Lies, B. (2008). Bats at the Library. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Summary -
This is a whimsical book about a group of bats that find an open window at the library. Apparently the window has been left open before as the older bats show the younger ones what to do. They play, fly, read and enjoy very aspect of the library. They copy each other in the copier, they swim in the water fountain, they dance through the pop-up books and make shapes on the overhead. They enjoy every minute before the sun comes up.
Impressions -
I truly love this book. I read it at the beginning of the year with my kindergarteners and 1st graders when I introducded the library to them. I also had a stuffed bat they could look at and pass around as I read the book. They loved it so much, they wanted to hear it again. The rhyming element made it so easy to listen to and understand.
Ways to use in the Library -
-- I have used this book as my introduction to the library for my youngest patrons. It gives a grand introduction to being in the library for the first time.
We discuss what happens in the book and they get to "play" with my stuffed bat, Stellaluna, and they ask questions about the library and I help them feel comfortable.
-- I also have used it as a rhyming lesson and I have the children raisee their thumbs when they hear a rhyme! They love doing this!
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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