The Hawaiian Bat: ‘Ope‘ape‘a (Latitude 20 Books

by Marion Coste

Shy and solitary, the Hawaiian hoary bat is so rare that most people have never seen one. But if you are in the right place (the edge of a forest) at the right time (around sunset), you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one heading out to hunt for beetles and moths, its favorite foods. These and other fascinating details about the Islands' only native land mammal and bats in general can be found in this book.

For example, did you know (openli)One fourth of all mammal species are bats; (openli)The phrase "blind as a bat" is inaccurate because bats have very good eyesight;(openli)Thanks to a special muscle reflex in their legs and feet, bats can hang upside down safely even when asleep;(openli)Far from being the frightening creatures of myth and legend, bats actually help humans by scattering seeds and pollen and eating insect pests.

The more we know about this mysterious and misunderstood animal, the greater our chances of protecting it and its fragile habitat.

Recommended for ages 9 and up

40 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 2005

Reviews

[Jazz]

I thought it'd be a pretty cutesy kid's book. And it is! It's also probably the most I've ever learned about bats in one sitting. It was cool to read and I like how realistic the tale was, including the dangers that mother bat might face from island life. I enjoyed the art greatly.