Their goal is the old drive in movie screen we see in the back ground. Bat Jamboree was an Osage County First Grade often chosen work for Teacher reading aloud during the 15 minute quiet period following lunch recess, and as the sitting on the rug readying to go home Teacher reading aloud.

This fun counting book often was taken for DEAR reading period early in the school term, and continued to be chosen as a fun Halloween read during October.

The Bat Jamboree is a show featuring 55 bats who have been drilling for this grand entertainment. It was well attended, standing room only; the crowd settled in and the houselights dimmed.

Bats festive in costume began their routines, one sang, others tapped, some doubled up and danced the Cotton Eye Joe.

1 bat sang.

2 bats flapped.

3 bats cha-cha-ed

4 bats tapped.

Bats in hats, some wearing saddle shoes, others spiffy in tuxedos, and some balancing balls on their noses all were cheered and cheered again.

At last; it was time for the grand finale: The Acro Bats, showed off skill performing cartwheels, and wingsprings, there were bat flips and the best of all came as some fluttered and others flew, some jived up and others dove down, on and on and on the bats continued until the bat lady flew right up to the very top of the great Bat Jamboree Pyramid.

Osage County First Grade, as well as more Little Readers attending our school genuinely adore this book; the tattered cover and well worn pages bear witness to that declaration.

I like the book too. It is jam packed with a marvelous wealth of vocabulary, and discussion points. Illustrations by Melissa Sweet are every bit as originative, kid friendly and occupied with the joyfulness as is text set down by writer Kathi Appelt.

The old drive in movie screen used as the jamboree backcloth becomes a source of interest and conversation. What was a Friday night staple for many across the nation during my childhood has gone the way of the dinosaur. Children in my class have never seen one.

I especially like the costumes worn by the batty performers; the class and I talk and talk and talk.  Here in our area, Pow Wow is something all the students have awareness for.

Native American or not, Pow Wow and native dress is recognized, however, dwelling as we do in a small agrarian type village; many of the children have little understanding of the world beyond a few miles distant.

Each year I taught First Grade to Osage County six and seven year olds, my students were intrigued with the attire worn by the bats.  My Students pondered what the parts of the costumes might mean, or where in the world they may originate.

Getting out our maps and finding South America when noting the 3 cha cha chaing bats helped the students gain an awareness that Native Dress helps set apart and identify peoples of the nation and the world. We discussed percussion, and fretted and stringed instruments as we noticed the 6 bats in three quarter time.

Text set down by Writer Appelt is pulsating, kid friendly and just plain entertaining to read. Art works from artist Melissa Sweet flowing across 2 page spreads presented in spirited colors and shaded tints depicting whimsical cows and sheep, moose and raccoons all sitting with bear and foxes whilst watching those jovial, skilled, well trained bats.

Counting to 55 and back again has never been easier or more entertaining.

Happy to recommend Kathi Appelt’s - Bat Jamboree

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Reviewed by  Molly Reviews BOOKS molly martin

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Internet search including the authors web site indicates::Author Kathi Appelt has written a number of books for children, including Bayou Lullaby, Hushabye, Baby Blue, and Toddler Two-Step. She lives in Texas, where she was raised, and never tires of riding the range.

About her writing she says: "I like to draw directly from my own life when I write, because that's what I know best and feel most strongly about. Sometimes I write about feelings of joy … I've loved horses since I was very young, and The Thunderherd was an opportunity to express that love.

As much as I loved horses, however, I was afraid of bats. Because writing helps me overcome my fears, I decided to write a book about bats; this became Bat Jamboree. Writing that book helped me see bats differently and even to laugh about my fears. Now I appreciate and love bats almost as much as horses.

"Kathi Appelt lives in College Station, Texas, with her husband, Ken, a schoolteacher, and their two sons, Jacob and Cooper.

 Melissa Sweet, Artist/Illustrator: Born in 1956 in Wyckoff, New Jersey grew up in a classic, suburban neighborhood filled with kids, kick-the-can games on summer nights, and Percy's candy store right nearby.

Sweet attended Endicott College and Kansas City Art Institute before beginning her career illustrating children's books in 1986.

Sweet has illustrated more than 40 books. Her work can also be seen in magazines, on posters, children's toys and food packaging.