Summary: Someone has left a window to the library ajar. The bats, bored of their night flight and bug-eating, rush in to enjoy the books inside. The little ones resist sitting still, but eventually, they all become engrossed in books and read until the dawn. Lies, B. (2008). Bats at the library. Boston: Follettbound.
My Impression: Brian Lies' followup to his popular book Bats at the Beach tells the story of a colony of bats who get word that a window has been left open at their favorite haunt: the library. Told in delightful rhyme, with plenty of alliteration and onomatopoeia to make the trip even more exciting, Lies portrays the bats as avid readers who cherish the rare occasion they can sneak into the library and lose themselves in books. He describes the difference between the neophyte young bats, who are at first more intrigued by the copy machine and overhead projector, and the older bats, who settle in immediately to pick up where they left off in their favorite stories. Eventually, all the bats find themselves engrossed in classic children's literature that has been "bat-i-fied" through Lies beautiful artwork: Peter Rabbit, Mr. Toad, the Velveteen Rabbit, and many other beloved characters are transformed into bats. Ultimately, the bats nearly overstay their night in the library, and the message is clear: there is a wondrous world to be found in books. The world of Lies' bats is no exception. I absolutely love this book and can't wait to buy it for my own library at home. The illustrations are just beautiful, and Lies is able to capture such winsome personalities in the little bats' faces. The rhythm of the text, combined with the beautiful paintings makes this book a great choice for young readers.
Reviews for Bats at the Library
"Lies's (Bats at the Beach ) much-lauded bats are back and the library's got them—thanks 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 4–8." -- Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review
Bats at the library (August, 2008). Publisher's Weekly. Retrieved August 28, 2011 from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-618-99923-1.
"PreS-Gr 3—In 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 downward—a 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?" -- School Library Journal
Lukehart, W. (Nov. 1, 2008). [Review of Bats at the Library]. School Library Journal(11). Retrieved August 28, 2011 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6611759.html.
Uses in the Library
This book would be a great Halloween tie-in for a night-time story hour. Bats are just spooky enough to work with the season, but friendly enough not to scare the smallest of patrons.
Another possible tie-in would be for librarians in Austin, TX, or Whites City, NM, and their bat colonies. The library could sponsor "Befriend a Bat Night," teach patrons about the benefits of bats as well as their own bat colonies, and raise awareness for conservation of these amazing creatures.
