Bats

Gr 3-5-These simply written guides cover basic facts in a series of double-paged sections. Short blocks of text are devoted to the animals' outstanding physical and behavioral characteristics; some historical background; natural habitats and life cycle; role in the mythology of various cultures (a short myth is recounted); and tips on how to respond to (or avoid) encounters with the creatures. Sidebars present additional miscellaneous facts. A large, clear color photograph of one or more of the featured animals (unfortunately, only a few species are identified in captions) appears on about every other page; some text pages also include smaller photos. An addendum in each title includes three frequently asked questions (with answers) about the animals, and poses several questions to readers as a review of key points. Although Laurence Pringle's Bats! Strange and Wonderful (Boyds Mills, 2000), Sandra Markle's Outside and Inside Rats and Mice (S & S, 2001), and Barbara A. Somervill's Mosquitoes: Hungry for Blood (Rosen, 2007) contain more detailed information, particularly on anatomy and development of young, these brief overviews do a good job of presenting the basics. With their succinct, easy-to-read texts and accessible formats, they will also be good choices for hi/lo readers.-Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.