*currently out of print, check second-hand shops and online stores!*
“Bats can’t launch off the ground into flight like birds do, so instead they climb to a high point, hang upside down, and launch into flight”. I had always wondered about this. I am also delighted to discover that there are megabats and microbats.
An accessible and useful introduction to bats, with clear illustrations and an informative and engaging text. This would be perfect for anyone with an interest – it is a children’s book, suitable for interested kids of primary school age, but I learnt a lot from it too. It’s beautifully presented and would make a smashing gift.
It extends beyond basic cool information to helpfully dispel myths about bats: “vampire bats actually look after other bats in their colony by feeding them when they are sick.” Explanations of threats to bats, and positive practical suggestions of how to help them, make the book more interactive and relevant.
I’m a confirmed fan of these magical animals, and have been lucky enough to see bats swooping in to roost in London. This remains one of the wildlife wonder moments of my life.
If The Bat Book has whetted your appetite and you want to know more, this is a great place to start. Bat-tastic!