How Bats "see" in the Dark

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5These brief series entries take one particular aspect of an animal, albeit the most critical and distinctive one, and expand upon general material that is available in other sources. Bats offers a detailed explanation of echolocation, explaining the external and internal physiological characteristics of various bats that allow them to navigate and hunt without sight. What makes this book unusual is the human aspect of the story as the scientific process of discovery is unraveled, and the fact that there are still mysteries about bats to be discovered is mentioned. Material about other animals that use echolocation is included, as well as the uses that humans have made of sonar due to their studies of bats. Birds takes a similar look at flight, investigating the internal and external design of their bodies and using examples and explanations to clarify the complexity of the topic. Thrust and drag, formation, take-off and landing, gliding, and control are explained. Both books include many clear full-color photographs and diagrams and current lists for further reading. These are good choices for collections needing more than the basic kind of information found in books like Frank Greenaway's Amazing Bats (1991) and Alexandra Parsons's Amazing Birds (1990, both Knopf).Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL