Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night

Chock-full of bat facts and photographs, this nonfiction book for young readers makes the case for bat conservation, including challenges that face the species and possible solutions....The backmatter includes a nice section on practical ways to help...Look to this eye-catching book to be convinced of the wonders of the bat and how they are deserving of protection.

Gr 3-7--This extensive introduction to the world of bats covers a wide range of topics from where they live to what they eat to how they communicate. Laidlaw debunks myths such as bats are blind and discusses threats to their survival, such as the devastating disease, white nose syndrome, and human disruption of hibernating sites. He explains the vital role bats play in pollination and insect control. Particularly interesting are 10 profiles of "bat citizens" from around the world who are helping conservations efforts through activities such as constructing bat boxes and helping with research studies. Many are teenagers, but some began work while in elementary school. Most pages include a large text box with small photos and fact boxes along the edges. A center gate fold opens to reveal a larger-than-life hoary bat with various anatomical features labeled and explained. A list of suggestions for ways readers can help bats plus a long list of organization websites should encourage bat enthusiasts to get involved. VERDICT Even readers who don't actively engage in citizen science projects should gain a new appreciation of bats through this engaging overview. A good choice for most school and public library collections.--Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Author and animal welfare activist Laidlaw shows some love for the undervalued bat, while celebrating the work of other bat-enthusiasts to educate the public about the animals. Laidlaw explores bat anatomy, diet, habitats, species (more than 1,300 identified), and threats facing bats today. Writing in first-person for some sections, Laidlaw describes witnessing a "tornado-like spiral of Mexican free-tailed bats" emerge from Bracken Cave outside San Antonio, Tex.; concerned citizens helped protect the cave from development that would have negatively impacted the bats. Throughout the book, Laidlaw profiles young "bat citizens," including four- and five-year-olds Eleanor and Samson Davis, whose hot chocolate stand raised more than $100 for the Organization for Bat Conservation. In addition to the striking photographs, a gatefold features a life-size painting of a hoary bat in flight. Many readers will be inspired by Laidlaw's implication that anyone can become an animal advocate with enough curiosity and compassion. Ages 8-12. (May)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

While those already entranced by these singular creatures of the night will be inspired anew, the succinct, well-researched text and interactive format--including a center gatefold of a life-size hoary bat--is sure to recruit a fresh legion of bat lovers, too. Bat citizens unite.

Praise for Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night

"Because bats are a favorite topic for many young readers, there's always room in the marketplace for another book, especially one that is comprehensive, based on the latest data, and written in an appealing, kid friendly style....The orderly layout of the book will engage readers and leave a strong impression....An exciting surprise awaits mid book: a huge foldout diagram of a Hoary Bat with key body parts labelled. The same poster graces the reverse of the cover....This is a most visually appealing book! Bat Citizens' contents should readily satisfy the bat curious. Highly Recommended."—CM Magazine

"One of the ways that Rob protects animals and empowers others is by producing excellent information-packed books. Bat Citizens combines an impressive amount of research...Each chapter's easy to read text is enhanced by colourful photographs, and side bars with catchy titles like 'Batty Ideas' and 'Bat Facts'....This book is highly recommended for both school and public libraries."—Resource Links

"For a fairly slim volume, this book contains so much information about bats!...It is fascinating to see photos of so many different bats and the young people involved in saving them....Recommended both as a topic for animal-related research projects and for display at Halloween time for readers in upper elementary and middle school."—Youth Services Book Review

"[T]his engrossing book celebrates [bats] as amazing creatures that are critically important to natural ecosystems and beneficial to humans. With a page devoted to 14 ways kids can help bats, many young readers will be inspired to become citizen scientists and to participate in bat-preservation activities. Visually attractive and full of clearly written scientific information, this is a must-have title for all young science and animal enthusiasts!"—Canadian Children's Book News

"Complementing the interesting text are numerous colour photographs, a centre-gatefold bat illustration and a poster. Numerous features of 'Bat Citizens' (young people working to protect bats) along with sidebars and a glossary also help to make Bat Citizens an excellent book aimed at helping these incredible, vital and often misunderstood mammals. Highly recommended!"—The Hamilton Spectator

"This jam-packed book of facts and fanatics is enjoyable for bat lovers and the uninitiated."—Quill & Quire

"If you love bats or the kids who are protecting them, then you will love Bat Citizens....I liked reading each kid's story and was impressed with the things they are doing....There are lots of photographs, and the book seems well researched, as it includes a lot of facts and many different kids. It would be great for a research project..."—Kids' BookBuzz

"Young readers love knowing as much as they can about bats. Rob Laidlaw writes terrific nonfiction on topics that kids love to read. It's a win-win situation. No one will be disappointed when sharing this new book....Impressive and well-researched, as are other books by Rob Laidlaw, there is much to like about this fine book."—Sal's Fiction Addiction

"This book is packed full of fascinating information about the terrific varieties of bats in the world and the great difficulties these vitally-important creatures currently face....The book includes tips for bat-friendly gardens and 14 other ways your kids can begin now to help bats."—Orange Marmalade

"[A]n amazing book with lots of information, pictures and stories....The book offers bat facts as well as stories about members of the Bat Squad, kids who are doing their part to help bats. I think those stories were one of my favourite parts of this book."—Book Time

"[A] great way for kids to learn more about bats and the different species that exist...This will make a great addition to public and school libraries, and, hopefully, engage more young people in defending bats and their environment."—Canadian Bookworm

"Bat Citizens introduces young ambassadors for bats in a way that is likely to inspire others to get involved in science and conservation efforts. It is a great choice for budding scientists and conservationists alike."—Growing With Science, "Bat Science Books for Young Readers"

"Author Rob Laidlaw highlights 10+ bat activists—young people who are doing something to protect and help bats in some way. This is a great feature as it not only highlights kids who are making a difference, it will also help us expand our definition of the word 'citizen'."—A Year of Reading