Description
Cricket McKay is on the case!
Cricket McKay and her best friend, Shilo, are enjoying the last few weeks of summer vacation when they discover that something is killing bats around Grandpa McKay's farm. Could the new wind turbines be the cause? The kids do some detective work and then jump into action coming up with a plan to save the bats.
Bats in Trouble is the third book featuring animal-activist Cricket MacKay. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Contributor Notes
Pamela McDowell’s first career was in education, teaching junior high and high school. She has written more than forty nonfiction books for children. Pamela grew up in Alberta and enjoys writing about the diverse animals and habitats of her home province. Pamela lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, two kids and an Australian shepherd.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 6 to 8
- Grade:
- 1 to 3
- Reading age:
- 6 to 8
Awards
- Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Books
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
Editorial Reviews
"Bats in Trouble is a nicely written story suitable for readers 7-9 years of age. It offers numerous opportunities for parents and teachers to open a dialogue addressing a wide range of interesting and important issues related to general ecology and natural history of bats…Bats in Trouble is the third book featuring the activities of young environmental activist, Cricket McKay…In alerting young readers to various issues of environmental concern, these volumes will help foster an interest in appropriate environmental stewardship among an upcoming generation of potential environmental leaders."
— The Underground Movement
"The story empowers children to make a positive difference, no matter what their age. In addition to the intriguing storyline, Bats in Trouble is captivating because of the factual information about bats that is embedded throughout…Highly Recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Pamela effectively uses a work of fiction to impart many facts about bats and wind turbines…The black and white illustrations by Kasia Charko are quite pleasing…Bats in Trouble is recommended for both school and public libraries…offering a good quality short chapter book that promotes social responsibility and can be used in character building programs and for independent reading.
— Resource Links
"This contemporary story is engaging and stuffed with scientific facts. Readers learn about the many species of bats, their habitats, and migrations. There is also information on wind turbines, and the equilibrium between nature and technology is explored in a relatable way. The writing is direct, and the plot is straightforward. The black-and-white pencil drawings are detailed and add appeal…A positive, inspiring, and fact-filled addition to an excellent chapter book series."
— School Library Journal (SLJ)
"Effective in delivering an environmental message and encouraging action."
— Kirkus Reviews
