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Bats, At The Library



Last updated Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Author: Brian Lies
Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 061899923X
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2010

Synopsis: An open library window is an invitation for a colony of bats in this sequel to Bats at the Beach (2006). Once inside, older bats look for favorite books, while younger ones explore and play. Storytime settles everyone down and transports them into the tales, filled with bat characters playing new roles. The bat homage to classic children’s books includes titles like Goodnight Sun, while images such as Little Red Riding Bat will amuse children who are familiar with the originals. The rhymed narrative serves primarily as the vehicle for the appealing acrylic illustrations that teem with bats so charming they will even win over chiroptophobes.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  How often do you visit the library?
•  What do you like about the library?
•  Have you ever seen a bat at the zoo?
•  What do you know about bats? (They can see in the dark. They are nocturnal)

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why are the bats excited?
•  What does it mean to ‘live inside a story”?
•  What are some of the stories the bats are reading? (Pippi Longstocking; Aladdin; Wizard of Oz; Make Way for Ducklings; Goodnight Moon; Alice in Wonderland; Velveteen Rabbit; Sword in the Stone; Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang; Little Red Riding Hood)
•  Have you read any of these stories?
•  Have you ever imagined yourself in a story?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a “bat” mask. Use the wing shape to cover your eyes and the body/face shape for your nose area. ***Find a bat template online
•  Draw yourself or a bat in your favorite story or book.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!