STORIES OF THE JUNGLE

Nine of Kipling's children's stories of India are handsomely packaged like old 78-rpm classical albums as part of a series called Timeless Treasures. The muted tones of the packaging reflect the muted tone of Ralph Cosham's narration. There's something distantly restrained about his approach. Whereas Kipling took particular joy in writing these short stories, Cosham reads as if eulogizing the author at a commemorative event. On the plus side, he doesn't condescend to his young listeners, and he uses his pleasant voice well to communicate the simple dignity of the animal fables without shrinking from the life-and-death struggles that underlie all jungle existence. Y.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]