Bats at the Library (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3—In this companion to Bats at the Beach (Houghton, 2006), Lies pays homage to the pleasures to be found within libraries and books. The story opens on three winged creatures clinging to an autumnal branch against the backdrop of evening. Observant readers will recognize the young bat with yellow "water wings" from the earlier title and notice that the chimney and trees at the top of the page point downward—a cue to attend to perspective. The bats are bored, but an antidote is announced: someone left a window open in the library. The golden glow from spotlights on the side of the building and an Arts and Crafts-style reading lamp illuminate the nocturnal adventures in this handsome, traditional space. The bats cluster according to interests. Some peruse "guides to fancy foods" (insect books) and form literary discussion groups. The younger mammals make images of themselves at the copier, frolic in the fountain, play at the computer, and explore the gingerbread castle in a pop-up book. An impromptu storytime brings everyone together, however, and after the pint-size protagonist is literally drawn into the featured book, two spreads reveal a montage of scenes from classic stories, with bats in the starring roles. Lies's acrylics are a successful fusion of fantasy and reality. The rhyming narrative is generally smooth, with enough humor and sophistication to propel readers along. And who can argue with the message?—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
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From Booklist

An open library window is an invitation for a colony of bats in this sequel to Bats at the Beach (2006). Once inside, older bats look for favorite books, while younger ones explore and play. Storytime settles everyone down and transports them into the tales, filled with bat characters playing new roles. The bat homage to classic children’s books includes titles like Goodnight Sun, while images such as Little Red Riding Bat will amuse children who are familiar with the originals. The rhymed narrative serves primarily as the vehicle for the appealing acrylic illustrations that teem with bats so charming they will even win over chiroptophobes. Preschool-Grade 3. --Linda Perkins

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (September 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 061899923X
• ISBN-13: 978-0618999231
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,836 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bats love this library, October 6, 2008

By	A. Scattergood "skirtbooks" (st. petersburg, fl) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

And librarians and the kids they share it with will love this book. The detailed pictures beg for young readers to take a closer look. Baby bats wear swimmies on their arms. A water fountain is turned into a great splashing pool. Characters from books kids know and love make frequent appearances, and the library setting reminds us of the venerable institutions we all remember, or at least wish we'd grown up with. This librarian says the book is not to be missed and I'm off to order my copy now.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll Go Batty!, July 25, 2008

By	Suz E.Que (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

Get lost in another wonderful adventure of our bat friends written and illustrated by Brian Lies. The story is fun and the illustrations are truly a wonder. A magical tribute to classic children's literature from a "bat's perspective" awaits for you inside to enjoy. Our family really enjoyed it. My 5 and 7 year old boys get very excited to read these bat books, especially at bedtime. We can't wait to see what these bats do next!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super, October 24, 2008

By	Marshfield Am "Am" - See all my reviews

Bats at the Library is a wonderful book. My grandchildren loved it. Hope there are more "Bats" books to come.