THE GYM TEACHER FROM THE BLACK LAGOON

This newest entry in Thaler's "Black Lagoon" series is entertaining, even with its now-familiar formula: A child's fear is made worse as he imagines a truly awful worst-case scenario. This time, rumor has it that the new gym teacher's nickname is Coach Kong and that he makes you run laps around the world, do fitness tests that include picking up a truck (if you don't pass, your body's donated to science), and something truly chilling—square dance with GIRLS! Joey Stack does a good job narrating this tongue-in-cheek reminder of everything kids fear about gym class. The background music and sound effects add humorous touches that heighten the story's pleasure and sense of fun, complete with drum beats, gym whistles, and the occasional scream! J.C.G. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2010]