October 24th is the beginning of National Bat Week (24th to 31st). This is to learn about bats and their impact on nature. And on us. I have several kids books about bats. First is “Stellaluna” by Janell Cannon, 1993.
Stellaluna is a fruit bat, and we read about her growing up.
My next book is “Bats at the Library” by Brian Lies, published 2008. This book tells the story of how bats can visit the local library if the window is left open. This is a wonderful story of bats-both young and old, who are enjoying a bat-night at the library.
But honestly, most everyone thinks of bats because of vampires, especially so close to Halloween. So I have a few: First is “A Clutch of Vampires” by Raymond T. McNally, published 1974. This book delves into the various accounts of vampires throughout the ages, from history and stories. A very interesting read.
The next book is “The Dracula Book of Great Vampire Stories” edited by Leslie Shepard, 1977. This is a collection of old vampire stories, including one from Bram Stoker before he wrote his novel.
I also have an illustrated edition of “Dracula” the play by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston, 1993. Deane wrote the play in 1924, and it was rewritten in 1927 for the US audiences. Bela Lagosi was the first star of the Dracula play in the US-playing it over 1000 times. He later starred in the Dracula movie in 1931. Jeremy Brett (before starring in Sherlock Holmes), and Raul Julia (before starring in the Addams Family Movies) were also in the stage play. Frank Langella was on Broadway as Dracula in 1978, and then made a movie “Dracula” in 1979.
I have the book “The Seal of Dracula” by Barrie Pattison, 1975. This is a history of the Dracula movies, beginning with the silent movies. It then goes into talkies, and then various countries and their spins, including English, Italian, Mexico, and Spanish. This is another great book on the history of Vampires, in movies.
Of course one has to have “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, 1897.
But let’s flitter back to the bat. I have the pop-up book “Wings-Things That Fly” by Nick Bantock, 1990.
In the book is a nice pop-up of a bat.
The author reminds us that bats are the only true flying mammal. The bat fingers are the wing support, and the wings are made of skin. The smallest bat has a wingspan of one inch, to the largest of up to six feet. That is a big bat.
Bat’s all, folks!
Librarytomes 