Bats at the Library
(Bat Book)

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.

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.