KANGAROO ISLAND

For the early elementary age group, this book-and-cassette gets high marks. Kaye reads this informational book about an area in Australia in a clear, polished, professional voice, void of almost any accent. Her pace is slow, the tone bright and enthusiastic. The sound effects greatly increase the success of the recording. There are sea lions barking, sea gulls calling, crickets humming and a raging forest fire. The musical accompaniment ranges from lullaby strains to energetic instrumentals. The last page is a fold-out with pictures of the area, but it gets bent easily. A.G.H. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 99]