Ages 4-8. Zoologist Davies, author of Big Blue Whale (1997), offers an enticing picture book about animals that blends story with fact. Lyrical text in large print that's suitable for beginning readers follows a mother bat through a typical evening, as she wakes and sweeps out into the inky night, hunts insects, and returns to feed her young at daybreak. Bat facts are printed in smaller typeface, teaching readers about bats'body features, eating habits, echolocation, etc. Lovely, atmospheric watercolor-and-pencil illustrations show surprising detail and succeed in making an oft-maligned animal appear realistically fuzzy and appealing. A small index concludes this attractive, well-written introduction to a bat's world.
Melding science and story, Davies describes the nocturnal activities of one pipistrelle bat, including its echolocation capabilities, hunting style, diet, roosting preferences, and maternal instincts. The delicate watercolor and pencil illustrations paired with the simple text deliver a welcome introductory perspective on this oft-misunderstood mammal. Ind.
Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies, illus. by Sarah Fox-Davies, follows the pipstrelle bats' nocturnal wanderings. Dusky watercolor-and-pencil illustrations add enigmatic beauty; bat facts appear in a different typeface and illuminate the narrative. Pencil sketches on the endpapers label different kinds of bats with their common and scientific names. ( Sept.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
K-Gr 3-A charming and informative story about a pipistrelle bat. With Fox-Davies's delicately detailed illustrations, the world of this tiny creature is truly brought to life. While the large-print story unfolds as the bat awakens and flies out into the night, the author also includes some scientific tidbits that appear in smaller type. Davies offers vivid descriptions of the animal's flight, its navigational skills, and the hunt for food. She explains how a bat's senses of hearing and smell are most important to its survival and how it cares for its young. This beautiful and fact-filled selection is distinguished by excellent writing and art.-Cynde Marcengill, formerly at Horry County Memorial Library, Surfside Beach, SC Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.