Bats at the Ballgame
#3 of 4 in Bat Books Series
What’s inside...
Hurry up! Come one—come all! We’re off to watch the bats play ball! Join in the excitement of a unique ballgame where bats are the main players. Experience the thrill of America’s national pastime with a twist, as bats flutter off to watch their all-stars compete. Enjoy the sights of the green field, the presence of heroes past, and the togetherness with family and friends, all while munching on mothdogs and Cricket Jack. In sweeping compositions, Brian Lies transports readers to the upside-down world of bats at play, offering a whole new ballgame experience. On deck and ready for your reading lineup, New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Brian Lies’s ode to “batty” baseball fans. You think humans are the only ones who enjoy America’s national pastime? Grab your bat—the other kind—and your mitt, because it’s a whole new ballgame when evening falls and bats come fluttering from the rafters to watch their all-stars compete. Get set to be transported to the right-side-up and upside-down world of bats at play, as imagined and illustrated by bestselling author-illustrator Brian Lies. Hurry up! Come one — come all! We’re off to watch the bats play ball!
Discussion points
What do you think the bats enjoyed the most about their night at the ballgame?
How do the bats show teamwork during the game?
Can you imagine other adventures the bats might go on? What would they do?
Why do you think the author chose bats as the characters for this story?
How did the story make you feel when the bats were playing and having fun?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to come up with their own ending or an additional adventure for the bats.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and fair play as shown by the bats during the game.
Connect the story to your child's experiences by asking if they've ever felt similar emotions as the bats did during different moments in the book.
Highlight the illustrations in the book, discussing how the colors and style contribute to the mood of the story.
Use enthusiastic and animated tones while reading to mimic the exciting atmosphere of the ballgame.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: In 'Bats at the Ballgame,' the bats work together to play the game of baseball. Their coordination and support for one another highlight the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their interactions with peers, whether in sports, group projects at school, or during playtime, learning to collaborate and value each member’s contribution.
Example Lesson: Following rules
Explanation: The game of baseball has specific rules which the bats follow throughout the story. This adherence to rules underscores their importance in organizing and enjoying the game.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of following rules at home, in school, or in community settings, understanding that they help maintain order and fairness in various situations.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment of physical activities
Explanation: The bats enthusiastically participate in the baseball game, showcasing their enjoyment of physical activities and sports.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in sports or outdoor activities, promoting physical health and social interactions with their peers.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for shared experiences
Explanation: The story emphasizes the joy the bats derive from playing together, demonstrating the value of shared experiences and communal enjoyment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and seek collective activities with family and friends, which can enhance relationships and create lasting memories.