Little Bat in Night School

May 1, 2021
Preschool-Grade 1 It's finally time for Little Bat to go to school, and he is oh-so excited! But even though he's anxious to attend, he's distressed to discover his classmates aren't only bats like him but also other nocturnal creatures: owls, raccoons, and a ferret. Nervous, he flies into a cubbyhole where he finds a dangling possum who is just "hanging out." Their instant friendship enables them to feel more comfortable in this new environment and, ultimately, to get acquainted with the other students. Their teacher introduces a variety of topics, such as the phases of the moon, as well as a math lesson, art class, and storytime. Lies' signature illustrations are beautifully executed and filled with details. The fur and feathers of the nocturnal pupils are clearly delineated and appear soft and touchable, while the animals' eyes are bright and shiny. Little dialogue asides look handprinted and add humor to an already engaging tale about attending school for the first time and learning to fit in.

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June 1, 2021
After a rough start, Little Bat's first night at school is all he hoped it would be. Little Bat is all ready for school. His supplies are laid out, including his new "batpack" with a rather leggy snack inside. He is so excited he can hardly sleep. But soon night falls, and it is time for Mama Bat to bring him to school. The school is bigger than Little Bat expected, but the teacher, a raccoon named Mrs. C., welcomes him right in. His classmates are all other night creatures: raccoons, owlets, a ferret, and some other bats who aren't very friendly. When Little Bat flies into a cubby to hide, he finds another student hanging upside down too, an opossum named Ophelia. They become friends, and the rest of the night improves. The little creatures learn together, play together, and listen to a story until the sun starts to rise and it is time to go home. Lies' distinct artistic style brings the characters to life, showcasing personalities, relationships, and action against a largely white background. The ups and downs of the classroom are captured with delicacy and sensitivity, a useful model of the changing social dynamics that can turn strangers to playmates and new adults into trusted teachers. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Quiet and hopeful, this animal-themed school story rings true. (Picture book. 4-6)

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June 28, 2021
Little Bat, a nocturnal youth who wears swimming floaties, can’t wait for his first night of school: “When is sunset?” he pesters his mother. Upon finally arriving, though, he’s spurned by the first bats he meets (“We’re already playing... with each other”). But when he retreats to a cubby, he discovers Ophelia, an opossum, who’s as comfortable hanging upside down as he is. The pages find a grin in every new school experience, from battling feelings of inferiority (“Practice makes better!” says a ferret who’s been sculpting “a lot longer than you”) to politely navigating an offer of shared snacks: “This is delicious,” says Ophelia. “My mama found it on the road. Want some?” As in earlier series entries, Lies creates artwork with remarkable detail, polish, humor, and inventiveness, and it should bring young readers flying. Ages 4–7.

August 1, 2021

PreS-Gr 2-Lies has an endearing story perfect for the start of the school year. Bats have previously been the featured characters in a number of other titles by Lies (at the beach and the library), but the focus of this title is on Little Bat and his excitement to meet other bats and start Night School. When he arrives in class, he is welcomed by his raccoon teacher but he is excluded from play by the other bats, and retreats to cubbies to hide. In the cubbies he meets shy Ophelia, a young possum, and together they bravely join the class of other nocturnal animals and quickly settle into familiar routines and activities of the school "day." Young children will enjoy the similarities between their school experiences and Little Bat's and will laugh as Little Bat and his friends engage in imaginative play and form a classroom community. The illustrations are full of emotion and detail without being overwhelming. This will make a wonderful start of the year story to share to discuss inclusion, having a growth mindset, and making new friends. VERDICT Warm and engaging illustrations and a charming main character make this a winning and comforting title for a new school year audience.-John Scott, formerly at Friends Sch. of Baltimore

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