Bat Cave: A Fable of Epidemic Proportions

The Critter Chronicles #2

by Scott Bischke, Katie Lindberg (Illustrator)

BAT CAVE: A FABLE OF EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS—book #2 of The Critter Chronicles series—starts where FISH TANK: A FABLE FOR OUR TIMES left off.

The allegory considers threats we are all too aware of today, including epidemic disease and immigration. BAT CAVE tackles these issues and more, this time through the lens of a bald eagle, her friend a seagull, and multiple colonies of bats living in a cave, some bats local, some migrating through.

BAT CAVE is a fun, science-savvy, thought-provoking story appropriate for all ages. Like all books in The Critter Chronicle series, BAT CAVE is a small book based on a large premise—that story has the power to change the world. BAT CAVE is a category (YA) finalist in 2024 High Plains Book Awards!

A BAT CAVE Discussion Guide for Book Clubs and Classrooms is available. Download for free from the author's website!

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BAT CAVE is an intriguing journey that explores our important relationships with the natural world and our own human nature.

— Dr. Winifred Frick, Chief Scientist, Bat Conservation International


BAT CAVE is flat out wonderful! A mind-expanding, modern-day fable for all ages that makes you think, wonder, and care.

—Tom Vandel, author of THE BROKEN WORLD, 2022 High Plains Book Awards finalist


Scott Bischke’s BAT CAVE: A FABLE OF EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS is a fast-flying read that tells the tale of two feathered friends’ journey to Mexico for the winter. Volant the eagle and Gabby the seagull end up wintering on an island that is home to two large bat colonies. As they befriend the bats and learn about their lifestyles, Volant and Gabby become embroiled in the mystery of the humans who come to the island and take away some of their bat friends. An engaging story seen from a bird’s—and bat’s—eye view, BAT CAVE also informs the reader about the devastating disease, White-nose Syndrome, which has killed millions of bats.

— Eva Silverfine, author of EPHEMERAL WINGS


Scott Bischke tackles one of the most vexing problems for bat ecologists. He presents a captivating allegory on the challenges of studying wild populations through an exploration of White-nose Syndrome.

—Dr. Marty Zaluski, Montana State Veterinarian


BAT CAVE reinvigorates the time-honored tradition of teaching through parables. Beneath the light-hearted banter and storyline are lessons of the utmost importance. Highly recommended for all ages.

—Chris Beatty, Founder and Editor Emeritus, Ecopress


Scott Bischke does a fantastic job of integrating current events into his allegories, and readers of all ages will benefit from his books. In BAT CAVE, immigration is represented through the lens of local and migrating bats. The local bats declare ownership and refuse to share space and resources with those who arrive in large numbers and look different, bringing to light the injustice and cruelty of refusing those in need. Such storytelling can lead to great discussions in the classroom and beyond regarding immigration, colonization, and the judgements we make based on such minor details of humanity. THE CRITTER CHRONICLES engages readers to appreciate the intricate lives of the animals with whom we share the planet, while addressing the struggles of society and science from a perspective that is both approachable and enjoyable!

—Kelsey Green, Writing and Leadership Professor, Montana State University


BAT CAVE provides a unique opportunity for folks of all ages to learn about science and human nature via the journey and experiences of the critters in this tale. Similar to FISH TANK, BAT CAVE brings important themes to life—this time, related to disease—through the book's animal protagonists. Bischke's allegorical approach allows, even forces, us human readers to think a little bit harder about critical issues, which I appreciate and think others will, too. A thoughtful and entertaining read.

— Dr. Miranda Margetts, Assistant Research Professor, Montana State University

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2023

About the author

A Writer's Life in Four Simple Bullets
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* I have lived with my wife through her recurrent cancer, and have shared with her the joy — post cancer — of walking 3,000 miles along the Continental Divide.
* I express myself best in writing, though friends will tell you that I am hard to shut up.
* I have special love of a special place, Montana.
* I have never experienced writer's block.

Writing Books that Matter
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I am a reader, as well as a writer. I have a limited time each day, indeed in life, and I want the things I read to matter. Likewise, I want what I write to matter, to have a reason for being, to engage the reader. I believe that a good story, crafted well, has the power to change the world. I have published a number of popular press books, as described in this website. Each of my books, in its own way, presents a topic I found critically important at the time I wrote it...and still do. The books and their reason for being follow:

* Bat Cave: A Fable of Epidemic Proportions (Critter Chronicles, #2) — epidemic disease, societal decision making, and immigration

* Fish Tank: A Fable for Our Times (Critter Chronicles, #1)— natural resources, societal decision making, and climate change

* Crossing Divides: A Couples' Story of Cancer, Hope, and Hiking Montana's Continental Divide — health, nature, wilderness, healing from cancer

* Good Camel, Good Life: Finding Enlightenment One Drop of Sweat at a Time — health, yoga, spirituality, philosophy

* TrumpelStiltskin: A Fairy Tale — the election of our 45th president, as seen through a re-imagined fairy tale

* Two Wheels Around New Zealand: A Bicycle Journey on Friendly Roads — travel, adventure, escape, wilderness
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Reviews

[Scott Bischke · Rating 5 out of 5]

BAT A FABLE OF EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS—book #2 of The Critter Chronicles series—starts where FISH TANK: A FABLE FOR OUR TIMES left off. The allegory considers issues we are all too aware of today, including epidemic disease and immigration. BAT CAVE tackles these concerns and more, this time through the lens of a bald eagle, her friend a seagull, and multiple colonies of bats living in a cave, some bats local, some migrating by through. BAT CAVE is a science-savvy, fun, and thought-provoking story appropriate for all ages.

[Eva Silverfine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bat Cave" is a fast-flying read that tells the tale of two feathered friends’ journey to Mexico for the winter. Volant the eagle and Gabby the seagull end up wintering on an island that is home to two large bat colonies. As they befriend the bats and learn about their lifestyles, Volant and Gabby become embroiled in the mystery of the humans who come to the island and take away some of their bat friends. An engaging story seen from a bird’s—and bat’s—eye view, “Bat Cave” also informs the reader about the devastating disease, white-nose syndrome, which has killed millions of bats. A good read for a child who is interested in the living world around them.

[Tom Vandel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book that has animals that live and talk almost like humans - with issues that are common to all - like the environment, life struggles, and overcoming adversity. This is such a book. An interesting read for all ages. Bat Cave combines science, relationships, and the natural world in a delightfully engaging way. It’s an allegory for modern times - a fable that makes you think, wonder, and care - well worth reading. I look forward to the author’s continuing series of Critter Chronicles. His book Fish Tank is great, too.

[Elizabeth Benavidez · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, I should have read this in few hours but after 3 months I gave up. I just couldn’t get into it. I was interested about the turtle angle but that ended quickly and I again lost interest. Maybe not my genre? Was a NetGalley win that definitely felt like a loss.

[Christina Bergmans · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not connect with the characters in this book. I believe the characters were written for young children yet the book was trying to educate for an older children’s audience.

There were characters at the beginning and end of the book that really had no bearing on the story. I believe they may be in other books.

The book also did not have a great conclusion. I believe it may be in another book also.