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Rhyme Stew
An irresistible, hilarious collection of ribald rhymes featuring characters from fairy tales, fables and nursery rhymes including ‘Dick Whittington and his Cat’, ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel’. The perfect treat for Dahl fans tall and small. ‘There is no end to the Dahl invention, and this will join all the other cherished favourites. Quentin Blake is his perfect illustrator’ Books.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
39 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,468 books26.6k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
April 15, 2021
We found this book at a community rummage sale over a decade ago. What a gem! This particular sale has books ranging from .10 cents to .25 cents and never more than that. Because people in the community just offload their stuff, there's no telling what you'll find. Today you can find a copy of this book for around $5.00 (new) online. Our copy is a Penguin Book's paperback published in 1990. The original was published in 1989. It's super thin and only about 79 pages total.
Roald Dahl basically took some well-known fables and tales and turned them into silly rhymes. We all know how Roald Dahl had quite the imagination, so this collection can be crazy and hilarious. Some of the rhymes are a bit too risqué and aren't really suited for kids as they reference sex, adultery, and even cannabalism, but I think some of it would likely go unnoticed. Definitely read at your own risk! Others are completely harmless.
Quentin Blake's iconic illustrations are absolutely perfect in every Roald Dahl book we've read. They magically work together with his stories, creating interesting characters. The kids have grown used to seeing his illustrations in most of their favorite Dahl books.
It's no surprise that his sinister version of "Hansel and Gretel" is my favorite. Something unique about this one is this little addition toward the end:
"The Brother's Grimm who wrote this story
Made it a thousand times more gory.
I've taken out the foulest scene
In order that you won't turn green.
It is beyond me how it came
To merit such enormous fame.
Did parents really, in those days,
Agree to read such gruesome plays
To little children in the night?
And did they ever die of fright?
It might have been okay, who knows,
If there'd been humour in the prose.
Did I say humour? Wilhelm Grimm?
There's not a scrap of it in him."
Overall, this is a hilarious collection of twisty rhymes with some of Roald Dahl's wicked humor. There's no denying his books can make children laugh, but he certainly knew how to entertain adults as well. This one will always remain in our collection.
This book is a Shabby Sunday feature @www.readrantrockandroll.com
Roald Dahl basically took some well-known fables and tales and turned them into silly rhymes. We all know how Roald Dahl had quite the imagination, so this collection can be crazy and hilarious. Some of the rhymes are a bit too risqué and aren't really suited for kids as they reference sex, adultery, and even cannabalism, but I think some of it would likely go unnoticed. Definitely read at your own risk! Others are completely harmless.
Quentin Blake's iconic illustrations are absolutely perfect in every Roald Dahl book we've read. They magically work together with his stories, creating interesting characters. The kids have grown used to seeing his illustrations in most of their favorite Dahl books.
It's no surprise that his sinister version of "Hansel and Gretel" is my favorite. Something unique about this one is this little addition toward the end:
"The Brother's Grimm who wrote this story
Made it a thousand times more gory.
I've taken out the foulest scene
In order that you won't turn green.
It is beyond me how it came
To merit such enormous fame.
Did parents really, in those days,
Agree to read such gruesome plays
To little children in the night?
And did they ever die of fright?
It might have been okay, who knows,
If there'd been humour in the prose.
Did I say humour? Wilhelm Grimm?
There's not a scrap of it in him."
Overall, this is a hilarious collection of twisty rhymes with some of Roald Dahl's wicked humor. There's no denying his books can make children laugh, but he certainly knew how to entertain adults as well. This one will always remain in our collection.
This book is a Shabby Sunday feature @www.readrantrockandroll.com
June 29, 2021
What I love most about this book is how nsfw topics are juxtaposed against childish drawings and funny rhymes. Roald Dahl always slays.
April 14, 2012
Review by my nine year old daughter:
This book is part of the reading challenge at my school. This book’s category is poetry.
The very famous author Roald Dahl wrote Rhyme Stew. Quentin Blake illustrated it.Roald Dahl is one of my all-time favourite authors. I’ve read just about all his books like ‘Matilda’, ‘BFG’, ‘Witches’, and his boyhood autobiology. And all the rest.
This book is full of hilarious rhymes. Roald Dahl has taken some well known fairy tales and made them rhyme as well as changing the punchline.
I was almost always chuckling when reading Rhyme Stew.
Roald Dahl has used some English words or concepts in these rhymes such as ‘knickers’, ‘tombola’, ‘church bazaar’, ‘gusto’, ‘jolly’ and ‘haughty’. Some of those words are quite antiquated. I found these poems funny as I’m English so I use some of these words all the time (like knickers). Another reason is that the author surprises and sometimes shocks you.
The only downside is the poems sometimes have big words that some children – even me – might not understand. One of my favourite poems is called ‘The Price of Debauchery‘ which is about a girl who lets a boy kiss her behind her house although her Mum told her not to. I learnt what debauchery means.
I would recommend this book for children aged eight and over, because most of the rhymes can be a little rude like the poem that says ‘The vicar’s hand is up my knickers’.That made me giggle.
I give this book 5 out of 5 smiley faces. I really enjoyed reading Rhyme Stew, and reading out some of the poems to my parents.
This book is part of the reading challenge at my school. This book’s category is poetry.
The very famous author Roald Dahl wrote Rhyme Stew. Quentin Blake illustrated it.Roald Dahl is one of my all-time favourite authors. I’ve read just about all his books like ‘Matilda’, ‘BFG’, ‘Witches’, and his boyhood autobiology. And all the rest.
This book is full of hilarious rhymes. Roald Dahl has taken some well known fairy tales and made them rhyme as well as changing the punchline.
I was almost always chuckling when reading Rhyme Stew.
Roald Dahl has used some English words or concepts in these rhymes such as ‘knickers’, ‘tombola’, ‘church bazaar’, ‘gusto’, ‘jolly’ and ‘haughty’. Some of those words are quite antiquated. I found these poems funny as I’m English so I use some of these words all the time (like knickers). Another reason is that the author surprises and sometimes shocks you.
The only downside is the poems sometimes have big words that some children – even me – might not understand. One of my favourite poems is called ‘The Price of Debauchery‘ which is about a girl who lets a boy kiss her behind her house although her Mum told her not to. I learnt what debauchery means.
I would recommend this book for children aged eight and over, because most of the rhymes can be a little rude like the poem that says ‘The vicar’s hand is up my knickers’.That made me giggle.
I give this book 5 out of 5 smiley faces. I really enjoyed reading Rhyme Stew, and reading out some of the poems to my parents.
December 15, 2015
Dick Whittington and His Cat
St Ives
A Hand in the Bird
The Tortoise and the Hare
The Price of Debauchery
Physical Training
The Emperor's New Clothes
A Little Nut-Tree
The Dentist and the Crocodile
Hot and Cold
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
Hey Diddle Diddle
Mary, Mary
Hansel and Gretel
Aladdin and the Magic Lamp
Dahl didn't shy away from horror and violence in his stories for children, and in this collection of retold fairy tales he references to: sexual harassment (A Hand in the Bird, Physical Training, Hot and Cold), sex (Dick Whittington and His Cat, The Price of Debauchery, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp), adultery (Dick Whittington and His Cat) and few more things (class divide, cannibalism, abuse) one wouldn't expect to come across in a children book.
St Ives
A Hand in the Bird
The Tortoise and the Hare
The Price of Debauchery
Physical Training
The Emperor's New Clothes
A Little Nut-Tree
The Dentist and the Crocodile
Hot and Cold
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
Hey Diddle Diddle
Mary, Mary
Hansel and Gretel
Aladdin and the Magic Lamp
Dahl didn't shy away from horror and violence in his stories for children, and in this collection of retold fairy tales he references to: sexual harassment (A Hand in the Bird, Physical Training, Hot and Cold), sex (Dick Whittington and His Cat, The Price of Debauchery, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp), adultery (Dick Whittington and His Cat) and few more things (class divide, cannibalism, abuse) one wouldn't expect to come across in a children book.
