Bats Review by D. Handel

Debbie Handel
Reviewed: 11/23/03

Bats! by Roger Generazzo

I recommend this book for all elementary grades. For younger students, it provides a simple format with colorful, realistic illustrations and can be read-aloud, as well as independently, for bat studies. Outwardly, it is likely more attractive to primary grades with the cover of the book designed in a semi-bat shape. Practically, however, the text is written for higher level readers and the facts presented would be interesting and applicable for students through fifth grade.

There are numerous features that make this book a quality, nonfiction reference on the subject of bats. First, it is one in a series of animal subjects published in this format with the series title “Know-It-Alls.” Some credibility is assumed here with previous successful publications. Additional credibility is notable with this particular title, Bats! because it was reviewed by Dr. Edward M. Spevak, Assistant Curator of Mammals at the Bronx Zoo. As this is a nationally recognized zoo, one can assume a person with a title of Assistant Curator of Mammals would be an accepted authority to review this book for accuracy. Additionally, I have a personal interest in bats and have read fairly extensively on the subject. I found no information contrary to previous study. In fact, I liked that they included the comparisons of size and weight of individual species of bats to ordinary objects, so that kids can relate to these facts in a familiar context.

Also notable was the inclusion of a world map and illustrations with names of species from nearly every continent. This is very visually appealing. In addition, certain facts which explain several misconceptions about bats, that have for centuries contributed to them being feared or considered pests, are explained in clear, simple language. Educating young readers and adults alike about such species contributes to their protection from becoming endangered or extinct. This is, I'm certain, one reason for writing such a text in the first place. Many animals in this “Know-It-All” series are those often feared by people and which tend to be misunderstood and therefore persecuted in one way or another (i.e. wolves, crocodiles, sharks, snakes, wild cats, bears, etc.)

I was very impressed with the realistic illustrations. They are markedly detailed with crosshatchings and brushstrokes that create a texture the reader can almost reach out and touch. The manner in which they are layered and shadowed creates a 3-dimensional effect, which is very eye-catching. They lend an attractive quality and will, in my opinion, grab and hold the interest of the reader. For those not quite able to read independently, the realism of the illustrations provides a wealth of information, independent from the text. For more capable readers, they add clarity to the text, providing an extension of the printed concepts in a visual format, which increases student understanding.

Aside from the quality illustrations, the physical layout of the text and graphics are child-friendly in several ways. Each section is divided with headings written in the form of a question, which intrigues readers to find an answer. These are in a larger and unique typeset, as well as a red font, different from the primary text of the book. Key words are bold-faced type. Unfortunately, there is not a glossary to correspond with these words. That is one criticism that I feel would improve the quality of this book. It includes balloons with text, offset from the main paragraphs, with additional one-sentence facts, which add to the appeal of readability for students. Each illustration has a label with bold-faced type as well. This adds further factual information in a child-friendly, easily read format. Lastly, regarding layout, the subtopics are written in concise one or two paragraphs and keep to one or two pages before changing headings. These shorter paragraphs allow for easy readability and better hold the attention of readers because the facts are presented in a concise, yet interesting manner. Compared to the text in a typical encyclopedia entry, this format is much more entertaining and attractive to readers. When attempting to get students interested in doing research about a particular topic or simply to encourage independent reading about topics that interest them, books such as Bats! offer a world of scientific information to young readers who may shy away from more difficult texts or reference materials that are presented in a dry format, particularly those without appealing illustrations or photographs.

It is obvious that I'm a real fan of this series. I would, however, suggest a couple of things to improve it. I already mentioned the need for a glossary. As a school librarian, now, my perspective has changed in evaluating nonfiction. Recently, I've been teaching the parts of nonfiction books, in which I've included the glossary, table of contents, index, picture captions, headings, subheadings, bold-faced type, maps and charts, appendices, etc. For this particular series, I'd suggest adding not only a glossary, but a table of contents, index, and a bibliography and/or references to include current websites and organizations to learn more about bats. One in particular that I see as a crime for not including is the key organization Bat Conservation International . With a phenomenal fact like “Bats make up nearly one-quarter of all mammal species in the world,” having references to where kids can look to learn more about bats would be a logical piece to include. I consider this a major exclusion that limits the fact-finding capabilities of the reader.

Overall, I give this book a “thumbs up” with four stars. I plan to order the entire series for my school libraries.