AUSSIE BITES 5

[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with AUSSIE BITES 4.]--According to the package, "Aussie Bites are a mouth-watering feast of original, accessible, and enjoyable stories from some of Australia's best-loved writers." These are not mere words; in addition to well-written stories, Stig Wemyss presents each story in his inimitable way. The narration is accompanied by musical sound effects reminiscent of old radio or movie comedies. The stories are hilarious and sometimes deeply moving, with Wemyss rendering them perfectly. Each story presents a slant on Australian life, with new words such as "footie" for football being introduced. At the end of each tale, the author explains what inspired the story, and the narrator adds his own funny comments about himself and then proceeds with a silly story. This is not limited to a juvenile audience; many will learn, get a laugh, and perhaps shed a tear listening to these charming "bites." S.G.B. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]