, the power of kindness, and what it truly means to be mighty.

Join Kaz at the festival on 9/27!

I’m beyond excited to be attending @chappaquabookfest for the first time in less than two weeks! Will you be there? Come say “hi!”

I’ll be traveling all the way from Colorado, and I’m so grateful to all the people who went to BAT for me to make this trip possible. I’ll be featuring “Bitsy Bat, Team Star,” the action-packed sequel to my autism acceptance book, “Bitsy Bat, School Star” (now in Spanish!), plus my newest early readers, “Squid in Pants” and “Go! Go! Dino!” plus my Geisel honor book “Worm and Caterpillar are Friends.”

BONUS! I’ll be sitting right next to @andrewchacket signing our book “Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea!”

@simonkids@ssedlib@catherinelaudone

#chappaquachildrensbookfestival#autismacceptance#earlyliteracy