Review of Batty Wings
Posted: 08 Apr 2025, 10:54
[Following is a volunteer review of "Batty Wings" by Marlene Rattigan.]
Batty Wings by Marlene Rattigan is a very fun little book about two young children who are amazed to discover something unexpected about their grandmother. The children notice that their grandmother has some skin on her arms that is looser than the skin on their arms. When they ask about this, their grandmother playfully informs them that she uses the loose skin to fly around like a bat. She regales the children with stories of what happens around their house at night while they are both sleeping soundly.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s exactly the sort of thing my 5-year-old would innocently ask a grandparent. Children are prone to asking questions when they notice a physical characteristic that they have not seen before, and it can lead to an awkward situation if you let it. I love how this book not only demonstrates a good way to handle a potentially awkward question but also turns it into a fun memory for the children.
I also really enjoy how the book presents differences in body types as a fun and positive thing. At no point does the story imply that there is any problem with the grandmother’s arms, and the children end the book excited to one day have “batty wings” of their own. I realize that it’s a minor thing, but I really like having media for my kids that presents normal bodies (of all ages and types) in a positive light.
The artwork was gorgeous as well, but the ultimate test with any children’s book is how well my kids enjoy it. I got three thumbs up when I read Batty Wings, so I have no choice but to recommend it. The editing was flawless as well, and there is nothing I would change about this book. All told, I would give this book a solid five out of five stars. If you have kids or grandkids, I’d encourage you to pick up a copy to read with them.
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Batty Wings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Batty Wings by Marlene Rattigan is a very fun little book about two young children who are amazed to discover something unexpected about their grandmother. The children notice that their grandmother has some skin on her arms that is looser than the skin on their arms. When they ask about this, their grandmother playfully informs them that she uses the loose skin to fly around like a bat. She regales the children with stories of what happens around their house at night while they are both sleeping soundly.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s exactly the sort of thing my 5-year-old would innocently ask a grandparent. Children are prone to asking questions when they notice a physical characteristic that they have not seen before, and it can lead to an awkward situation if you let it. I love how this book not only demonstrates a good way to handle a potentially awkward question but also turns it into a fun memory for the children.
I also really enjoy how the book presents differences in body types as a fun and positive thing. At no point does the story imply that there is any problem with the grandmother’s arms, and the children end the book excited to one day have “batty wings” of their own. I realize that it’s a minor thing, but I really like having media for my kids that presents normal bodies (of all ages and types) in a positive light.
The artwork was gorgeous as well, but the ultimate test with any children’s book is how well my kids enjoy it. I got three thumbs up when I read Batty Wings, so I have no choice but to recommend it. The editing was flawless as well, and there is nothing I would change about this book. All told, I would give this book a solid five out of five stars. If you have kids or grandkids, I’d encourage you to pick up a copy to read with them.
******
Batty Wings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon