Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Jonathan Cape (1982), Hardcover, 32 pages
Description
Humorous retellings in verse of six well-known fairy tales featuring surprise endings in place of the traditional happily-ever-after.
User reviews
LibraryThing member gsmith3
I really enjoyed this collection of poems by one of my favorite childhood authors Roald Dahl. He takes a collection of timeless, traditional fantasy stories and adds humor and a few goofy twists to ensure the reader's satisfaction. His pictures of the "ugly sisters" in Cinderella or details of him
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chopping their heads off when the slipper doesn't fit made me laugh. Some of his descriptions may go a tad to far, "The Prince cried, Who's this dirty slut?" probably isn't appropriate for young readers. Overall though, I found that I was laughing pretty hard as I read these twisted poems. There certainly isn't a more fitting title then "Revolting Rhymes," though as some of the words will cause parents to not want their child reading this. I think Dahl's central message with this collection of poems is just to put a funny, dark twist on these timeless stories to get reader's laughing, which he certainly does. Show Less
LibraryThing member callista83
The idea is cute and most of the stories are funny but I have a BIG problem with a certain word in the first story. It starts with an S and ends with an LUT.
I'm against book banning but I do not want my kid's reading this book. That word is not appropriate for little ones.
Tsk Tsk Roald Dahl.
I'm against book banning but I do not want my kid's reading this book. That word is not appropriate for little ones.
Tsk Tsk Roald Dahl.
LibraryThing member CaroTheLibrarian
PLUS -
* Fabulously funny versions of well known fairy tales. The heroes and heroines we are familiar with are not always what they seem. There are all sorts of twists and turns, and the revolting-ness that you'd expect from Dahl. Be prepared for some surprises!
* These are fantastic to read aloud -
MINUS -
*There are some reviewers here who have taken offence at the use of one word in particular. Not Roald Dahl's fault. I think he is actually using the word 'slut' in one of it's proper senses (a slattern or slovenly woman). Don't forget that although Dahl's work doesn't seem to date, this was published almost 30 years ago and the man himself was born in 1916. Word meanings change, and I'm not sure how this could be edited in any other way.
OVERALL -
* Notwithstanding the debate outlined above, this is a great book. It's must for any Dahl fan, anyone who loves fairy tales with a bit of anarchy thrown in, and anyone who loves reading aloud (such an enjoyable way to appreciate these rhymes).
* Fabulously funny versions of well known fairy tales. The heroes and heroines we are familiar with are not always what they seem. There are all sorts of twists and turns, and the revolting-ness that you'd expect from Dahl. Be prepared for some surprises!
* These are fantastic to read aloud -
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so much fun both for the reader and the listener.MINUS -
*There are some reviewers here who have taken offence at the use of one word in particular. Not Roald Dahl's fault. I think he is actually using the word 'slut' in one of it's proper senses (a slattern or slovenly woman). Don't forget that although Dahl's work doesn't seem to date, this was published almost 30 years ago and the man himself was born in 1916. Word meanings change, and I'm not sure how this could be edited in any other way.
OVERALL -
* Notwithstanding the debate outlined above, this is a great book. It's must for any Dahl fan, anyone who loves fairy tales with a bit of anarchy thrown in, and anyone who loves reading aloud (such an enjoyable way to appreciate these rhymes).
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LibraryThing member Whisper1
Dahl single handedly turns nursery rhymes sideways, inside out and upside down.
Heretofore calm, serene children's playful stories become savage and gruesomely grisly as Cinderella's wicked step sisters have their heads chopped off my the prince.
The seven dwarfs have a gambling addiction; Jack's
This book is revoltingly funny. As a side note, I was offended by Dahl's use of the word "slut", then did some research to learn that he was not being vile or revolting, but simply using the word to connote dirty or slovenly.
Heretofore calm, serene children's playful stories become savage and gruesomely grisly as Cinderella's wicked step sisters have their heads chopped off my the prince.
The seven dwarfs have a gambling addiction; Jack's
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nasty mum climbs the beanstalk and much to his happiness, she is eaten by the giant; Little Red Riding Hood packs a pistol; Goldilocks may have fair yellow hair, but, really, she is a wanton thief who breaks and enters, thus getting her just reward in the end.This book is revoltingly funny. As a side note, I was offended by Dahl's use of the word "slut", then did some research to learn that he was not being vile or revolting, but simply using the word to connote dirty or slovenly.
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LibraryThing member sunfi
What a creative little book, each of your favorite fairy tales are twisted and skewered in this one. I enjoyed The Three Little Pigs it ended with the wolf eating only two of the pigs and the third one called Little Red Riding Hood who killed the wolf.
LibraryThing member stipe168
very funny nasty little vigenettes. re-telling of snow white and other popular fairy tales. quite exceptional, great for kids.. has a nice gross-out, naughty factor. they'll love it.
LibraryThing member randomoasis
Let's behead the ugly step-sisters. Or have Red Riding Hood switch to wolf-skin. And it all rhymes! It's fantastic! And completely gruesome...
