BERK, Ari. Nightsong. illus. by Loren Long. 48p. CIP. S & S. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7886-2; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8552-5. LC 2009026608.
K-Gr 3–Not since Janell Cannon’s Stellaluna (Harcourt, 1993) have readers been introduced to such a charming young bat learning to navigate his world. Night closes in and Chiro’s mother tells him it’s time for him to fly alone; he will succeed if he uses his song, otherwise known as his “good sense,” to guide him. Though timid about being on his own, the young bat ventures into the dark unknown and, remembering his mother’s words, begins to sing. His song bounces off objects, enabling him to gain confidence as he goes farther from home than he would have ever thought possible. His growing self-assurance, natural curiosity, and newly acquired skill of finding his own food embolden him. The text extends the darkness by appearing bright in the center and fading to darker near the edges, though it is still clear and easy to decipher. Acrylic and graphite illustrations reveal a dark night and a sweet, cuddly bat with a freckled nose and long pointed ears. Children in groups or one-on-one readings will enjoy hearing about this endearing character’s adventure.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
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