H. R. Karpes - Morris . . . the Downside-Up Bat

Copyright 2013 by H. R. Karpes All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Sky Pony Press, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018. Sky Pony Press books may be purchased in bulk at special discounts for sales promotion, corporate gifts, fund-raising, or educational purposes.

Special editions can also be created to specifications. For details, contact the Special Sales Department, Sky Pony Press, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018 or info@skyhorsepublishing.com. Sky Pony is a registered trademark of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Visit our website at www.skyponypress.com. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Manufactured in China, June 2013 This product conforms to CPSIA 2008 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file ISBN: 978-1-62087-987-0 To Mom and Dad, for their love and belief; and to Jean, Pat, Rochelle, Anna, and Julie, with much gratitude and many thanks. When Morris was a little bat, a big owl flew into the barn where he was hanging by his toes, the way bats do.

Morris was so scared that he turned himself downside-up, hoping to fool the owl into thinking he was not a bat. And the owl flew out. After hanging that way for a little while, Morris began to enjoy himself. For one thing, he could hear a little clearer and see a little farther. And he could catch the little flying snacks trying to avoid his upside-down relatives. However, Morriss hanging style wasnt approved of by the other bats.

What difference does it make which way I sleep? Morris asked Fred, his best friend. Tradition, answered Fred. Bats hang upside-down. Morris shrugged. Life isnt perfect, he thought, and flew off to do something he enjoyed. Which was watching television shows.

Morris realized he liked TV while hanging downside-up outside windows. He liked music programs best. Morriss favorite performers were the singers. Sometimes he listened to them all night long. When Morris began imitating some of the performers, he discovered he could sing too. He made himself a little guitar to strum while he sang.

He also made a wig like some of their funny hair styles. Morris liked wearing wigs and hats. In fact, he liked dressing up in all kinds of costumes. Morris did have one costume that caused a bit of trouble. He had found an owl mask left from Halloween and flew around the barn screeching HOOT! HOOT! HOOT! That did not go over well with the rest of the bats. Every year Morriss relatives held a big meeting. Every year Morriss relatives held a big meeting.

They discussed bat things like winter housing, enemy owl protection, and scary pranks for Halloween. This year, the meeting added: Aerobatics and other entertainment Prize for best Sign Up Morris was really excited. Maybe this was his big chance to perform as Morris the Magnificent Singer! But when he went to place his entry in the talent box, three bullies blocked his way. Youre not a real bat! they taunted. You cant even hang right. Morris was worried. Morris was worried.

He wanted more than anything to enter the contest and perform in front of a real audience. One stormy night, while the bullies sat guarding the talent box, a big owl flew straight toward them. They screamed and scattered. And then Morris dropped his entry into the box. Finally, the big night arrived. Morris was dressed and ready.

Fred went early to get good seats. But sure enough, the bullies were tending the door when Morris arrived. Hey, heres Fancy-Pants! one of the bullies said. He thinks he can act! Youre not a real bat! the others taunted. And they blocked him from entering. It was three against one.

Morris left. Inside the barn, the meeting began. First came the business. Then came the entertainmentflying tricks and scary faces.