November 12, 2021
Not as great as Revolting Rhymes (in my opinion) but still good.
ROALD DAHL WAS A GENIUS.
ROALD DAHL WAS A GENIUS.
March 5, 2018
three poetry books read in a day
things are surely going my way
a weekend well spent
better than i've dreamt
too bad roald's not here to stay
things are surely going my way
a weekend well spent
better than i've dreamt
too bad roald's not here to stay
July 18, 2024
3,5
absoluut niet voor tere kinderzieltjes bestemd maar wel echt mega grappig
absoluut niet voor tere kinderzieltjes bestemd maar wel echt mega grappig
December 3, 2019
The poems did include fleeting moments of likability, but overall were hampered the most by:
1. The occasional slight bawdiness, which I suppose I'm not inclined to enjoy, plus the troubling elements that wouldn't fly today (casual use of sexual assault and racial stereotypes as sources of humor). I read this as part of my "reading all of Roald Dahl's children's books this year" goal, and after reading it I presume parts of this book aren't meant for children.
2. Reading the collection all in one sitting made the repetitive rhyme scheme Dahl uses for most of the poems feel tedious quickly.
3. The jumping from past to present tense and back again, based on rhyming needs, drove me bonkers at times. It made the poems an occasional mess to read.
1. The occasional slight bawdiness, which I suppose I'm not inclined to enjoy, plus the troubling elements that wouldn't fly today (casual use of sexual assault and racial stereotypes as sources of humor). I read this as part of my "reading all of Roald Dahl's children's books this year" goal, and after reading it I presume parts of this book aren't meant for children.
2. Reading the collection all in one sitting made the repetitive rhyme scheme Dahl uses for most of the poems feel tedious quickly.
3. The jumping from past to present tense and back again, based on rhyming needs, drove me bonkers at times. It made the poems an occasional mess to read.
August 20, 2016
I've reached the point in my "Year of Dahl" that I'm not even reading the backs to see what the book is about. So I went into this one expecting a children's book of poetry, and suddenly I was reading about cannibalism and adultery and all kinds of themes that were handled with tact, but were of a slightly more adult nature (The back of the book does make it clear this is for older children and adults).
I absolutely loved this book! It was so fun to read and I never knew what to expect in the next rhyme. I enjoyed Dahl's twists on classic stories like Aladdin and Ali Baba. It was a blast!
I absolutely loved this book! It was so fun to read and I never knew what to expect in the next rhyme. I enjoyed Dahl's twists on classic stories like Aladdin and Ali Baba. It was a blast!
August 1, 2019
Okay so some of these are DEFINITELY NOT for children.
July 23, 2018
Some of the poems were quite iffy and problematic (to say the least)
April 8, 2015
rated 3 / 5 stars
Synopsis:
An illustrated collection of fifteen parodies ranging from skewered nursery rhymes to epic slapstick sagas.
Review:
I've never really enjoyed a book containing short stories but this one would probably be the one I like more than others. Rhyme Stew contains fifteen parodies of original short stories we know and love. This is my first book by Roald Dahl and I can say that it wasn't a disappointment. Mr. Dahl has such a wild imagination when it comes to his stories.
My favourite stories in this book were The Emperor's New Clothes, The Tortoise and the Hare, and The Dentist and the Crocodile. Although when you read The Emperor's New Clothes you'd probably feel that there was no significant difference between Dahl's version and the original story, I still really enjoyed it. The Tortoise and the Hare was by far my most favourite one, because in this story Mr. Dahl was able to transform the ending and the storyline of this story completely. It was like reading an original story. The Dentist and the Crocodile was just a funny story for me, I mean if I were in a situation where I was the dentist that checked the crocodile's teeth I'd be genuinely scared.
I loved reading the rhymes of this book. It is fun, whimsical, and hilarious just a great reading experience. This book would probably be suitable for a storytelling to your children, nephews, and nieces. Overall, I like reading this book but I doubt I would be rereading this book anytime soon. I would most probably recommend this book to my younger nieces or nephews or read it to them.
This review is posted for the 13 Days Reading Children and Young Adult's Literature.
read my full review on http://booksoverall.blogspot.com/2015...
Synopsis:
An illustrated collection of fifteen parodies ranging from skewered nursery rhymes to epic slapstick sagas.
Review:
I've never really enjoyed a book containing short stories but this one would probably be the one I like more than others. Rhyme Stew contains fifteen parodies of original short stories we know and love. This is my first book by Roald Dahl and I can say that it wasn't a disappointment. Mr. Dahl has such a wild imagination when it comes to his stories.
My favourite stories in this book were The Emperor's New Clothes, The Tortoise and the Hare, and The Dentist and the Crocodile. Although when you read The Emperor's New Clothes you'd probably feel that there was no significant difference between Dahl's version and the original story, I still really enjoyed it. The Tortoise and the Hare was by far my most favourite one, because in this story Mr. Dahl was able to transform the ending and the storyline of this story completely. It was like reading an original story. The Dentist and the Crocodile was just a funny story for me, I mean if I were in a situation where I was the dentist that checked the crocodile's teeth I'd be genuinely scared.
I loved reading the rhymes of this book. It is fun, whimsical, and hilarious just a great reading experience. This book would probably be suitable for a storytelling to your children, nephews, and nieces. Overall, I like reading this book but I doubt I would be rereading this book anytime soon. I would most probably recommend this book to my younger nieces or nephews or read it to them.
This review is posted for the 13 Days Reading Children and Young Adult's Literature.
read my full review on http://booksoverall.blogspot.com/2015...
February 17, 2019
Ronald Dahl was a master of language, hard to think of anyone who can beat him. This book is pure magical rhyming genius. The rhymes were perfectly paired with the illustrations! I laughed all the way through and was throughly entertained the whole way through - as was the man reading it over my shoulder on the tube who demanded to know what book it was.
September 7, 2016
I remember having a copy of Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes when I was little but I've never read this one.
This one is aimed at older kids and adults. It's laugh out loud funny and a bit dirty at times. This is one that sounds great when read out loud. Guaranteed to at least raise a smile.
This one is aimed at older kids and adults. It's laugh out loud funny and a bit dirty at times. This is one that sounds great when read out loud. Guaranteed to at least raise a smile.
October 16, 2017
It was quite alright. Just not my cup of tea!
February 3, 2024
I found this book at a local thrift store as it was falling apart, and I thought I should flick through it to see what it was all about. There were some “old-timey” jokes in here, and I’m sure some of this wasn't meant for a child’s ear. Overall, it was quick and fun, but I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone.
June 30, 2021
3.5 stars.
November 24, 2012
Rhyme Stew is a collection of poems by Roald Dahl who has used a range of classic childrens stories and transformed them into short rhymes. Such rhymes include the Emporors new clothes, Hansel and Gretel and the Hare and the Tortoise amongst many more. I enjoyed reading these rhymes because they tell a story whilst still keeping the reader interested. I particularly enjoyed reading the rhyme based on the hare and the tortoise childrens story. Although it has some similarities to the original story such as the tortoise and the hare taking part in a race. It also includes a different twist and turn to the ending which made it more interesting to read, because you want to know what is going to happen next.
I read this rhyme to my two nieces (8 and 9 years old) and they also enjoyed the Hare and the Tortoise rhyme. Because they have read the original story it got them thinking about different ways how the rhyme was going to end. They also enjoyed the way the rhyme sounded when read aloud. The pictures in the book also helps the reader to imagine these characters in the rhymes.
I gave this book four stars because I feel that it is a good way to help children learn about rhymes, and rhymes which can be made into stories. They are amusing and commendable rhymes.
The age range which I feel would be suitable for this book is 9 and above. Reason being is because of the references to an old maid discovering that the priest has his hands on her legs in the rhyme "A hand in the bird". Also because some of the words which were used in the rhymes such as "debauchery" which may need to be looked up in a dictionary as these are words which are not used occasionally.
I read this rhyme to my two nieces (8 and 9 years old) and they also enjoyed the Hare and the Tortoise rhyme. Because they have read the original story it got them thinking about different ways how the rhyme was going to end. They also enjoyed the way the rhyme sounded when read aloud. The pictures in the book also helps the reader to imagine these characters in the rhymes.
I gave this book four stars because I feel that it is a good way to help children learn about rhymes, and rhymes which can be made into stories. They are amusing and commendable rhymes.
The age range which I feel would be suitable for this book is 9 and above. Reason being is because of the references to an old maid discovering that the priest has his hands on her legs in the rhyme "A hand in the bird". Also because some of the words which were used in the rhymes such as "debauchery" which may need to be looked up in a dictionary as these are words which are not used occasionally.
June 4, 2018
Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors, and as a child, I re-read his books over and over. And from time to time as an adult, I re-read some of my favorites, such as Matilda, The Witches, and The BFG. Recently, I felt the urge to re-read some of the books I was less familiar with, such as Rhyme Stew.
I don’t recall anything about Rhyme Stew, as I probably only read it a couple of times, decades ago, so it’s like re-reading it for the first time. I probably loved it as an 8 year old, but nearly 30 years later, not so much. Revolting Rhymes is definitely much better.
The Tortoise and the Hare and The Emperor’s New Clothes are some of the better poems, probably because they are more like the Revolting Rhymes poems, which are twists on fairy tales.
Overall, this was a disappointing read.
I don’t recall anything about Rhyme Stew, as I probably only read it a couple of times, decades ago, so it’s like re-reading it for the first time. I probably loved it as an 8 year old, but nearly 30 years later, not so much. Revolting Rhymes is definitely much better.
The Tortoise and the Hare and The Emperor’s New Clothes are some of the better poems, probably because they are more like the Revolting Rhymes poems, which are twists on fairy tales.
Overall, this was a disappointing read.
July 15, 2016
Not only did Roald Dahl write great short stories and children's books but his children's poetry is equally fun. Rhyme Stew was one of the last things he published before he passed away in 1990. When compared to his fairy tale poems and dirty beasts, this collection is more bawdy and ruder - there's a poem of a woman taking off her clothes- but, it's all in good fun. The majority of the collection features retelling's of fairy tales: my personal favourites being Aladdin and the tortoise and the Hare. All have that nasty sting and are funny. At least it's good to know that even on his deathbed, Dahl's creative juices were flowing.
October 2, 2012
I first came across Rhyme Stew when I was in year 2. I chose the longest poem in the book (by my count then, it was the Tortoise and the Hare) to present to my class for an assignment.
Over 13 years later, I still relish all of these poems - with a lot more insight into what they mean now than then (as with many of his other books!) despite immensely enjoying it at the time
A testament to the diversity Roald Dahl's appeal!
Over 13 years later, I still relish all of these poems - with a lot more insight into what they mean now than then (as with many of his other books!) despite immensely enjoying it at the time
A testament to the diversity Roald Dahl's appeal!
June 3, 2022
-Dick Whittington and his Cat - Dick Whittington goes to London and gets a job with a Lord, but the cat really p*sses the Lord off, and he starts shooting at it.
-St Ives - change to the St Ives rhyme about how 7 wives is more interesting than 1.
-A Hand in the Bird - A 40-year-old maid feels a mouse in her knickers, but really it's the vicar's hand!
-The Tortoise and the Hare - a tortoise has an engine and wheels fitted to win a race against a hare, but the mechanic screws him over and tells the hare what is going on.
-The Price of Debauchery - A girl is told by her mother that there's always a price for kissing, but the girl kisses a boy anyway, and then gets a cold.
-Physical Training - poem about a boy who is given extra tuition by his gym teacher who teaches him about more adult forms of exercise.
-The Emperor's New Clothes - typical tale of a king who doesn't want to appear stupid so agrees to some sea-through ski clothes and then freezes to death.
-A Little Nut Tree - Girl asks a nut tree for nuts and it tells her nuts to you.
-The Dentist and the Crocodile - A crocodile goes to the dentist and the dentists thinks he's going to eat him but a woman turns up and claims the crocodile is her pet.
-Hot and Cold - a woman undresses in front of her friends son. He asks if she's cold and she replies that she's hot.
-Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves - Ali Baba realises he can open doors by saying Open Sesame, so goes to a posh hotel and opens all the doors to see what's going on inside.
-Hey Diddle Diddle - About some men's dealing cash.
-Mary Mary - A woman is asked how her garden grows and she replies that she lives in a high-rise.
-Hansel and Gretel - Goes as you'd expect it to go. Hansel makes a joke about Gretel liking to cook when she pushes the cannibal in the oven.
-Aladding and the Magic Lamp - Aladdin wishes to become a djinn and then grants other people's wishes.
-St Ives - change to the St Ives rhyme about how 7 wives is more interesting than 1.
-A Hand in the Bird - A 40-year-old maid feels a mouse in her knickers, but really it's the vicar's hand!
-The Tortoise and the Hare - a tortoise has an engine and wheels fitted to win a race against a hare, but the mechanic screws him over and tells the hare what is going on.
-The Price of Debauchery - A girl is told by her mother that there's always a price for kissing, but the girl kisses a boy anyway, and then gets a cold.
-Physical Training - poem about a boy who is given extra tuition by his gym teacher who teaches him about more adult forms of exercise.
-The Emperor's New Clothes - typical tale of a king who doesn't want to appear stupid so agrees to some sea-through ski clothes and then freezes to death.
-A Little Nut Tree - Girl asks a nut tree for nuts and it tells her nuts to you.
-The Dentist and the Crocodile - A crocodile goes to the dentist and the dentists thinks he's going to eat him but a woman turns up and claims the crocodile is her pet.
-Hot and Cold - a woman undresses in front of her friends son. He asks if she's cold and she replies that she's hot.
-Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves - Ali Baba realises he can open doors by saying Open Sesame, so goes to a posh hotel and opens all the doors to see what's going on inside.
-Hey Diddle Diddle - About some men's dealing cash.
-Mary Mary - A woman is asked how her garden grows and she replies that she lives in a high-rise.
-Hansel and Gretel - Goes as you'd expect it to go. Hansel makes a joke about Gretel liking to cook when she pushes the cannibal in the oven.
-Aladding and the Magic Lamp - Aladdin wishes to become a djinn and then grants other people's wishes.
April 15, 2021
Another collection of 'altered' fairy tales. TW racism, misogyny, fat phobia
While revolting rhymes was delightful, this was awful. It's classified as a children's book but really shouldn't even be available for adults. Dahl was a roaring misogynist and has written many books featuring rape, there are undercurrents of those themes in these supposed children's stories, which in attempting to be funny left me with a sour taste in my mouth. There are about 3 stories in this collection that are palatable but it's not worth going through the rest for them.
While revolting rhymes was delightful, this was awful. It's classified as a children's book but really shouldn't even be available for adults. Dahl was a roaring misogynist and has written many books featuring rape, there are undercurrents of those themes in these supposed children's stories, which in attempting to be funny left me with a sour taste in my mouth. There are about 3 stories in this collection that are palatable but it's not worth going through the rest for them.
April 22, 2022
No children's story is safe as Roald Dahl spins his own versions of classic tales. A truly wondrous experience.
March 21, 2020
In Rhyme Stew Dahl presents some fun twists on classic stories in the form of poems. They're not overly complex poems, but they rhyme and they're funny, and perfect for the young (but not too young!) target audience.
Unfortunately, it's no longer surprising to find myself faced with Dahl's problematic views, specifically in the final poem, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.
Unfortunately, it's no longer surprising to find myself faced with Dahl's problematic views, specifically in the final poem, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.
May 7, 2022
Roald Dahl is always a treat to reread, and this is no exception! When I read this last year (for that’s the timespan before rereading the same Roald Dahl - yes I’m an addict), I remember thinking it was great but not as good as its predecessor Revolting Rhymes. Having reread it, I’ve decided that that is correct.
