Pippa's First Summer

by: Catherine Badgley; Illustrated by Bonnie Miljour

Published by: Mitten Press

Reviewed by Alia Prank
Pippa's First Summer by Catherine Badgley is an informative, educational and interesting story about the little-known and less-understood animal: bats. I found myself a bit squeamish when I first picked up the book since I had all the usual beliefs about bats. But as I began reading and learning, I came to really feel for and actually like these little animals.

Pippa was born in the early summer along with her brother Click. Their home was in the rafters of a big old red barn where they lived with a colony of thirteen other bats. The reader follows Pippa as she first opens her eyes, learns to eat, fly, communicate, care for herself and through the occasional adventure she and her brother Click experience.

Pippa's adventure with the cat is scary for Pippa. But it is the contact with humans that proves disastrous for Click. That made me sad but I understood that bad things can and do happen to little animals.

Pippa's First Summer is a wonderful and enjoyable way for children to learn about bats. It's written in such a warm and inviting way that they just might want other books that are exciting and interesting but also inform.

Armchair Interviews says: Pippa's First Summer is a great gift for that special child who is exploring the world and its inhabitants.