Bats: Learning to Fly
(Science Comics)

Gr 3-7--This latest in the science-related graphic novel series turns its focused eye to the world of bats. A little brown bat is lost in a Southwestern desert at night, just as a group of nature lovers are out for a tour. Injured in a commotion with the humans, the bat is taken to a wild animal hospital. This loose story line allows the author to include facts about a wide variety of bats, some native to the area and some not. At the hospital, a number of creatures introduce themselves, describing their eating habits, physical characteristics, and habitats. Humor is abundant throughout, as bats explore their own misinformation about people. Human/bat interactions are a large part of the book, and Koch demystifies commonly held beliefs about bats and discusses habitat loss. The writing is accessible and engaging, and the level of content is detailed enough for young researchers, but casual browsers and graphic novel enthusiasts will find this an attractive choice, too. VERDICT An excellent addition to school and classroom libraries.--Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA