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The Bat Who Didn't Like the Dark

By Steve Small
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Brief Description
There was once a bat who didn't like the dark but kept that fear deep inside. Then one night, lost in the dark woods, the bat meets an owl who guides the bat home. Along the way, they encounter the magical sights, sounds and fellow creatures... Read More
Format: Hardback
$2499
Elsewhere:
$2899
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Releases 27th October 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Bat Who Didn't Like the Dark" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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An endearing story about overcoming fear of the dark from internationally acclaimed author-illustrator Steve Small, creator of The Duck Who Didn't Like Water.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

There was once a bat who didn't like the dark but kept that fear deep inside. Then one night, lost in the dark woods, the bat meets an owl who guides the bat home. Along the way, they encounter the magical sights, sounds and fellow creatures of the night as the bat comes to see that sometimes it's in the darkest night that all the stars shine extra bright…

This latest author-illustrator picture book from Steve Small is the perfect companion to his previous beloved titles The Duck Who Didn't Like Water and The Hare who Wouldn't Share. Exquisitely illustrated, warm and empathetic, this is sure to become a future classic.

  • A moving story of bravery and overcoming fear - with a little help from our friends.
  • Stunning, atmospheric illustrations from Waterstones Prize and Oscar's Book Prize shortlisted author-illustrator Steve Small
  • Perfect for sharing with little ones who are afraid of the dark.

Also by Steve Small:

The Duck Who Didn't Like Water

Wellington's Big Day Out

Brave Little Bear

The Hare who Wouldn't Share

Written by Smriti Halls and illustrated by Steve Small:

I'm Sticking with You

I'm Sticking with You Too

Let's Stick Together

Tiny Tiger says Why Can't I?

Tiny Tiger says I Don't Want To!

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781398522305

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 22 October 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Illustration: Full colour

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 200.0mm

Height: 280.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 32

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s & Teenage Non-Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Kids & YA Pre-orders Pre-order Books Pre-Order Children's Books Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Steve Small Young Adult

About the Author

Steve Small has worked in animation for over thirty years as a director, designer, and animator. The work has varied from working on Disney features to designing and directing shorts, TV series, and commercials. He’s the illustrator of I’m Sticking with You and the author and illustrator of The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water, Wellington’s Big Day Out, Brave Little Bear, and The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share. Steve lives in London, and when he’s not painting and drawing, you’ll likely find him feeding the crows on Blackheath Common.

Also by Steve Small

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  • The Hare Who Wouldn't Share
    The Hare Who Wouldn't Share follows Hare, who is proud of his turnip patch and doesn’t want to share it with anyone. When the rabbits move in nearby, they invite Hare for carrot soup, but he’s much happier being alone. Still, when a huge boar comes to the woods in search of his next meal, Hare feels he should warn...
    By Steve Small
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $1999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Duck Who Didn't Like Water
    ‘A wonderful, tender evocation of friendship and how its power can help you overcome your worst fears. A pure splash of joy.’ The Daily Mail The Duck Who Didn't Like Water by Steve Small tells the story of Duck, who is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then,...
    By Steve Small
    Board book
    $1999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Hare Who Wouldn't Share
    There was once a hare who did NOT like to share. What is the point of sharing? thinks the hare. The more I give away, the less there is for ME. But even the hare can appreciate the lovingly tended carrot patch created by the neighbouring rabbits. So, when a huge boar threatens to destroy the patch, will this hare...
    By Steve Small
    Hardback
    $2899
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    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Duck Who Didn't Like Water
    ‘A wonderful, tender evocation of friendship and how its power can help you overcome your worst fears. A pure splash of joy.’ The Daily MailShortlisted for Oscar's Book Prize 2022Duck is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then, one dark and stormy night, an outgoing, water-loving, and very...
    By Steve Small
    Paperback
    $2099
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Duck Who Didn't Like Water
    ‘A wonderful, tender evocation of friendship and how its power can help you overcome your worst fears. A pure splash of joy.’ The Daily Mail Shortlisted for Oscar's Book Prize 2022 The Duck Who Didn't Like Water is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then, one dark and...
    By Steve Small
    Hardback
    Sold Out

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