Memoirs, Children's Books 

Describes the varieties, habitats, behavior, and physical characteristics of bats. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 3-Dispelling common myths and misconceptions about these amazing creatures, and replacing them with facts, is the primary goal of this attractive picture book. Basic information is given in language that will prove both interesting and readily understandable to young children. An effort is made to stress the wonder, beauty, and usefulness of the animals while downplaying the idea that they are weird or ugly. Pencil and watercolor illustrations are informative and appealing even though the colors are occasionally too vibrant. Barbara Bash's Shadows of Night (Sierra, 1993) concentrates on one species, as does Janell Cannon's fictional Stellaluna (Harcourt, 1993). All in all, the Maestros' book provides an accurate and appealing look at bats that is on a par with Millicent Selsam and Joyce Hunt's A First Look at Bats (Walker, 1991). Young readers will be fascinated by its straightforward presentation. Lisa Wu Stowe, Great Neck Library, NY Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. - from Amzon