Everybody is familiar with the name Roald Dahl. Dahl’s name is synonymous with imaginative, mischievous and utterly unforgettable children’s stories, as well as movies and theatre shows, that feature some truly remarkable and memorable characters. His stories have delighted generations of young readers, with titles such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Twits, The BFG and Esio Trot among his many beloved tales. He has sold hundreds of millions of copies of his books worldwide. Yet, despite his towering presence in the world of children’s literature, many readers may be surprised to learn that Dahl’s writing extended beyond children’s fiction. In total, he published 49 books between 1943 and 2016, including 18 titles for adults, several non-fiction works such as Boy: Tales of Childhood (his autobiographical account) and three poetry collections for children. Among these, Revolting Rhymes, which was first published in 1982, stands out as a gleefully wicked twist on traditional fairy tales, and a perfect showcase of Dahl’s darker, more subversive humour.
Now, let’s be totally honest. For most people hearing the “children’s poetry book”, it could very well conjure up thoughts of something that is dry, overly earnest or even painfully twee and not something the kids would be interested in. But Revolting Rhymes is none of those things. This is Dahl at his most devilish, gleefully dismantling six beloved fairy tales and rebuilding them with his unique razor-sharp wit, unexpected endings and a generous dose of mockery. The featured fairy tales are 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. Dahl’s versions are anything but conventional.
When you open the book and are greeted with the line “I guess you think you know this story / You don’t, the real one’s much more gory”, the tone is set for what’s to come. These rhymes are not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. There’s violence, cheeky language and a gleeful disregard for the sanitised versions of fairy tales we all know and love. Cinderella’s stepsisters meet a grisly end at the hands of Prince Charming, Little Red Riding Hood packs heat in her underwear and as for Goldilocks, she is recast as a home-invading vandal. It’s outrageous, hilarious, undeniably bold and unbelievably fun.
Overall, Revolting Rhymes is a riot of humorous poetry, showcasing Dahl’s unique storytelling genius and for turning the familiar into the fantastically bizarre. It’s a brilliant introduction to poetry for those who think they don’t like poetry, and a must-read for fans of Dahl’s darker side. If you’re considering sharing it with your children, I would recommend a quick read-through first, just to make sure you’re comfortable with the twisted turns these tales take. For readers who enjoy a bit of bite with their bedtime stories, Revolting Rhymes is a deliciously wicked treat.
The fairy tales rhymes are masterfully crafted. Dahl’s use of expressive language and rhythm is a joy to read, it is packed with verses that bounce, twist and surprise readers at every turn. Dahl’s trademark dark humour and wit shine through, which is very clever and multi-layered, making it perfect for older children who relish a bit of cheek as well as for adults who appreciate Dahl’s satirical edge. And if you have read any of Dahl’s books before you already know that no Dahl book would be complete without the iconic illustrations by Quentin Blake, they add another layer of charm and chaos, perfectly complementing the anarchic spirit of the text.
Now a gentle word of warning. While Revolting Rhymes is essentially a children’s poetry book based on much-loved fairy tales, it may not be suitable for all young readers. Parents should be aware of the occasional mild coarse language and graphic imagery. While many children will revel in the absurdity and shock value, others might find it unsettling. At just 62 pages, it’s one of Dahl’s shortest works, but it packs a punch that lingers long after the final rhyme.
Personally, I absolutely loved Revolting Rhymes. It twists beloved fairy tales back to their original dark stories but with Dahl’s blend of dark humour.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Hardback) / £5.99 (Paperback) / £3.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit www.roalddahl.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
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