Review - The Bat

The Bat (Disgusting Critters)
by Elise Gravel
Date: 2020
Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Hilarious illustrated nonfiction about bats perfect for beginning readers. Conversational text and silly illustrations will have you up all night reading about the only flying mammal on Earth!

Fast bat facts:
* Distinctive trait: The only flying mammal
* Diet: Insects, fruit and even animal blood
* Special talent: Sleeping upside down

The Bat covers habitat (bats live everywhere except Antarctica!), species (there are over 1,200 kinds of bats), echolocation, hibernation (bats hibernate just like bears!), conservation (don't disturb a sleeping bat!) and much more. Although silly and off-the-wall, The Bat contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a cute non-fiction title for younger readers that's all about bats: what they eat, where they sleep, how they fly, and whether or not we should be afraid of them (we shouldn't). The simple illustrations featuring a fourth wall-breaking bat are fun and informative.

I already knew some of the information in this book, but I still learned quite a few things; kids will likely learn even more. This would be a great title for kids who are interested in the natural world, and in bats in particular. It could be a great non-fiction title to have in the classroom around Halloween, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5