Albert of Adelaide
Howard L. Anderson

Hachette Audio (Unabridged)
July 10, 2012 / ASIN: B008J9G7BU
Fantasy / Audiobook / Download / 6 hours, 20 minutes
Amazon

Reviewed by Jo Rogers

Albert of Adelaide is the captivating story of a platypus, duck-billed, of course, who escapes from the security of the Adelaide Zoo. He is in search of "old Australia," a land where he can find freedom, peace and others of his own kind. What he finds is something much different.

The first thing he finds is a friend. Jack, a wombat of questionable reputation, takes Albert in paw and introduces him to the ways of the desert, the Outback. Albert finds that he must wear clothes. A painful sunburn reminds him that he is not in a controlled environment anymore. The clothes protect him from that. He is surprised that going naked is unacceptable. He never thought about that since, at the zoo, it was expected.

Albert also finds that, outside the zoo, you have to pay for everything. He doesn't have any money and no means of earning any. If not for Jack's generosity, he wouldn't even be able to eat. He has to find a way to fend for himself if he us to find others like himself. Jack teaches him the 'business' or how to steal enough to survive.

This book is a refreshing fantasy that doesn't deal with the usual witches, elves, or other magic creatures. It is the simple story of an animal on the edge of extinction, looking for others of his species. Along the way, he is befriended by and befriends others of varying other species. The subject of racism is also covered. Kangaroos will only serve other marsupials at a bar.

So, listen to Albert of Adelaide. David Franklin does a great job of making Albert and his friend come to life in this beautifully-written fantasy. It's a story you'll long remember.