FRANK AND THE BLACK HAMSTER OF NARKIZ

We think of hamsters as timid creatures, but this story suggests that some are different. Meet Frank, whose motto is "Courage!" When Frank escapes his cage to explore the "spaces between" (dark places filled with dust, drainpipes, and other unknowns), he encounters other wandering hamsters from neighboring flats. He also meets the black hamster of Narkiz--an encounter that changes Frank forever. Robert Llewellyn deserves credit for throwing himself fully into all roles; whether performing fearless Frank, long-suffering George, or the lisping, horrible white hamster, Mabel, he is wonderful to listen to. His recitation of hamster lore--told in Mabel's singsongy voice--is particularly funny and creative. Listeners will enjoy this offbeat tale while learning some interesting facts about hamsters along the way. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]