Bats at the Library

I work in a public library so am always interested in stories set in libraries. There's hundreds of children's picture books doing just that but Brian Lies has come up with an original idea of having bats as his main characters. Well actually its not original characters in the fact that this is a sequel to his very successful Bats at the Beach but original in the bats/library combination.

Anyway the basic plot is a librarian has left a window open and the call goes out into the night that there is access to the library. Apparently bats have been waiting on edge for something like this to happen. A window left open is a rare event and these bats will not hesitate to take up this opportunity. Inside the library the bats use the overhead projector to make shadow puppets (you'd think they could do this with a full moon outside all the time but who knows), read the books and use their imagination to act out scenes from them.

Not the most interesting of storylines but the pictures are very well drawn. One bat is wearing a lifejacket which is never explained though.
For those who are big fans of bats, I'd check this out.

The best three books I've come across that are set in a library are Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians by Jackie Hopkins, Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk.

Children enjoy seeing references to their favorite books in this book, and then THIS book becomes a new favorite to be enjoyed over and over again. The illustrations are particularly wonderful, reminiscent of those of Garth Williams in terms of cuteness. They are just as appealing as his, yet more realistic since they are executed as full color paintings.
This book is a worthy companion to Bats at the Beach, and even more clever.
It won't disappoint you!

Another inky evening is here and it's Bat Night at the library: a time when book-loving bats fly in to adventure and storytime's lure. Brian Lies' gorgeous, fun drawings highlight a different kind of bookworm and add appeal and zest even adult read-alongs will appreciate. Highly recommended for discriminating picture book libraries seeking captivating, different story lines and appealing drawings.

Brian Lies is an amazing children's author and illustrator!!!! The details in his pantings are incredible. If you are able to go and listen to one of his readings and book signings it is more than worth your while. He is wonderful with children and really takes his time to describe the development of his stories and pictures to parents/teachers/adults. I can not say enough about this author. I am a children's Speech-Language Pathologist and a parent and he is by far one of my favorite children's author's. I look forward to reading many more of his stories with my son and clients as well! Thank you Brian for sharing your talents and stories with others!!!!!

Get lost in another wonderful adventure of our bat friends written and illustrated by Brian Lies. The story is fun and the illustrations are truly a wonder. A magical tribute to classic children's literature from a "bat's perspective" awaits for you inside to enjoy. Our family really enjoyed it. My 5 and 7 year old boys get very excited to read these bat books, especially at bedtime. We can't wait to see what these bats do next!