Module 1: Bats at the Library by Brian Lies

BOOK COVER IMAGE:

BOOK SUMMARY: 

"Bats at the Library" by Brian Lies uses poetry to transport readers through the night sky and into a vacant library, where a group of bats enjoy an evening of story time, discussions and games.  Upon hearing word that a window has been left open, the bats happily sail to their destination and one by one, enter the library, eager to begin their adventures by reading such books as The Wizard of Oz and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  They gather round a fellow bat and listen to stories while others engage in wall puppetry.  The bats are completely consumed with all the library has to offer and forget about the time passing.  The sun rising signals the bats that it is time to depart and one by one, head out into the dusk, with hopes that in the future, the librarian will leave the window open, once again.  

APA REFERENCE OF BOOK: 

Lies, B. (2008). Bats at the library. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

IMPRESSIONS: 

This is a delightful book that uses poetry to create a playful mood, which adds to the ambiance with its  simple language and couplet rhyme scheme.  Lies demonstrates the purpose and uses of a library, cleverly choosing bats to explore the library because after all, the bats are nocturnal and what better time to enjoy a library than when all the patrons are absent; to which, would be on the dream list of any reader.  The library that is over-run by the bats depicts the current setting of libraries around the world, where more and more activities are occurring such as Maker-spaces.  Children of all ages and of all reading abilities are likely to be engaged since the traditional scene of a library is nonexistent in this story.  While bats are unlikely to browse the catalog section of a library nor are capable of reading, the activities occurring are realistic, emphasizing the many diversions offered in today's libraries.  The illustrations add a calmness that would not otherwise exist in a real-life situation of bats in a library.  Lies' use of soft hues and yellow glows produce quaint images as if the bats were simply in their home, snuggled on a couch, reading a book.  Overall, Bats at the Library is a well-written story.  

PROFESSIONAL REVIEW: 

(Grades K-3) "The story, written in rhyme, begins with bored bats on another dull evening.  Then relief arrives!  There is a window open at their favorite place--the library.  The older bats quickly go and find their favorite books to read while the younger bats do not know what to expects.  Soon there are bats making funny shadows on the wall using the overhead projector, photocopying themselves, and plying in the water fountain.  Before long, all the bats are immersed in the stories they are reading.  The bats are surprised to see that daylight is coming and quickly exit the library.  The author's full page illustrations appear in various hues of blue to gold reflecting the passage of time.  In the last set of lines, the bats are thinking about all the things they read and look forward to the call for "Bat Night at he Library," My favorite lines int eh story are "Please keep it down--you must behave!  This library is not your cave!"  This is an enjoyable story for young library visitors." -  Sandy Scroggs 

Reference:

Scroggs, S. (2009). Bats at the Library [Review of the book Bats at the Library, by Brian Lies].  Library Media Connection, 27(5), 67.    

LIBRARY USES: 

This book could be read to students during story time followed by an announcement that the library will be hosting a library family night.  The librarian could create similar activities to be held, such as story time, book talks and wall puppets for students in which to engage.  Parents could accompany their children, just as the bats were surrounded by family members and read to each other in couches and nooks throughout the library.  This is an excellent way in which to show the community the many offerings of the school library.