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Bats at the Library (by Brian Lies)

common sense media says

Late-night library adventure lauds classic books.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this batty adventure is full of silliness as well as being a terrific reference to classic children's literature. In the illustrations, kids will enjoy finding characters from books they may have already read.

Educational value: Shows bats reading great children's literature and acting out their favorites.
Positive messages: Encourages exploring the library and enjoying a good children's book.
Violence & scariness: These bats are friendly and playful, not scary.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Bats at the Library

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about bats, why they fly at night, have big ears, and wings whose bones almost look like human hands. Then they might want to find a book that tells more about real bats. Parents and kids will also enjoy talking about the library. How is it like your library? What would you do if you could sneak into the library at night? Do you recognize any of the books that the bats are reading? Are any of these your favorites?

What's the story?

What's the story?
When bats find a window that has been left open at the library, they sneak in to enjoy an evening that begins with some very silly exploration and frolicking. Finally, they settle down for storytime and sink into the adventures they find in classic children's books.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Bats tugging on lamp chains to light up the room, others hanging all around the lamp shade, still others dancing under the projector lamp, making shadow pictures on the wall ... this is just a bit of the fun. Later on, as the bats sink into their reading, they are "completely swallowed up" by the stories. Pages dance with places and characters from classic books parents and kids will recognize: the yellow brick road, Pippi Longstocking, Alice, Peter Rabbit, and so on.

The dark acrylic illustrations create the mood; This is a library at night, with all its mystery and charm. And the reader will feel the excitement, and the mischief, as the young bats explore every nook and cranny while the older ones waste no time in finding books to read. The rhyming verse keeps the story moving and makes it all the more fun.

Wonderful personalities of various bats and their antics really come through in the illustrations.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Brian Lies
Illustrator: Brian Lies
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
Publication date: September 8, 2008
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $16.00
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 6
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

TicMotion
parent of 6 year old
4
 
We bought it.
Love it for its gorgeous illustrations, encouraging a love of literature, and its use of some fun new big words for little kids to learn.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (4)

kid, 12 years old
3
 
Encourages love of reading!
I highly recommend this book! My 3 and half year old was fascinating by the bats and their library antics. There is a great message about the joys of reading. Its fun and well written, with lots of interesting word choices to explain to your child.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (3)

teen, 14 years old
3
 
Encourages love of reading!
I highly recommend this book! My 3 and half year old was fascinating by the bats and their library antics. There is a great message about the joys of reading. Its fun and well written, with lots of interesting word choices to explain to your child.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (3)

kid, 11 years old
3
 
Encourages love of reading!
I highly recommend this book! My 3 and half year old was fascinating by the bats and their library antics. There is a great message about the joys of reading. Its fun and well written, with lots of interesting word choices to explain to your child.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (3)
revolords
parent of 2 and 5 year old
3
 
We love bats!
Beautiful book!
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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