The Bat Jamboree was held early this year, at the old drive-in movie not too far from here. It was standing room only as the houselights went down. The spotlight came up -- there wasn't a sound! Then: 1 bat sang.2 bats flapped. 3 bats cha-cha-ed4 bats tapped.

Every year a troupe of 55 buoyant bats comes up with 10 fabulous acts to entertain and instruct an enthusiatic audience. And every year the bats top themselves when they perform the grandest finale of all . . .

With its exuberant text and enchanting illustrations, Bat Jamboree is both a counting book and a thrilling theatrical event. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

In this rhyming counting book, a crew of performing bats entertain a crowd. "There's a nervous energy in these pictures that will almost surely disarm the reader, right off the bat," said PW. Ages 4-up. (Sept.) From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

PreS-Gr 2‘A witty combination of counting book and theatrical experience. Each year the Bat Jamboree, starring 55 adorable bats, draws a standing-room only audience of animals of all types, and each year the show is better than ever. Against the silver backdrop of a drive-in movie screen, one bat sings, two bats flap, three bats cha-cha-cha, etc., until the grand finale, the great bat pyramid. Readers will find themselves counting backward with no effort at all as 10 bats line up, 9 flutter, 8 fly, and on up the pyramid. Of course, the show isn't over until the bat lady sings! Children who have experienced or participated in any type of performance will especially appreciate the anticipation building up to the excitement of the finale. The playful, rhyming text and Sweet's characteristically charming watercolors will have kids cooking up their own backyard jamborees.‘Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information