Bat Citizens

Finished March 13
Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night by Rob Laidlaw

This informative book is about a number of young people who have become engaged with bats. Some with saving bat habitats. Some with helping with research into bats, the diseases that affect them, or their behaviour. Some with working to help people understand the important role bats play in the ecosystems they live in, and educating people about the facts and myths about this elusive mammal.
I've always been kind of interested in bats, first encountering them personally as a teenager at a summer cottage. After reading about them in Diane Ackerman's book The Moon by Whale Light, I developed a stronger interest.
This book is a great way for kids to learn more about bats and the different species that exist from miniscule to ones with two metre wingspans. There are lots of pictures, including a poster that comes with the book, and the format has short single page articles on different bats, traits, and the defenders. There are also numerous sidebars of Bat Facts, and Batty Ideas that will appeal to kids. The final pages include a list of ways that the reader can help bats, organizations that help bats, and a glossary of terms that will help with understanding.
This will make a great addition to public and school libraries, and, hopefully, engage more young people in defending bats and their environment.