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Les petits dégoûtants #8
The Bat
Hilarious illustrated nonfiction about bats perfect for beginning readers. Conversational text and silly illustrations will have you up all night reading about the only flying mammal on Earth!
Fast bat facts:
* Distinctive trait: The only flying mammal
* Diet: Insects, fruit and even animal blood
* Special talent: Sleeping upside down
The Bat covers habitat (bats live everywhere except Antarctica!), species (there are over 1,200 kinds of bats), echolocation, hibernation (bats hibernate just like bears!), conservation (don't disturb a sleeping bat!) and much more. Although silly and off-the-wall, The Bat contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.
Fast bat facts:
* Distinctive trait: The only flying mammal
* Diet: Insects, fruit and even animal blood
* Special talent: Sleeping upside down
The Bat covers habitat (bats live everywhere except Antarctica!), species (there are over 1,200 kinds of bats), echolocation, hibernation (bats hibernate just like bears!), conservation (don't disturb a sleeping bat!) and much more. Although silly and off-the-wall, The Bat contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 4, 2020
2 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 27, 2019
This is a cute non-fiction title for younger readers that's all about bats: what they eat, where they sleep, how they fly, and whether or not we should be afraid of them (we shouldn't). The simple illustrations featuring a fourth wall-breaking bat are fun and informative.
I already knew some of the information in this book, but I still learned quite a few things; kids will likely learn even more. This would be a great title for kids who are interested in the natural world, and in bats in particular. It could be a great non-fiction title to have in the classroom around Halloween, too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.
I already knew some of the information in this book, but I still learned quite a few things; kids will likely learn even more. This would be a great title for kids who are interested in the natural world, and in bats in particular. It could be a great non-fiction title to have in the classroom around Halloween, too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books (NY) for providing a digital ARC.
December 5, 2019
A cute little informational book that teaches kids about bats with lots of facts and sweet illustrations.
Thanks Netgalley for the digital ARC.
Thanks Netgalley for the digital ARC.
April 9, 2020
Some animals are scary to children.
The bat is scary to some children.
How do you combat the scariness?
Silly illustrations. Speech bubbles. That ought to do it.
Now add all the fascinating information about bats (and there is a lot of fascinating information about bats) and you have an ideal first reader for young children.
The bat is scary to some children.
How do you combat the scariness?
Silly illustrations. Speech bubbles. That ought to do it.
Now add all the fascinating information about bats (and there is a lot of fascinating information about bats) and you have an ideal first reader for young children.
November 25, 2019
Another wonderful entry into the fun and informative Disgusting Creatures series. Elise Gravel has become one of my favorite children's authors. Highly recommended!
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
May 22, 2021
As I love bats, I just had to read this. It was calling to me. It's adorably illustrated and has info that's easy to process for kids and would be good conversation starters! :)
January 16, 2024
Engaging, informational, and easy access for emerging readers in late elementary (or advanced in lower el). I would invest in this entire series for a nonfiction unit in 4th!
January 18, 2020
Bats are incredible creatures--a valuable part of the ecosystem, they see via echolocation, they eat bugs, and above all else, they're quite handsome! A simple yet inviting book to educate about bats, The Bat makes for an entertaining and at times comical picture book. The bat aids in narrating this text, and helps younger readers stay involved. The illustrations are just darling, and the information about bats presented isn't too difficult to understand for even the earliest reader. A great, informational book that's perfect for the child who enjoys the potentially creepy. Perfect for grades K-2.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
November 19, 2019
Elise gravel style of writing, drawing and humor, all in a informative book about bats. This informative/funny book combo isn't one of my favorite, but that is only personal, Children will probably learn and laugh and I can,t go against that!
November 23, 2019
I received a copy of this arc from NetGalley for an honest review. I love all of Elise Gravel's books about animals and this new one about bats is just as good. Lots of funny illustrations and great info for kids.
May 28, 2020
My 3 year old thought this was very cool.
July 8, 2021
Funny informational fiction book about bats. Elise Gavel’s illustrations help keep this book entertaining.
November 15, 2018
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce petit documentaire sur les chiroptères. Le texte m'a paru assez complet pour une première approche, il aborde vite fait le cycle de vie de la chauve-souris, son alimentation et quelques unes de ses particularités physiques. Les illustrations sont mignonnes et rajoutent un peu d'humour, il y a aussi quelques bulles à lire, ce qui donne à l'ensemble un côté décontracté et léger. J'ai hâte de lire celui sur les araignées !
June 26, 2022
Second best book in the series according to my kid. Second only to, "the Slug," in his opinion. Although "the Worm" was also very good.
January 11, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Bat is a cute nonfiction picture book aimed at youngsters showing the coolness and usefulness of bats. Originally published in 2016 in French, this English edition is due out 4th Feb 2020 from Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, has 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
The art is whimsical and appealing (see cover), and the text is fact based and scientifically accurate. The important ecological niches and functions that bats perform are explained in accessible age-appropriate language as well as the challenges they face confronted with disappearing habitat, pollution, and other problems in the world today.
This would make a super choice for classroom/public library, homeschool library, or gift. Really cute and worthwhile subject for young readers. The graphic design and interactive dialogue would also lend itself quite easily to a bedtime read. My only quibble with the book is that it's apparently one of a series called (in English) 'Disgusting Critters' and while I do know that 'disgusting' is meant as an attractive choice of words for kids, and it's a book with a 100% positive slant toward bats as interesting and vital, it just sat wrong with me. I wish they could've called the series Cool Critters, or Interesting Critters or something. I'm a middle aged science nerd, so I think flatworms are cool, so I'm obviously not the target audience.
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Bat is a cute nonfiction picture book aimed at youngsters showing the coolness and usefulness of bats. Originally published in 2016 in French, this English edition is due out 4th Feb 2020 from Penguin Random House on their Tundra imprint, has 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
The art is whimsical and appealing (see cover), and the text is fact based and scientifically accurate. The important ecological niches and functions that bats perform are explained in accessible age-appropriate language as well as the challenges they face confronted with disappearing habitat, pollution, and other problems in the world today.
This would make a super choice for classroom/public library, homeschool library, or gift. Really cute and worthwhile subject for young readers. The graphic design and interactive dialogue would also lend itself quite easily to a bedtime read. My only quibble with the book is that it's apparently one of a series called (in English) 'Disgusting Critters' and while I do know that 'disgusting' is meant as an attractive choice of words for kids, and it's a book with a 100% positive slant toward bats as interesting and vital, it just sat wrong with me. I wish they could've called the series Cool Critters, or Interesting Critters or something. I'm a middle aged science nerd, so I think flatworms are cool, so I'm obviously not the target audience.
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 20, 2022
Elise, please be my friend?!
I know reviews are supposed to be like literary, smart, insightful snippets that attract other readers and I will get there in a moment, I promise, but first and foremost: I desperately want to join the ‘Organisation for the Defence of Disgusting Critters. I’ll happily intern!
Ok, shameless begging done, let’s get into ‘The Bat’...
This is one of THE most accessible and informative Bat Books I have ever read.
Its simplistic design means that the facts really hit home and give the reader space and time to let them land.
The child- friendly language used is tone perfect.
It informs without condescending and it explains the science/ information in a really funny manner that I know for a fact kids will regurgitate to anyone that will listen!
The illustrations are absolutely on par, if not not more so than the insightful content, the characters really ‘pop’ and the expressions you have managed to capture? *Chef’s kiss*.
The entire book is a factual, funny delight and I am now immediately on my way to order the entirety of the Disgusting Critters series…
(Elise: My offer of joining the O.D.D.C will remain open with no expiration time limit- I am a patient, immortal Witch after all!)
I know reviews are supposed to be like literary, smart, insightful snippets that attract other readers and I will get there in a moment, I promise, but first and foremost: I desperately want to join the ‘Organisation for the Defence of Disgusting Critters. I’ll happily intern!
Ok, shameless begging done, let’s get into ‘The Bat’...
This is one of THE most accessible and informative Bat Books I have ever read.
Its simplistic design means that the facts really hit home and give the reader space and time to let them land.
The child- friendly language used is tone perfect.
It informs without condescending and it explains the science/ information in a really funny manner that I know for a fact kids will regurgitate to anyone that will listen!
The illustrations are absolutely on par, if not not more so than the insightful content, the characters really ‘pop’ and the expressions you have managed to capture? *Chef’s kiss*.
The entire book is a factual, funny delight and I am now immediately on my way to order the entirety of the Disgusting Critters series…
(Elise: My offer of joining the O.D.D.C will remain open with no expiration time limit- I am a patient, immortal Witch after all!)
February 3, 2020
I love the whole vibe of this book! It's educational and also very humorous. Kid's will love the little personable CHIROPTERA ( the scientific name ) for a bat. He chats throughout the story giving the reader a wonderful sense of his witty personality and also an understanding of the true facts that are presented about him. It's a perfect combo for kids of all ages to learn about his uniqueness: that he hibernates, sleeps hanging upside down, and his special gift of echolocation just to name a few. Wow!
They will discover that he is a mammal, the only mammal that can fly. Bat babies are born live and furry and their mommy feeds them her milk. Later on they eat insects, fruit and some even drink animal blood to survive and grow into maturity.
"The Bat" will not only entertain but teach which is wonderful. The illustrations and sweet quirky comments of the little guy will have the reading audience smiling and connecting with him all throughout.
This book is the 6th book in the series " Disgusting Critters."
I highly, highly recommend this book and the entire series.
They will discover that he is a mammal, the only mammal that can fly. Bat babies are born live and furry and their mommy feeds them her milk. Later on they eat insects, fruit and some even drink animal blood to survive and grow into maturity.
"The Bat" will not only entertain but teach which is wonderful. The illustrations and sweet quirky comments of the little guy will have the reading audience smiling and connecting with him all throughout.
This book is the 6th book in the series " Disgusting Critters."
I highly, highly recommend this book and the entire series.
February 12, 2020
The Bat by Elise Gravel is an illustrated nonfiction book about bats perfect for beginning readers. It is currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020. This book uses conversational text and silly illustrations to teach readers about habitat (bats live everywhere except Antarctica!), species (there are over 1,200 kinds of bats), echolocation, hibernation (bats hibernate just like bears!), conservation (don't disturb a sleeping bat!) and much more. Although silly and off-the-wall, it contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.
The Bat gives the youngest readers a good introduction to facts about bats. There are some interesting facts, and important information about safety and why bats are not scary. The illustrations are fun and bold, with a touch of silly to keep the readers engaged.The text and images on each page work together perfectly and keep the narrative moving along nicely. I found the balance of fun and fact to be good for those readers with short attention spans, and that prefer the sillier stories to non fiction text. I think this would be a hit with the preschool and lower elementary school crowd.
The Bat gives the youngest readers a good introduction to facts about bats. There are some interesting facts, and important information about safety and why bats are not scary. The illustrations are fun and bold, with a touch of silly to keep the readers engaged.The text and images on each page work together perfectly and keep the narrative moving along nicely. I found the balance of fun and fact to be good for those readers with short attention spans, and that prefer the sillier stories to non fiction text. I think this would be a hit with the preschool and lower elementary school crowd.
May 4, 2020
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
“The Bat” is a great nonfiction book that is part of what would most likely be a high interest, high circulating book series in an elementary library! Through fun illustrations and easy to understand facts, this book gives a great introduction to bats at an elementary level. Even though the illustrations have a sense of humor (like a bat talking to Batman about echolocation), the facts provided are so well written and include enough information that this book could be used for elementary school research projects. Highly recommended and can’t wait to check out the rest of the series.
“The Bat” is a great nonfiction book that is part of what would most likely be a high interest, high circulating book series in an elementary library! Through fun illustrations and easy to understand facts, this book gives a great introduction to bats at an elementary level. Even though the illustrations have a sense of humor (like a bat talking to Batman about echolocation), the facts provided are so well written and include enough information that this book could be used for elementary school research projects. Highly recommended and can’t wait to check out the rest of the series.
February 17, 2020
'The Bat' with words and illustrations by Elise Gravel is a fun nonfiction book for young readers.
On the first page, the bat is introduced. We learn facts about its fingers how many species there are. We learn what bats eat how they sleep.
The illustrations are fun. The facts are pretty cool. A young reader might need help with words like chiroptera, but that's part of the fun. It's a nicely written science book with lots of fun pictures.
I received a review copy of this ebook issue from Tundra Books, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
On the first page, the bat is introduced. We learn facts about its fingers how many species there are. We learn what bats eat how they sleep.
The illustrations are fun. The facts are pretty cool. A young reader might need help with words like chiroptera, but that's part of the fun. It's a nicely written science book with lots of fun pictures.
I received a review copy of this ebook issue from Tundra Books, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
March 18, 2020
I absolutely loved this book along with The Cockroach! I will be adding both of these titles to my classroom library (along with whatever other book that Elise Gravel has that is similar). This is the type of book my students love to read. They crave nonfiction information. Bats have always had a soft spot in my heart and I can't wait to share with my students! love the illustrations and the comments from the bat throughout the story. So fun!
March 30, 2020
A cute book with interesting tidbits of information about bats, made even better by the adorable illustrations and commentary from the bats and other creatures shown. It contains good advice (leave them alone and they won't hurt you), and helps to dismiss some of the negative beliefs people have about them. Bats are very helpful, they should get more love! A fun, engaging read for early readers.
#TheBat #NetGalley
#TheBat #NetGalley
July 31, 2021
The bat is your friend! Those are the last words of this very interesting, and humorously illustrated and presented story. Simply explained are the facts that the bat is the only mammal that can fly; what their wings are like; how many species of bats there are; where they live; what they eat; how they sleep. Also explained are hibernation, echolocation, the threat of extinction, and how important bats are to nature.
January 28, 2020
This picture book introduces facts about bats in a fun way! The illustrations are fun and engaging, with good scientific content behind it. Even the typeset adds interest, with different sizes and colors highlighting information.
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 10, 2023
A cute and funny story about bats. The minimal illustrations are clever, and the text a good introduction. If you know the information and facts already, it reinforces that, but I'm sure you can find a new fact or two. The animal lover will get a kick out of it. And though Bats get a bad rap, you'll have a great time reading (up to young third grade, but more five to eight), or being read to.
October 15, 2025
So I learned that a bat can be as big as a human and proceeded to Google images of giant bats. I may or may not have nightmares. Anyhow, this is a great resource for learning about bats. I used the eBook version in Libby and the TV to share the book with my storytime kiddos. We also did a bat flannel activity and sang some spooky songs.
November 25, 2019
***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Bats scare many people, but I think they are fascinating and I'm excited that this book portrayed them in a fun and interesting light.
Bats scare many people, but I think they are fascinating and I'm excited that this book portrayed them in a fun and interesting light.
December 5, 2019
Fun factual story about bats. It's written for kids 9 and younger, I think. It's pretty simplistic, but has lots of good vocabulary words to help kids learn to read. The illustrations were really nice.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
December 20, 2019
I was given this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had never tried these books before, but they are just great. Gross enough to delight little boys but packed with good information and darlimg illustrations.
The bat was particularly endearing. Highly reccomend!
I had never tried these books before, but they are just great. Gross enough to delight little boys but packed with good information and darlimg illustrations.
The bat was particularly endearing. Highly reccomend!
July 19, 2021
Elise Gravel creates absolutely delightful nonfiction titles for younger readers. They are so much fun, you hardly know you are learning. She proves that bats are fascinating in this one. I appreciate that she even mentions how we humans are threatening bats with extinction.
July 19, 2022
I am a huge fan of Elise Gravel. The illustrations are always on point. I learned so much about bats. Elise does a great job of making these books in the series informative but also engaging and fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews