Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes [Hardcover]

Roald Dahl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 12, 1983

Humorous retellings in verse of six well-known fairy tales featuring surprise endings in place of the traditional happily-ever-after.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This spring, two Roald Dahl classics reappear in collector's editions. In Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes, illus. in full color by Quentin Blake, originally published in 1982, the author 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." Danny the Champion of the World, originally published in 1975, also illus. with pen-and-ink drawings by Blake, tells the story of a nine-year-old boy learning the art of poaching at his beloved father's knee (the BFG also makes an appearance here). Both volumes close with an interview given by the author in 1988, two years before his death.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Review

A sophisticated spoof. -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Verses featuring mayhem, greed, betrayals and murder, from two gifted collaborators. -- Publishers Weekly --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 39 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (March 12, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394854225
• ISBN-13: 978-0394854229
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,295,953 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative and Funny, January 1, 2004

By 

E. Laway "Lady E" (Temecula, California United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes (Mass Market Paperback)

Some reviewers are "revolted" by the gruesomeness of this little book, whilst others complained it was too short. I have niether of the two compaliants. I loved it! and so did the seven year old little girl, for whom the book was given to as a christmas present. I think Dahl was specially creative in this little book twisting and turning classical children tales into salacious, hilariously funny rhythms that you can read over and over again and still manage a chuckle here and there. And thinking this is too "mature" for younger readers is underestimating the intelligence and imagination of children. Yes, there are some play on words that you have to explain to your little one, but you know what? they'll ask you anyway. As for the size of this book, It's just right. Dahl took the basic popular children stories that everyone knows and i think it's just the right dose and besides, you can take this book anywhere, like the sevenyear and read it to your friends, cousins, neighbors and anyone who she suspects of having a sense of humour. It teaches us about having a boundless imagination and exploring the what ifs of stories. It's another favourite.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teachers, an excellent time filler!, February 12, 2001

By 

Kelly G. Hendrix (Jacksonville, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes (Mass Market Paperback)

My sixth grade math/science students loved these stories and I loved reading them to my students as well. These are fairy tales retold with a twist! The students laughed as hard as I did and after I read one they wanted to hear another. I want more after reading all of the tales! Never could I have expected the tales to be so funny! Reading these aloud to my students enticed them to rewrite the fairy tales themselves when it is almost impossible to get them to write or read! I want more rewritten fairy tales! Excellent!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarity ensues!, January 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes (Mass Market Paperback)

I will never forget the day our substitute teacher in year 4 read Cinderella to us! I have loved this book and Roald Dahl ever since. His masterful creativity is evident in every line of each of these stories and each induces tears of laughter. A wonderful addition to any personal library, young or old.