Shadows of the Night: The Hidden World of the Little Brown Bat [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Barbara Bash (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2004

"A year in the life of the Little Brown Bat is beautifully depicted in both the text and the illustrations of this natural science picture book. Bash opens a world of shadows and night sounds to young readers, communicating in an unsensational way the creature's complexity and grace. Her watercolor illustrations are evocative and realistic, conveying mood as well as the motion of the small, swooping creature she describes." --Booklist
"Beginning with the spring gathering of 'maternity colonies' in steeples, barn rafters and chimneys, readers learn about bat behavior, biology and the basics of echolocation. Luminous watercolors and lively information present the world's only flying mammals in a sympathetic, even endearing light." --Publishers Weekly
"Bash's illustrative talents shine. . . . An excellent choice." --School Library Journal, starred review
"An artist's eye is apparent in each dramatic spread. . . . Beautiful and informative." --Kirkus, pointer review

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-- Positive attributes of the little brown bat are emphasized as Bash states on the dedication page that the animal is considered a symbol of good fortune and wisdom in China. She remains true to this positive theme by beginning the book in a maternity colony as female bats give birth and demonstrate the same tenderness and care for their pups that the more "cuddly" mammals show toward their young. Activities throughout the seasons are followed as the young mature, hunt for insects, hibernate in caves, and emerge to begin another yearly cycle. Bash's illustrative talents shine as she provides visual variety in depicting her subjects, which to many may appear rather drab. Alternating barn settings with the deep tones of moonlit nights and sunset scenes provide light and dark backgrounds for closeups or for hundreds of bats dramatically flying through the air. Of special appeal are sequential pictures of a bat catching insects by flying in various positions as it uses its wings and membranes to capture prey. Lively and descriptive language accompanies the illustrations. Appended pages include facts about other species, show a man-made bat house, and caution against touching the animals because of possible rabies. An excellent choice to dispel myths and for the study of this nocturnal and hibernating species. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Kirkus Reviews

The author-illustrator of several outstanding science books (Urban Roosts, 1990) brings her sensitivity to natural history and design to the life cycle of a common North American bat. An artist's eye is apparent in each dramatic spread here--velvety black bats swooping against blue-black skies, with text and moon glowing in silver-white; rough-grained barn beams drawing the eye to a life-sized bat with a naked pink pup clinging to her fur; hibernating bats clustered near the ceiling of a gray cave. In her brief text, Bash describes the bats' birth and migration and explains how they use echolocation to find prey. A final section shows some unique bat noses and ears, the hopping movement of the vampire bat, and a bat house that readers can make. Beautiful and informative. (Nonfiction. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sierra Club Books for Children (October 10, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871564408
• ISBN-13: 978-0871564405
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 10 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,533,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars great, June 14, 2007

By 

Amy Rose (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shadows of the Night: The Hidden World of the Little Brown Bat (Paperback)

We enjoy all her books but since my daughter loves bats, this one is favorite.