BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Donna M Bateman

Title: Deep in the Swamp
Author: Donna M Bateman
Illustrator: Brian Lies
Publisher: Scholastic
Ages: 4-8

Synopsis: 

"Deep in the swamp, in the warm morning sun,

Lived a mother river otter and her little pup One.

'Splash!' said the mother. 'I splash,' said the One.

So they splashed and they played in the warm morning sun."

Why you should read it: 

I have read many versions of this type of story but, being Cajun, of course the fact Ms. Bateman's putting a twist on a bayou tale captures my interest right away. Illustrator Brian Lies brings the creatures of the swamp to life while incorporating vibrant detail of the flora found in southern Louisiana. If you've read a lot of variations to this original story you might not want to read another one. But if you are new to this basic tale or just love reading about life on the bayou, you will want to add this book to your collection.

Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 4 out of 5...think about it.

 

**Rating scale**

 5 out of 5...grab it!

 4 out of 5...think about it.

 3 out of 5...take or leave it.

 2 out of 5...maybe not for you.

 1 out of 5...forget about it!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Brian Lies

Title:  Bats At The Beach

Author/Illustrator:  Brian Lies

Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Company

Ages: 4 to 8

"Sun slips down and all is still,

and soon we can't tell sky from hill.

Now from barn and cave and rafter,

bats pour out with shrieks of laughter."

Synopsis: The sun has set and now the fun begins as all the bats gather for a trip to the beach. Roasting bug-mallows and wing-boat races are just some of the adventures to be had as bats take advantage of the moonlight on a deserted beach.

Why you should read it: I love the idea of playing at the beach but being allergic to the sun, I can appreciate the bats wanting to wait until the sun goes down. Mr. Lies' wonderful illustrations enhance the lyrical words of this rhyming picture book. Readers young and old will eagerly turn the pages of this whimsical book to see what these little bats will do next!

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5...grab it!