SOLVED. Middle Grade Fantasy trilogy. Read around 2018. Something to do with animals, animal experimentation and shape shifting. Bat (?) sidekick. One book contained a cave.

[maddie]

This kid had an animal sidekick that I think was a bat. I think there was animal experimentation. It was covered up by the town leaders. They had to go in a cave or tunnel in one of the books. Possibly the second book. I think there were potions and plants that had magic properties. I remember very little about this book, so any possible suggestions are welcome!

[Becca]

The Wing and Claw series by Linda Sue Park? The first book is Forest of Wonders.

[maddie]

That’s it! Thank you!