"Bill the Bat and his friends, Cal the Cat and Mike the Mouse, are enjoying a peaceful evening when a glowing full moon sparks an exciting, out-of-this-world idea: What if Bill could be the first bat to land on it? Encouraged by his friends Bill launches into the sky without a plan-only to come tumbling down. Fortunately, a wise owl named Al swoops in to save the day. What follows is a gentle, reassuring conversation about ambition, caution, and the importance of thinking things through. Although the theme is a familiar one, it's delivered with tenderness and humor. Bill's initial flight isn't framed as a failure, but as part of a learning process, making the lesson feel accessible. Al's guidance is wise but never preachy, and the resolution is uplifting." "Cobb offers a lighthearted, lesson-oriented picture book about an impulsive young bat". --Kirkus Reviews Bill the Bat and his friends, Cal the Cat and Mike the Mouse, are enjoying a peaceful evening when a glowing full moon sparks an exciting, out-of-this-world idea: What if Bill could be the first bat to land on it? Encouraged by his friends Bill launches into the sky without a plan-only to come tumbling down. Fortunately, a wise owl named Al swoops in to save the day. What follows is a gentle, reassuring conversation about ambition, caution, and the importance of thinking things through. Although the theme is a familiar one, it's delivered with tenderness and humor. Bill's initial flight isn't framed as a failure, but as part of a learning process, making the lesson feel accessible. Al's guidance is wise but never preachy, and the resolution is uplifting. Potapenko's illustrations are cozy, cartoonish, and full of character. Bill, with his round glasses and patterned scarf, feels endearingly quirky and familiar, and young readers will see themselves in his bold energy. The softly textured nighttime palette adds to the story's warmth and wonder. Dialogue flows naturally, and the story moves at a gentle, engaging pace. It delivers its message with tender reassurance, never underestimating its audience's ability to understand complex feelings. --Kirkus Reviews A charming reminder to look before you leap. --Kirkus Reviews Daryl Cobb is an author, storyteller, musician, singer/songwriter/actor and premier school assembly performer who promotes literacy through creative arts. His published works include three hit children's novels, "Pirates: Monkey Troubles", "Baseball, Bullies & Angels" and the swashbuckling tale "Pirates: The Ring of Hope", as well as 16 fun picture books such as "Mr. Moon", "Bill the Bat Loves Halloween," "Do Pirates Go to School?" "Henry Hare's Floppy Socks" and "Greta's Magical Mistake." Daryl's books have received many positive reviews, with Kirkus Reviews calling "Bill the Bat to the Moon! And Back? "a lighthearted, lesson-oriented picture book about an impulsive young bat..., delivered with tenderness and humor. And BOO! Are You Afraid of the Dark?) "A heartwarming story to help children overcome their bedtime fears," and "Baseball, Bullies & Angels, "A must-read for kids and parents!" Most of his written work is specifically for children, some of which was created for his own two children as bedtime stories. Daryl is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Nashville Songwriters Association. His Author Visits and programs have been rated "Excellent" by BOCES of NY Arts in Education, and he is an active touring author presenter ("A Writer's Journey) with Young Audiences of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.