Eamonn the bat

by Molly Arbuthnott

Eamonn is a bat who loves the light.While his friends sleep through the day, Eamonn explores Australia’s sunlit wonders – helping animals, sipping nectar, and soaking in the world’s beauty. But one mysterious flower won’t open in daylight, challenging everything Eamonn knows. With patience, Eamonn helps the flower discover the joy of the sun.

A gentle tale about being different, following your instincts, and the quiet magic of kindness, Eamonn the Bat is a warm, whimsical journey that shows young readers the value of perseverance, friendship, and embracing the light, even when no one else does.

32 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2025

About the author

Molly Arbuthnott is a teacher, author, editor, and academic from Scotland, UK. She's passionate about the promotion of children’s literature. With a solid understanding of literature and the ability to read, she believes you can take on the world. She has completed an M.A. in Art History and an M.Ed in children's literature. She has gone on to write nine award-winning picture books.

She uses experiences from life as inspiration for her writing. Teaming up with four fantastic illustrators has helped breathe life into the stories. Each story is loosely based on family or friends who have been important in her life whilst also trying to tell stories honestly and gently, singing praise to things we have to celebrate in our world. Teaching children to look out for others, work as a team, and not be afraid of doing the right thing is important. Such lessons might then filter through and be reflected in the way we live in the magical world around us.

Reviews

[Donald G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eamonn the Bat is the kind of book that parents, teachers, and book clubs treasure. It opens the door to conversations about individuality, empathy, and patience, while still being soothing enough for bedtime reading. Every age group takes something different from it, which makes it incredibly special.

[Thelma J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, comforting, and full of meaning. Perfect for discussion at any age.

[Veanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eamonn the bat is a lovely story about being different and living the way you want and the way that makes you happy, even though others don't completely understand. A story about choosing yourself and kindness to others. This book can be suitable for children of different ages, and teaches a simple but powerful lesson without wanting to teach a lesson or preaching.

[P.P. Rahayu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eamonn the Bat
by Molly Arbuthnott
3 out of 5 stars

I received this book from Booktasters in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

While a bat is usually only active at night, since they are nocturnal, it's different for Eamonn. They don't have the ability to see in the dark. Therefore, they ended up being active during the day, unlike their friends who sleep during the day. Since Eamonn is different, they have to adapt with what they have. For Eamonn, their weakness kind of gave them an advantage. At least, they can compete to get nectar from the flowers since their friends are still asleep. But one day, they met a beautiful flower. They wanted to see it bloom, but this flower never did. So, what were they supposed to do?

Imho, this book uses a similar pattern to the last book I read from Arbuthnott. This book talks about how to accept a different part of ourselves, and manage to adapt with it. At first, I thought it would be about how Eamonn eventually tries to adapt to typical bat characteristics, nocturnal and unable to be awake in broad daylight. But no, instead Eamonn is the one who ends up teaching the flower to adapt.

As a graphic book, I think it would be great if the text font and placement could blend more. It still felt pretty stiff. The illustrations also aren't very engaging, not as much as the Simon book, I think. But what I love is the detail about Australian things that are scattered throughout the entire story.

But as a one-sitting read, this is great for children and teachers to teach how to accept differences and how to adapt without fighting conformity.

[Gregory J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our family book club fell in love with Eamonn the Bat. It’s rare to find a story that speaks so gently yet so powerfully about being different. My younger children were enchanted by the imagery, while the older ones picked up on the deeper message about trusting your instincts. This book sparked the kind of conversations every parent hopes for.

[Sam M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eamonn’s love for the light immediately captured our group’s attention. The story feels calm, reassuring, and beautifully thoughtful. Readers of all ages found something to connect with from the soothing rhythm for younger listeners to the meaningful symbolism appreciated by teens. A truly inclusive story.

[Holly D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quiet triumph. Eamonn the Bat teaches perseverance and kindness without preaching. The flower’s journey mirrors the emotional growth children experience when learning patience and acceptance. We highly recommend this for classrooms, bedtime reading, and family discussions.

[Nina S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first we thought this was ‘just a kids’ book,’ but it turned out to be surprisingly deep. Eamonn’s choice to follow his own path really resonated with us. It’s a comforting reminder that it’s okay to be different and still bring light to others.”

[Dorothy D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My toddler loved the gentle language and animals, while my older child connected with the idea of standing apart from the crowd. I loved that the message was delivered with warmth, not force. This is a story that grows with your child.

[Karl F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The simplicity of Eamonn the Bat is its greatest strength. Young readers are soothed by the story, while older listeners begin to understand the deeper themes of empathy and perseverance. It’s rare to find a book that truly works from babyhood through the teenage years.

[Pamela T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a warm hug. Eamonn’s kindness, curiosity, and patience model the values we want our children to carry into the world. Every reading revealed something new, depending on the age of the listener.

[William M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were drawn in by the concept, but we stayed for the heart. The message about light both literal and emotional opened beautiful discussions about self-belief and compassion. This book encourages children to be gentle leaders.

[Adelaida B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandparents, parents, and children all found joy in Eamonn the Bat. The story’s calm wisdom and emotional sincerity make it a rare gem. It invites readers of every age to slow down and appreciate kindness.

[Sarah M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eamonn the Bat is exactly the kind of story book clubs look for meaningful, memorable, and emotionally resonant. It sparks conversation without overwhelming young readers and leaves everyone feeling hopeful. This is a book that lingers in the heart long after the last page.

[Arshiya Sultana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eamonn the Bat loves daylight while other bats sleep. He spends days exploring Australia, helping animals and enjoying the sun, until he meets a flower that only opens at night. With patience and kindness, Eamonn helps it find joy in the light. A gentle story about being different, trusting your instincts, and the quiet magic of perseverance and friendship.

I loved it though I’m unsure about the art style, this is my 3rd book by the same author, in first book I was in awe at the illustrations, in the second it was clearly ai generated and now, I’m not sure.

Overall, a good book fo kids if it doesn’t involve ai.

Thanks to @Booktasters for the e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jordan Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What a charming story! I didn’t expect to get so emotionally invested in a little bat’s daylight adventures. The message of embracing your uniqueness and persevering even when it’s hard really shines through. I also loved the subtle environmental touches learning about the animals and flowers of Australia was a lovely bonus. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys a quiet, thoughtful story."

[Hero Of Justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short story. You don't always need to abandon who you are to fit in or help others. And change within yourself or others can be a gradual, caring process :)

[Marcy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eamonn the Bat is one of those rare stories that feels gentle on the surface but carries a powerful message underneath. Little ones are drawn to the warmth and adventure, while older readers connect deeply with Eamonn’s courage to follow his own light. The story of the flower opening in its own time is beautifully handled and teaches patience and kindness in such a natural way. This book truly grows with the reader.

[ಸುಶಾಂತ ಕುರಂದವಾಡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book I'm reading from the same author. Previously I read Peanut the Hamster by the same author which was on a writer and his pet which again was a cute story. This story is also the same kind. Eamonn the bat is a sweet story about a bat who is different because he loves light instead of darkness. Even when others find him strange, he stays kind and true to himself. The story gently teaches lessons about being yourself, empathy, and respecting others. With its calm tone and soft illustrations, it is a simple and soothing read for children.

[Prashanth Bhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This childrens book is about a bat named eamonn. Which explores the Australian landscape. This bat likes the sunlight.

It helps a flower which only blooms at night.
This bat ,makes a unlikely friendship with flower and helps it to bloom at sunlight.

Loved it

[Angela D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our entire family fell in love with Eamonn. Babies enjoyed the calm rhythm, younger children adored the animals and sunshine, and teens found meaning in the idea of trusting your instincts even when you stand alone. It’s rare to find a book that speaks so gracefully to every age. This is a story that stays in your heart long after the last page.

[Russell R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers such an important message without ever feeling heavy. Eamonn’s love for the light and his patience with the mysterious flower show children that kindness doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. The Australian setting adds a lovely sense of wonder, and the message of perseverance makes this a perfect read for young readers and teens alike.

[Komal Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eamonn the bat is a heartwarming picture book which follows the story of a bat who prefers the daytime when the other bats sleep. The book celebrates kindness and encourages one to follow your own path. Overall, this is a perfect story for bedtime read.

[Michael T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The relationship between Eamonn and the flower is beautifully symbolic. It teaches young readers that not everyone blooms the same way or at the same time and that’s okay. This message resonates deeply with teens, while younger children simply enjoy the calm adventure and warmth of the story.

[Annie J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender, luminous story that celebrates being different in the most comforting way.

[Robert N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm, whimsical, and full of quiet magic. A beautiful read for all ages.

[Richard M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A soft, thoughtful story that encourages children to shine in their own way.

[Robert R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gentle storytelling with a powerful heart. Truly memorable.

[Phyllis R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timeless, heartwarming book that encourages kindness, patience, and confidence from babyhood through the teenage years.

[Lavinia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I really appreciated the gentle lessons about patience and kindness in this story. Eamonn’s curiosity about the world and his willingness to help others made him instantly likable. I think the pacing is perfect for young readers, though I wish there had been a bit more tension with the mysterious flower it felt like the climax could have been a little bigger. Still, a heartwarming read with beautiful illustrations."