Morris . . . the Downside-Up Bat

Morris likes to hang by his hands instead of by his feet, so everyone thinks he's positively batty. Morris doesn't care: When he hangs from his hands, he can fool owls, catch flying snacks, and—most importantly—watch music programs on TV. Inspired by his favorite television shows, Morris reinvents his image with a rocker hairdo, funky costumes, and a sweet guitar. When he hears about an upcoming talent show, Morris is ecstatic. But bat bullies guard the submission box and tell Morris he can't be in the talent show if he can't even hang right-side up. Will Morris convince the bullies of the benefits of downside-up hanging? And will he be able to take the stage as "Morris the Magnificent"?

Morris, the Downside-Up Bat is a charming story for young readers and their parents. Both children and adults will love Morris's spunk and the way this little bat never lets go of his implausible rock 'n' roll dream. H. R. Karpes has created a fun, relatable celebration of individuality sure to delight readers of all ages.

H. R. Karpes once believed she could fly, but made the painful discovery at the age of six that she could not. Many years later, her vivid imagination still intact, she began a career in special sales with R. R. Bowker. While there, she met Jean Mercier, the children's book editor at Publishers Weekly, who encouraged Karpes to harness her imagination and enter the world of children's book. After many years of hard work, dedication, and disappointments, everything came together. This is her first children's book.