School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--The first of two beginning readers featuring anthropomorphic Bat and Sloth. In their inaugural tale, Bat and Sloth meet and discover what they have in common: hanging from tree branches upside-down, sleeping, and being heroes to each other. Bat also learns the value of taking responsibility for his actions and apologizing after he bumps Sloth off their branch. These four very slight stories introduce all sorts of facts about sloths and bats--what they eat, how they move, when and how they sleep, if they can swim, etc. How Bat manages to bump into Sloth despite his echolocation is not addressed. The text uses simple dialogue, short sentences, and ample spacing. The illustrations, which appear to be digital, are crisp and clear and support the text. Sloth and Bat are depicted in an appealing, cartoonlike fashion. VERDICT This visually appealing new beginning reader series is filled with animal facts contained in slight stories. Purchase as needed.--Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH
Kirkus Review
A fruit bat and a two-toed sloth slowly make friends in this opening volume in an early reader series. As the sun sets, readers meet Bat, who is sleeping upside down in a rainforest. When he awakens, he's unpleasantly surprised to find another animal in his tree: "This is my branch!" The newcomer is in favor of sharing, though, and Sloth introduces himselfslowly, of course. Sloth sees the two as similar, but Bat points out all their differences. In the next chapter, the two enjoy fruit together before unsuccessfully playing some games. Tag clearly is not a game in Sloth's wheelhouse, and when Bat hides, Sloth falls asleep before he can count to 10 and begin seeking. In Chapter 3, each of the new friends saves the other from calamity and is a hero. The final chapter features an accident, some reluctant apologizing, and forgiveness. The Level 2 reader uses brief chapters, short sentences, easy words, and a bit of repetition to strengthen beginning readers' skills. Braun's illustrations focus on the branch the new friends share, a soft blue sky and deep green in the trees highlighting the fact that the animals are nocturnal. The book's weak spot is character development. In both the pictures and the text Sloth seems adorable and sweet while Bat comes off as a rather brash friend. Readers may not want to spend more time with him.A rough start to both a friendship and a series. (Early reader. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
This charming level-2 beginning reader offers a tale of unlikely friendship, told in four colorfully illustrated chapters. Upon waking from a nap, Bat discovers a sloth sleeping next to him. Sloth wants to be friends, but Bat isn't so sure. As the two discover they have several things in common--and Bat is assured sloths don't eat bats--the friendship is solidified. Comical attempts at playing games (Sloth falls asleep during hide-and-seek), two instances of danger and heroics, and a gentle lesson in apologies comprise an engaging narrative. Colorful illustrations on every page help the reader follow along with the story, and simple dialogue between the characters and short sentences make for easy reading. Any budding reader will enjoy reading about Bat and Sloth, particularly fans of the Nocturnals series.
