Bats at the Library (Bat Book)

by Brian Lies (Author)

Bats at the Library (Bat Book)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Bat Book

Houghton Mifflin Company 

Another inky evening's here —

The air is cool and calm and clear.

Can it be true? Oh, can it be?

Yes! Bat Night at the library!

Join the free-for-all fun at the public library with these book-loving bats! Shape shadows on walls, frolic in the water fountain, and roam the book-filled halls until it's time for everyone, young and old, to settle down into the enchantment of story time. Brian Lies' youngest of readers will want to join the batty book-fest!

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Publishers Weekly

Starred Review
Lies's ("Bats at the Beach") much-lauded bats are back and the library's got themthanks to a window left open by an unsuspecting (or perhaps sympathetic) librarian. Although the young ones initially misbehave (they make photocopies of their bodies and turn the water fountain into a splash pool), Lies cuts them a little slack: It's hard to settle down and read/ when life flits by at dizzy speed. Story time settles everyone (upside-)down, and soon the furry creatures are completely swallowed up in books, giving Lies comic license to bat-tify the signature visuals from classics like "Make Way For Ducklings"; "Pippi Longstocking"; "Goodnight, Moon" and "Peter Rabbit". As with its predecessor, this book's richly detailed chiaroscuro paintings find considerable humor at the intersection where bat and human behavior meet. But the author/artist outdoes himself: the library-after-dark setting works a magic all its own, taking Lies and his audience to a an intensely personal place. Ages 48. "(Aug.)" Copyright 2008 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3In 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 downwarda 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" Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

..".the library-after-dark setting works a magic all its own, taking Lies and his audience to an intensely personal place." Publishers Weekly, Starred

"Dark, inky acrylic paintings accompany a sprightly rhyming text, a wonderful sequel to 2006's completely charming Bats at the Beach." Cleveland Plain Dealer

"These book-loving bats might encourage young readers to explore more stories on their own." 08/03/08 San Antonio Express-News

..". appealing acrylic illustrations that teem with bats so charming they will even win over chiroptophobes."

Booklist, ALA

"In this latest from Lies, it's all-deservingly-about the artwork. He brings a sure, expressive and transporting hand to this story."

Kirkus Reviews

..".the charm is all in the story itself." September 14, 2008 The New York Times Book Review
Brian Lies
Brian Lies is the award-winning author-illustrator of the New York Times bestsellers Bats at the Beach, Bats at the Library, and Bats at the Ballgame. In addition, he has written and illustrated more than twenty books for children. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Brian lives on the South Shore of Massachusetts with his wife and daughter. Visit www.BrianLies.com to learn more about the author and his books.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780618999231
Lexile Measure
720
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
September 01, 2008
Series
Bat Book
BISAC categories
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV002160 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Mammals
JUV017030 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Halloween
JUV032040 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Games - General
Library of Congress categories
Stories in rhyme
Bats
Libraries
Books and reading
Indies Choice Book Awards
Winner 2009 - 2009
Buckaroo Book Award
Nominee 2009 - 2010
Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award
Nominee 2010 - 2010
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award
Nominee 2011 - 2011
South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award
Nominee 2010 - 2011
Keystone to Reading Book Award
Nominee 2010 - 2010
Golden Sower Award
Nominee 2011 - 2011
Young Hoosier Book Award
Nominee 2012 - 2012
California Young Reader Medal
Nominee 2013 - 2013

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