Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

Bat is such a melodramatic joy to perform! This is a wonderfully expressive story (in both words and pictures) that children will enjoy rereading on their own.

What works well in my readings: "show me your angry/sad/lion face," stop to count the cherries, two-fingered eye gesture to mean "I'm watching!" with "I will know if you take one"

-why it’s great:
-collection connection:
-songs & rhymes: "Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around" little bat edition, "Form a banana," "Apples and bananas," "1-2-3-4, someone’s at the kitchen door,” "Fruit salad"
-book talks:
-literacy asides:

Bat is a grumpy character, who states that he does not like mornings, but likes cherries. Bat guards his cherries, but when he puts them down they begin to disappear. His expressions are wonderful. We see other animals eating the cherries at the top of the page. When they leave him other fruit in exchange, he realizes that he likes fruit in general. A nice way to show children that if you taste food, you may find you like other things.

The illustrations were colourful and show expressions well. The story is adorable, especially for JK/SK classrooms. It is a picture book appropriate for ages 4 and up. I would recommend this book to schools, kindergarten classrooms and family libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

A territorial bat informs the reader that his cherries, which he likes very much, are off limits. Unfortunately for him, while he threatens the reader with retribution should she steal his fruit, a series of animals make off with his sweet, red treasures behind his back. Fortunately for him, they offer him a pear in exchange...

I Am a Bat is the first picture-book I have read from British author/illustrator Morag Hood, but I certainly hope it will not be the last. The story is entertaining, and the illustrations, done in lino print and collage, are bright and colorful - sure to keep young children engaged. The combination of humorous text with eye-popping artwork make this a good read-aloud selection for story-time. ( )