Bixby Alexander Tam, who prefers to be called Bat, knows that life is full of unexpected surprises. As a boy on the autism spectrum, he greatly prefers routines and animal facts over loud noises and unpredictable changes. Some surprises are difficult to handle, but today happens to be an incredibly good-surprise day. His mother, a dedicated veterinarian, arrives home from work carrying a tiny, orphaned baby skunk. She explains that the kit only needs temporary care until he is strong enough to be transferred to a wild-animal rescue shelter. However, the very second Bat locks eyes with the little skunk, he feels an instant and unbreakable bond. He names the kit Thor and immediately declares him the best pet in the entire world. Now, Bat is on a strict deadline. He has exactly one month to prove to his skeptical mother that a skunk can be a perfectly well-behaved and loving addition to their household. Along the way, Bat navigates the everyday challenges of school, connects with his older sister Janie, and discovers that caring for another creature might just be the key to opening up his own world.