The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats: A Scientific Mystery (Junior Library Guild Selection)

great book, found it cheap (used) and i got it almost next day!

With bat decorations just around the corner for Halloween, now is a perfect time to check out this wonderful nonfiction science book with any curious young scientists in your life.The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats is about the recent fungal infections (white-nose syndrome) that has decimated brown bat populations in North America.As a biologist and bat lover myself, I appreciated the way that Markle told this scientific story of epidemiology in an engaging way that can introduce children to diverse concepts: the wonders of nature, the effects of the microbial world on larger familiar organisms, the process of scientific investigation, the power of curiosity and creativity, and the importance and benefit of research.Markle relates these rather complex ideas with straightforward language that is ideal for a middle school (or even late elementary) aged child, all in the format of a ‘scientific mystery': the observation that something is wrong with bats and the steps that were taken to try and discover what was causing the problem. Only then, with dedicated research and understanding can the problem be addressed, a mystery must be solved.Apparently this book is part of an entire series, so I’ll have to look into the other titles offered. Although I could only look at this on a Kindle, the photos and illustrations are plentiful, bright, and well-done. I should note that given the topic of a deadly disease of bats, there are illustrations that may be considered ‘gross’ or ‘uncomfortable’. I appreciate the honesty that the text and photos show in just how awfully devastating disease can be for any organism and the price that must be paid to try and determine its cause and treat it. I also really appreciated the realistic images of scientists just simply doing their work in the lab, the latest equipment at hand.This book is really a great opportunity to expose a child to the wonder of nature and the appeal of science. It makes complex, and perhaps even frightening realities accessible to children and may help inspire curiosity or dreams in a future scientific researcher.Disclaimer: I received a free advanced electronic reading copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review originally posted at Reading1000Lives.com.

Researcher Kate Langwig found a small brown bat hanging from the cave of an abandoned mine. It should have been no big deal. After all, hadn’t there been thousands and thousands of them in caves in the Adirondacks? On the contrary, it was cause for great celebration because instead of being a common bat, “their numbers had dropped so much that scientists wondered whether the bats should be listed as an endangered species.” Even a lone bat was good news. By 2013, everyone realized that whatever was killing off the brown bat population just could have dire consequences for the human one. The brown bat is an insect eater and with no one to eat those disease-bearing insects, we too could be part of the fallout.It all began in 2007 when a team of researchers headed out to check the bat population in Hailes Cave near Albany, New York. Instead of finding hibernating bats, many of them had taken to the air. Inside the cave they “discovered the bodies of dead bats–lots of them.” None of the bats were hibernating, but rather were in various stages of awakening or movement. Another odd thing was that there were “little brown bats with white fuzz on their noses.” What could that possibly be and did it have something to do with the large numbers of bats who were dying? Perhaps it was nothing and scientists decided that it was simply a “one-time event.” Unfortunately, it was not and the unusual deaths didn’t stop.The deaths of the little brown bats was certainly perplexing and “when scientists are racing against time to solve a mystery,” they are forced to look at several angles. Everything from climate change, to pesticides, and viruses had to be pondered and checked out. Scientists hit those labs and began testing tissue samples while other researchers began to check into cave conditions and temperatures. Whatever was the culprit had to be found and fast. Perhaps there were clues to be found in those fuzzy noses, but “on the way to the lab, the white fuzz disappeared. The mystery began to deepen and the scientists and researchers redoubled their efforts. Would they find out why the little brown bats were disappearing before they became extinct?This story is a mix of science and mystery, a combination that young readers love. The story is very engaging and the layout exciting. The pages are alive photographs of the brown bats and scientists and researchers determined to help them. The reader will be fascinated by not only the little brown bats, but the scientific community. It’s a mystery that will keep them turning those pages, anxious to find out just what was causing the little brown bats to die off. The stunning photograph of several of the little brown bats with fuzz on their noses is particularly startling in light of what was going on. In the back of the book is an index, a glossary, sections on how students can offer to help the bats, and additional book and website resources to explore.This book courtesy of the publisher.

The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats: A Scientific Mystery by Sandra Markle follows a group of scientists as they investigate the disappearance of the beloved brown bat population. This engaging mystery combines a well-researched narrative with high-quality color photographs.Like her award-winning scientific mysteries focusing on golden frogs and honeybees in “The Case of the Vanishing…” series, this book focuses on a real-world investigation. The scientific aspects are made accessible through clear explanations and authentic examples.The book’s layout will appeal to youth readers. Annotated photographs are useful for children who wish to skim the book before reading. Maps and labeled diagrams help readers visualize key concepts. Interesting questions are used as headings and subheadings to guide reading.Additional resources provided by the author will be of particular interest to teachers and librarians. These include an author’s note, local/global efforts, glossary, digging deep information, and an index. In addition, the exemplary informational text would be useful in addressing the Common Core Curriculum.While many library collections already have many “fact books” about bats, this book provides a unique, fresh perspective on the topic.The combination of fascinating science with an engaging mystery are perfect of the target youth audience.Learn more about Sandra Markle and her books at her blog at http://sandra-markle.blogspot.com/.