However, these poems I loved:
Dick Whittington realising that London is in fact overrated and that the streets are not paved in gold;
The Tortoise and the Hare both trying to cheat each other and having to end it as a draw, showing the necessity of not falling for slimy business schemes;
The Emperor’s New Clothes, where everybody’s admiration of his “gown” is actually an elaborate murder plot;
And Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, where Aladdin becomes a djinn himself and lends a hand to Shakespeare and Mozart.
Just think, next time he passes you,
The lucky person might be you.
Hansel and Gretel, whilst wonderfully written, is a very classic adaptation of the story without the Dahlesque twists that made the above poems so fab. The Price of Debauchery was fun (and quite apt!) but a bit short. The other poems were amusing but weren’t quite as striking.
But hey - this is Roald Dahl! His books are a treat for children aged from nine to ninety.
However, these poems I loved:
Dick Whittington realising that London is in fact overrated and that the streets are not paved in gold;
The Tortoise and the Hare both trying to cheat each other and having to end it as a draw, showing the necessity of not falling for slimy business schemes;
The Emperor’s New Clothes, where everybody’s admiration of his “gown” is actually an elaborate murder plot;
And Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, where Aladdin becomes a djinn himself and lends a hand to Shakespeare and Mozart.
Just think, next time he passes you,
The lucky person might be you.
Hansel and Gretel, whilst wonderfully written, is a very classic adaptation of the story without the Dahlesque twists that made the above poems so fab. The Price of Debauchery was fun (and quite apt!) but a bit short. The other poems were amusing but weren’t quite as striking.
But hey - this is Roald Dahl! His books are a treat for children aged from nine to ninety.
February 4, 2017
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2780186.html
A collection of poems by Dahl, ostensibly for children. The longer poems, which are subversions of well-known stories - Dick Whittington, the Tortoise and the Hare, the Emperor's New Clothes, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Hansel and Gretel and Aladdin - are generally much better than the short ones which seem too often to be doggerel encoding a club-room joke, usually missing the mark of good taste (let alone appeal to the target audience). It is perhaps a product of a different time (though published in 1989 when things were surely already changing).
A collection of poems by Dahl, ostensibly for children. The longer poems, which are subversions of well-known stories - Dick Whittington, the Tortoise and the Hare, the Emperor's New Clothes, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Hansel and Gretel and Aladdin - are generally much better than the short ones which seem too often to be doggerel encoding a club-room joke, usually missing the mark of good taste (let alone appeal to the target audience). It is perhaps a product of a different time (though published in 1989 when things were surely already changing).
March 24, 2015
Rhyme Stew is a collection of poems by Roald Dahl with illustrations by Quentin Blake. The poems are humorous and imaginative.
The poems are based around a selection of children's stories. This is a great book to introduce children to poems and rhyme in different forms and how they can be created from stories. It will be a great resource when I am teaching my own class, especially in KS1/KS2.
The poems are based around a selection of children's stories. This is a great book to introduce children to poems and rhyme in different forms and how they can be created from stories. It will be a great resource when I am teaching my own class, especially in KS1/KS2.
October 6, 2016
Roald Dahl pistää "Riimihärkää muusilla" (Art House, 2001) -runoteoksessaan ranttaliksi. Runojen aiheet vaihtelevat satujen uusiotulkinnoista (mm. Keisarin uudet vaatteet, Alladin, Hannu ja Kerttu) pieniin kaksimielisiin tarinoihin. Quentin Blaken kuvitus on riemukasta sekin. Tuomas Nevanlinnan käännökselle on nostettava hattua, ei ole varmaankaan ollut ihan helppoa pyöritellä Dahlin riimejä suomeksi.
July 27, 2017
This was so different from what I thought it would be! This is a collection of Dahl's poems retelling fairy tales and I thought I was getting a children's poem. I was wrong. There's a LOT of dark themes discussed here like sexual harassment, adultery, sex, cannibalism, and a lot of other darker themes that children would not get. The illustration by Quentin Blake is lovely as always and I find myself enjoying this more than I would ever thought.
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