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Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes Review
Illustrated by Quentin Blake. User Submitted Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes ReviewsApril 17, 2008 endless possibilities This is a fabulous book. Not only are six classic tales retold with delightfully gruesome details (more in keeping with the originals), but a creative teacher and/or student can go nuts with this book. I have used this book extensively with middle school aged students, both native speakers and ESL. The rhymes are engaging and catchy. Even struggling and insecure students shine when they read the lines. I have also had students use Dahl's script to create mini screenplays and short theatrical productions or used them as springboards for creative writing assignments. These rhymes have helped dozens of students gain confidence and fluency in speaking, acting, and writing. I am thrilled with this book, and I wish there were more like it. December 17, 2007 Revoltingly Funny Another gem from Raold Dahl. A delightfully nasty take on favorite fairy tales. Red Riding hood with a taste for fur and pig skin! Makes the Stinky Cheese Man look wimpy! Read and enjoy! November 15, 2007 Highly recommended! (for readers about 13+ y.o.) My dad used to read Roald Dahl books with me when I was a little tyke, and this particular little devil DEFINITELY lives up to its title, so if you're one of those parents who wraps their kid in cottonwool you'll want to pass it up. That being said, I am excessively fond of this book as it gives several traditional fairy tales a deliciously nasty twist that are unforgettable. Language use is about PG-13. If you and your kid are sensible/mature enough to have a sense of humor, you'll enjoy it immensely. My dad has since passed away but one of my many fond memories is that we both got a kick out of this clever little book. February 8, 2007 Roald Dahl at his best! This clever little book is a delight for both children and adults. Dahl takes the oh-so-familiar nursery rhymes you're used to - Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Goldilocks, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc. - and turns them upside down and inside out. Using his brilliant imagination Dahl makes these ordinary little tales come alive in a way only he could - with clever twists and a modern take on the events that transpire in these tales. I do have a word of caution, however: They are titled Revolting Rhymes for a reason and are not for the faint of heart! If you are looking for a charming little story where all of the characters live happily ever after, then you've come to the wrong place. These little poems are graphic and grotesque and well, revolting! I wouldn't recommend them for very young children (probably ages 8 and up would be more apt to enjoy this book). For the reviewers who got all upset because of the nature of this book, I would say first of all, you must not be very familiar with Dahl's work! Secondly, what were you really expecting when you bought a book called "Revolting Rhymes"?! These aren't Beatrix Potter-esque stories! Think Shel Silverstein if you're not familiar with Dahl. (And if you don't know who Silverstein is and the only Potter you've heard of is of the Harry variety, then shame on you!). But, I digress as usual. Anyway, consider yourself duly warned. Enjoy! September 20, 2006 What a Twist! Dr Seuss is nothing in comparison to Roald Dahl in REVOLTING RHYMES. I actually had fun reading this book so did the kids I read it to. There are a few words I have to explain but it didn't take out the fun of the book. This book plays around with a few of the very known fairy tales known by kids and swing it around in an interesting parody. The list of the fairy tales with a twist that are being fetaured in this book: 1. Cinderella 2. Jack & the Beanstalk 3. Snow Queen & the seven dwarfs 4. Goldilocks & the three bears 5. Little Red Riding Hood & the Wolf 6. The Three Little Pigs The characters are hilarious and you will enjoy the different look of the old age fairy tales that you knew. So spread the word, buy a copy for yourself, read it to the children. Anyway, you won't regret this particular book. July 6, 2006 Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl I had misplaced my copy bought in England years ago and was thrilled to find it available on Amazon. Though I'm not much of a Dahl fan, Revolting Rhymes is an absolute gem - it is hilarious and intelligent and such a wicked bit of fun. I recommend it to anyone, adults included. Don't let the school library hide it and deny your kids the joy of these non-saccharine tales. February 25, 2006 book I got this book for my 9 year old son. He like the rhymes a lot. January 30, 2006 Simply Dastardly Nursery Rhymes with a sadists twist? How dreadfully delightful! If you are warped carry on and buy this book....if you are looking for a happy ending...go elsewhere. August 19, 2005 Dahl-lightful! I stumbled onto this little Dahl gem while my wife was researching the book's illustrator, the wonderful Quentin Blake. Having read every Dahl book from The Twits and Matilda to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Danny, Champion of the World, I was surprised to have not run across it earlier. And what a pleasant surprise! Dahl is able to combine his often-savage wit with a lovely rhyming ability to re-tell these classic fairy tales. Other authors have tried to turn fairy tales on their head - e.g., The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig - but few have been able to add the truly unique twists and clever language of Roald Dahl. His rhymes are often in the style of classic kids book writer Shel Silverstein with a similar penchant for bodily functions and nasty behavior, and his merciless portrayals are somewhat reminiscent of Edward Gorey, whose alphabet book is a grisly description of 26 innocent children meeting untimely ends. So, is it appropriate for children? I have read it to both my 4-year-old and 7-year-old and they think it's wonderful, even though they perhaps enjoy the light-heartedness of Winnie The Pooh more. Be cautious of what other reviewers tell you about the language in the book...a word like 'slut' in the hands of Roald Dahl is perhaps not what you think. Remember, he was essentially an old-world English fuddy-duddy, to whom the word 'slut' would bear the original meaning of 'dirty and unkept' - as in slovenly. Roald Dahl was not perverted or disgusting, merely revolting. August 17, 2005 fantastic Roald dahl is a genius. I have not found a book by him that I did not like so when I came across the Revolting Rhymes I tried it. They are so funny and witty. My daughter loves to hear me tell them to her as well. For more Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes reviews click here.
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