LibraryThing member EmilySpinach
How can you not love a book with a title like this and a cover picture of a giant rat reading a story to two kids? The perfect gift for children with uptight parents.
LibraryThing member ccondra
I love this book because children have heard the same fairytales over and over again so this gives them something different to hear.
LibraryThing member sgialibrary
Presents humurous retellings of 6 well-known fairy tales featuring surprise endings in place of the traditional happilly-ever-after. The stories are: Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, The Three
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Little Pigs. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookworm12
I love this collection of Dahl's retelling of fairy tales. The story of Goldie Locks is particularly great. I mean when you actually think about that story, what are we teaching kids by making her the heroine? Instead of the classic stories, Dahl gives each plot a twist that hits closer to home and
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skips the cheesy happy endings. They are delightful. Show Less
LibraryThing member ecosborne
This book of rhymes tells many well known fairy tales but with ironic twists to each story. The rhymes are quite good and very amusing.I think this would be a good book for all ages.
LibraryThing member missbrandysue
Roald Dahl uses couplings and other rhyming, poetic forms to retell fairy tales in a very humorous way. At the end of the book it has about 10 questions in which Mr. Dahl answered in his entertaining way. He really is a gift to children's literature!
The stories do include some curse words and a bit
The stories do include some curse words and a bit
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of violence. However, they are hysterical and would really entertain the right kid. This collection of twisted fairy tales is thoroughly entertaining and shows off the real genius of Roald Dahl. Show Less
LibraryThing member alana_leigh
It's that time of year where I rack my brain for birthday present ideas for my godson, Cole. The child has every toy and game that one could possibly wish for and so I rarely feel too bad about being the reliable godmother who always gets him a book. (To my credit, I always try to find an
Revolting Rhymes features reimagined fairy tales, so your recipient should be familiar with the basic Grimm Brothers' fairy tales. In particular, these six poems touch upon Cinderella, Jack and the beanstalk, Snow White and the seven dwarves, Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, and the three little pigs. In general, the stories begin just as you remember, but somewhere along the line we get a bit twisted (as is usually the case with Dahl). Cinderella's prince hacks off the heads of her stepsisters and Cindy realizes she wants a decent man, so ends up married to a jam-maker. Jack learns the benefit of bathing every day at the expense of his mother's life. Snow White and the seven dwarves get rich at the races with a moral that promotes gambling "providing that you always win." Goldilocks ends up eaten as punishment for her crimes. Little Red isn't fooled by the wolf in her grandmother's clothes and gets herself a wolfskin coat. In turn, the three little pigs know just who to call to help with their wolf problem, though unfortunately they don't much benefit from their plan.
Perhaps my favorite two are the last. In Little Red, we have the great lines: "The small girl smiles / Her eyelid flickers / She whips a pistol from her knickers / She aims it at the creature's head / and BANG! BANG! BANG! / she shoots him... dead." In the three little pigs, we have an amusing ending as Little Red exacts payment for her assistance. The poems are all delightful, but I was always delighted that Dahl ended the collection with those two.
If your kids have a wicked streak or perhaps if you're just up to hear them laugh as they see familiar stories twisted, you should certainly consider adding this Roald Dahl volume to your library. Not only will the kids get a kick out of these, but you will, too. An excellent volume for reading aloud, whether that means you're reading to the kids or the kids are reading to you. If they don't have a streak of dark humor, though, then you might steer clear... or at least wait a few years. My godson is nine, though I think this is perfectly acceptable for kids of seven or eight, too.
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entertaining book and supplement these with things like Gamestop giftcards or t-shirts with a giant squid attacking the Brooklyn Bridge.) This year, I decided that it might be time to introduce the lad to Roald Dahl. Sure, Matilda and The Witches might be reaching for it a bit, but then I remembered Revolting Rhymes. This is a sure winner of a gift for any child with even a smidge of an interest in reading. Why? Does the title not tip you off? These deliciously awful poems are short, fun, and incredibly wicked. Plus, they're paired with illustrations by the delightful Quentin Blake. This little volume is sure to be a hit and if you are looking to do a sweep of great Roald Dahl poetry, you can also pick up Dirty Beasts.Revolting Rhymes features reimagined fairy tales, so your recipient should be familiar with the basic Grimm Brothers' fairy tales. In particular, these six poems touch upon Cinderella, Jack and the beanstalk, Snow White and the seven dwarves, Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, and the three little pigs. In general, the stories begin just as you remember, but somewhere along the line we get a bit twisted (as is usually the case with Dahl). Cinderella's prince hacks off the heads of her stepsisters and Cindy realizes she wants a decent man, so ends up married to a jam-maker. Jack learns the benefit of bathing every day at the expense of his mother's life. Snow White and the seven dwarves get rich at the races with a moral that promotes gambling "providing that you always win." Goldilocks ends up eaten as punishment for her crimes. Little Red isn't fooled by the wolf in her grandmother's clothes and gets herself a wolfskin coat. In turn, the three little pigs know just who to call to help with their wolf problem, though unfortunately they don't much benefit from their plan.
