Bats: Biggest! Littlest!

Gr 2–5—Markle returns to the world of bats in this simply written introduction to a fascinating array of flitterers. Using size as a starting point, she goes on to explain the benefits of being large or small, and the adaptations bats have made in their chosen habitats and lifestyles over the millennia. From extra-long tongues for nectar extraction to super-sharp talons for snatching slippery fish, flaps of skin around the nose to allow them to hear echoes from one direction at a time and suction cups on thumbs and ankles, bats have evolved to fill empty ecological niches. The clear text is simple and readable, describing the hunting techniques of microbats and the fruit-finding talents of megabats, and even delves into some forms of bat housing. Enriched by superb color photos and complete with sites for further investigation, the whole presentation is interesting and useful as well as attractive. On a par with Elizabeth Carney's equally handsome Bats (National Geographic, 2010) and far simpler than Markle's own Outside & Inside Bats (Walker, 2004), this eye-catching work fills a niche of its own.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY