Cub and Bat

Best friends Cub and Bat learn that saying please is the way to a sweet reward in this playful, phonics-based early reader from acclaimed author-illustrator Will Hillenbrand.

When Cub sees a swarm of buzzing bees, he can't bee-lieve his luck! Cub loves honey . . . and he'll do anything to get it. He gets a big bin. He gets a big box. He climbs on top. But when his plan to take the honey goes sideways, his best friend Bat comes up with an even more satisfying solution: just say please and ask nicely!

Will Hillenbrand's adorable artwork shines in this lively early reader that will delight the youngest readers with the sweetest treat of all: a journey into a lifelong love of reading. This phonics-based reader offers plenty of practice with the letter b and short vowels.

Author: Will Hillenbrand
Publisher: Holiday House
Published: 07/07/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Series: I Like to Read
Weight: 0.50lbs
Size: 9.15h x 6.24w x 0.37d
ISBN: 9780823463763
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 04/01/2026 pg. 66
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
Booklist 06/23/2026

About the Author
Will Hillenbrand has written and illustrated a wide range of picture books for children, including the popular Bear and Mole series and Pennsylvania One Book Spring is Here. The Voice in the Hollow received five starred reviews from Kirkus and SLJ. Hillenbrand is the recipient of many accolades, including an ALA Notable Book Award, multiple IRA Children's Choice Awards, and the author of a Bank Street Children's Best Book of the Year. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Jane Hillenbrand, with whom he wrote Pennsylvania One Book What a Treasure.