Perhaps my favorite two are the last. In Little Red, we have the great lines: "The small girl smiles / Her eyelid flickers / She whips a pistol from her knickers / She aims it at the creature's head / and BANG! BANG! BANG! / she shoots him... dead." In the three little pigs, we have an amusing ending as Little Red exacts payment for her assistance. The poems are all delightful, but I was always delighted that Dahl ended the collection with those two.
If your kids have a wicked streak or perhaps if you're just up to hear them laugh as they see familiar stories twisted, you should certainly consider adding this Roald Dahl volume to your library. Not only will the kids get a kick out of these, but you will, too. An excellent volume for reading aloud, whether that means you're reading to the kids or the kids are reading to you. If they don't have a streak of dark humor, though, then you might steer clear... or at least wait a few years. My godson is nine, though I think this is perfectly acceptable for kids of seven or eight, too.
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LibraryThing member macee
Roald Dahl's humor and Quentin Blake's illustration are an excellent combination and will keep children laughing
LibraryThing member Evansens11
This is a great storyteller! Roald Dahl rhymes about all the fairy tales such as Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf And The Three Little Pigs. My favourite was Jack and the Beanstalk!
LibraryThing member Dorfster
1) No Award
2) Grades 3-4
3)Revolting Rhymes is a book of poetry classics put into a different perspective. Tales such as Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Jack and the Beanstalk are told in a gruesome and humorous way. It is amusing to see these childhood classics turned into funny
4) One activity a teacher can do with their classroom is to have children read both the classic stories and these altered stories over the course of a week and ask the students to find the differences in each.
2) Grades 3-4
3)Revolting Rhymes is a book of poetry classics put into a different perspective. Tales such as Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Jack and the Beanstalk are told in a gruesome and humorous way. It is amusing to see these childhood classics turned into funny
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poems that are not appropriate for to young of an audience. 4) One activity a teacher can do with their classroom is to have children read both the classic stories and these altered stories over the course of a week and ask the students to find the differences in each.
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LibraryThing member ElenaSJ6
I love this book because it has well-known stories, such as Little Red Riding Hood, but with different endings! The twists in the end are usually funny and unpredictable!!!! It is a MUST for Roald Dahl fans!
LibraryThing member lisa211
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
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.
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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.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ChazziFrazz
Six known childhood fairy tales are told from an adult point of view. Not for the faint of heart, but great for the warped sense of humour. The illustrations by Quentin Blake set the stories off very well too!
Roald Dahl is best known for the many children's books he has written, but he has done a
Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstock and four other well known kiddie tales are presented in a darker viewpoint, but are done in a charming rhyming style!
In Cinderella, the stepmother and sisters are still just as ugly and evil, but what is revealed about Prince Charming really is a twist! Little Red Riding Hood is not as demure as previously portrayed!
A quick and fun read that can be revisited more than once. But probably not for the little kiddies...especially just before bedtime...
Roald Dahl is best known for the many children's books he has written, but he has done a
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number of books for adults and this is one.Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstock and four other well known kiddie tales are presented in a darker viewpoint, but are done in a charming rhyming style!
In Cinderella, the stepmother and sisters are still just as ugly and evil, but what is revealed about Prince Charming really is a twist! Little Red Riding Hood is not as demure as previously portrayed!
A quick and fun read that can be revisited more than once. But probably not for the little kiddies...especially just before bedtime...
Show Less
LibraryThing member Draguc2
We all know Dahl is a phenominal writer. In this book he shows he can write poetry as well. Although I read the Dutch translation, it still is a great piece of work. One small point of criticism: why not rewrite more fairytales? We all know the original ones are too positive anyway!
LibraryThing member petulant_seraph
I love this book. As a kid It prompted me to try write my own revolting rhyme resulting in a much treasure letter of encouragement from Roald Dahl
LibraryThing member bevok
Very funny (and naughty) Dahlian versions of traditional children's tales.
LibraryThing member emmalune
Revolting Rhymes is a classic Dahl creation sure to entertain mature children. Language and content can be skewed older depending on the child and some people are sure to be offended by this divisive title.
LibraryThing member SMLawrence
This book contains Roald Dahl's twists on popular classic fairy tales. At first glance these could be somewhat ordinary versions of fairy tales, but they are quite different. For example, with Cinderella, her stepsisters still try to steal the prince away, but their heads are cut off! Also,
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Cinderella ends up "happily ever after" with a "simple jam-maker" instead of the rich prince. In the case of Little Red Riding Hood, she is shoots the evil wolf with a pistol and makes a "lovely furry wolfskin coat" with his remains. These poems are extremely fun, and the rhyming is great. I think any of these poems could be great introductions to poetry for future classes. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Gouden Griffel (Vlag en Wimpel — 1983)
Language
Original publication date
1982
Physical description
32 p.; 11 inches
ISBN
0224029320 / 9780224029322
Local notes
Dahl puts his distinctive satirical spin on six traditional tales including "Snow White" ("From now on, Queen, you're Number Two. Snow White is prettier than you!" says the Magic Mirror) and "The Three Little Pigs."