The Amazing Adventures of Sam the Bat by Allyson Beatrice

This is Allyson Beatrice’s second book, and her first for children and young adults. Sam the Bat, of the title, is born into a community of Mexican Free-tail Bats in the southern California desert. While he is still young, disaster strikes, and sends Sam on a world-wide adventure of discovery.

Ms. Beatrice has acquired her own amazingly detailed knowledge of bats around the world, and uses that knowledge well to underpin and compel the narrative. Sam’s adventures are improbable, but far from impossible, hence the Amazing quality. Sam is every mother bat’s ideal of a son – he is clever, brave, curious, kind, generous and loyal. Sam is also lucky in his friends. The story is smoothly written, at moments a little heavy on the exposition, but for the most part, it will likely be absorbed by younger readers not as information per se, but as the story of Sam the Bat. Very clever. Also woven into the story is the imaginative presentation of the perception of human behavior by animals. Equally clever, and possibly on the nose. I can see it as logical, but can’t ask them, so, who knows, but the points made in those dialogs are valuable: be kind, don’t harm others (even bats) randomly, don’t waste, stick up for your family and friends. Basic good morals in any context. The story hits all the notes – sorrow, joy, friendship, mutual and grudging respect between enemies, even love both puppy and mature.

Sam is a likable little fellow, as are most of the characters, and even those who are not are well-written. Renny is particularly well realized.

This is a good book, parents may enjoy reading it with their kids. I would take it as being aimed at readers eight to twelve, but it’s a little too complex and in places scary for the wee tykes.

Allyson Beatrice is a solid writer, able to produce enjoyable material in multiple genres. How often does that happen?

About as often as a young bat makes an unexpected trip around the world.