ALA Booklist (Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

They've been around for approximately 52 million years, inhabit all the world's continents (except Antarctica), and remain the only mammal capable of self-powered flight. Now these remarkable nocturnal ninjas are up against threats ranging from urban development to white-nose syndrome. In this educational primer, animal activist Laidlaw (Elephant Journey, 2016) briefs readers on all things bat d the youngsters working to protect them. With each turn of the page comes a new concept (habitat, hibernation, and diet, to name a few) and a treasure trove of bat-tastic full-color photos. Single-page profiles of Bat Citizens ds raising awareness of the bat's plight through innovative research and projects e interspersed throughout. Meanwhile, "Batty Ideas" and "Bat Facts" sidebars offer fast facts and debunk myths; you can forget the old "blind as a bat" adage, for example, because all bats can see! While those already entranced by these singular creatures of the night will be inspired anew, the succinct, well-researched text and interactive format cluding a center gatefold of a life-size hoary bat e sure to recruit a fresh legion of bat lovers, too. Bat citizens, unite!

Kirkus Reviews

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.Laidlaw opens the book with key bat facts about various species, how they live, and their biology, but he has already betrayed his true intent in the introduction: "I hope this book changes the way you think about bats and inspires you to get active helping them." After the basics, it becomes a focused case for bat protection. Surprisingly, then, the chapter "Bats for a Healthy World" is the shortest, but it speaks to how vital bats are to the health of our ecosystem. Within each section, there are frequent, sometimes-intrusive "Bat Citizen" features that identify students (all presenting white) who are making positive impacts on bat communities. The smaller "bat facts" and "batty ideas" boxed items, on the other hand, fit in nicely with surrounding photographs. Though the scale is unclear, a striking center gatefold allows readers a closer look at a hoary bat. The backmatter includes a nice section on practical ways to help, but it doesn't include any specific resources or works cited.Look to this eye-catching book to be convinced of the wonders of the bat and how they are deserving of protection, but be prepared for advocacy. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 8-10)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

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)