This delightful adventure by author/illustrator Thatcher Hurd (HarperCollins, 1983) comes alive with the sound effects of its waterfront setting, such as the throbbing of a ship's engine as it pulls up to a dock. The hero, an opera loving rat named Ralph, is a short order cook at the diner on Pier 46. When two customers run out without paying, Ralph follows them and finds himself thrown in a cargo hold with Eduardo Bombasto, his favorite opera singer, who is being held for ransom by the villainous rodents from the diner. Narrator John Beach effortlessly handles the voices of all the characters, including the mobster-like Big Al and the humorous thick accent of Eduardo. In the climax of the story, Eduardo sings out a loud and melodious "hallpp!" to get the attention of authorities. Ralph invites him to the diner for a celebration where he sings songs to his opera idol. The Italian music which accompanies the story is a great enhancement, breathing life into the short picture book. One side of the cassette has page-turning signals and the other side does not. This is a great read along for individuals or small groups. Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.