What do you think?
Rate this book
Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts
Revolting Rhymes
If you thought you knew the stories of some of the most popular fairy tales, think again. Here are six of the best known tales retold with more than a twist or two, by that master of the comic and the bloodcurdling, Roald Dahl. Dirty Beasts
Meet Roald Dahl's ghastly menagerie of wonderful comic animals. The collection includes the poor toad that jumps to France, the pig who ponders on the meaning of life, and the anteater who gets the wrong end of the stick.
If you thought you knew the stories of some of the most popular fairy tales, think again. Here are six of the best known tales retold with more than a twist or two, by that master of the comic and the bloodcurdling, Roald Dahl. Dirty Beasts
Meet Roald Dahl's ghastly menagerie of wonderful comic animals. The collection includes the poor toad that jumps to France, the pig who ponders on the meaning of life, and the anteater who gets the wrong end of the stick.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2001
226 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,475 books26.7k 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 13, 2017
I am currently trying to read all of Roald Dahl's books and re-read a lot of them.
Revolting Rhymes
I really enjoyed this book full of short stories! All the short stories were remakes of fairy tales. They were all gruesome and some of them even intertwined.
I highly suggest this book for anyone that likes fairy tales and/or anyone that likes Roald Dahl. I really feel this was one of his best works, even though it is really short.
Dirty Beasts
This book was about multiple different "creatures," which were real animals with twists.
"Stingaling the scorpion to Crocky-Wock the crocodile, Dahl's animals are nothing short of ridiculous. A clever pig with an unmentionable plan to save his own bacon and an anteater with an unusually large appetite are among the characters created by Dahl in these timeless rhymes."
This was a short, fast read that I was really entertained by. They were multiple short stories combined to make a book.
Revolting Rhymes
I really enjoyed this book full of short stories! All the short stories were remakes of fairy tales. They were all gruesome and some of them even intertwined.
I highly suggest this book for anyone that likes fairy tales and/or anyone that likes Roald Dahl. I really feel this was one of his best works, even though it is really short.
Dirty Beasts
This book was about multiple different "creatures," which were real animals with twists.
"Stingaling the scorpion to Crocky-Wock the crocodile, Dahl's animals are nothing short of ridiculous. A clever pig with an unmentionable plan to save his own bacon and an anteater with an unusually large appetite are among the characters created by Dahl in these timeless rhymes."
This was a short, fast read that I was really entertained by. They were multiple short stories combined to make a book.
March 9, 2018
These are fabulous and so funny short stories. There are 6 updated fairy tale stories with a twist. It made me laugh and it was knarely. This is the revolting Rhymes. The dirty beasts is about an animal and something quirky that happens to them.
It's Roald having so much fun with these. It's almost like he wants to make parents squirm while reading these to children. I always love reading a story by Roald. He has such a gift writing for all ages.
I have almost finished all his children's stories. I guess I will have to re-read after that. It's always a pleasure to read his stories.
It's Roald having so much fun with these. It's almost like he wants to make parents squirm while reading these to children. I always love reading a story by Roald. He has such a gift writing for all ages.
I have almost finished all his children's stories. I guess I will have to re-read after that. It's always a pleasure to read his stories.
December 14, 2015
Listening to these hilarious rhymes and stories by Roald Dahl, read by some of my favorite British actors, Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan was a real treat.
While most of these stories would be fine to read/listen to along with middle school aged children, there are a few bits that some may object to, but only one instance where I felt uncomfortable, in the first story, Cinderella. "Cindy" has just witnessed the Prince have his soldiers behead her sisters and he turns to her and says, "who's this dirty slut, off with her nut, off with her nut!" While it's funny to hear anyone say, 'off with her nut' rhyming it, in a kid's book, with the word slut, is just not the thing. If I read it aloud, I would replace with the word, "butt." Sorry Dahl, but I'm not above a little personal editing, plus the word butt is funnier and not shaming to anyone, as we all have butts.
Other than that though, I enjoyed listening quite a bit, but certainly this story is not for everyone, or their families. As in typical Dahl fashion most people are rude, mean-hearted, sharp-tongued twits.
While most of these stories would be fine to read/listen to along with middle school aged children, there are a few bits that some may object to, but only one instance where I felt uncomfortable, in the first story, Cinderella. "Cindy" has just witnessed the Prince have his soldiers behead her sisters and he turns to her and says, "who's this dirty slut, off with her nut, off with her nut!" While it's funny to hear anyone say, 'off with her nut' rhyming it, in a kid's book, with the word slut, is just not the thing. If I read it aloud, I would replace with the word, "butt." Sorry Dahl, but I'm not above a little personal editing, plus the word butt is funnier and not shaming to anyone, as we all have butts.
Other than that though, I enjoyed listening quite a bit, but certainly this story is not for everyone, or their families. As in typical Dahl fashion most people are rude, mean-hearted, sharp-tongued twits.
November 2, 2020
Believathon II
Prompts: The Yellow Brick Road, read a book you supposed to read years ago and 100 Acre Wood, read a book with yellow on the cover.
Prompts: The Yellow Brick Road, read a book you supposed to read years ago and 100 Acre Wood, read a book with yellow on the cover.
December 24, 2023
2.5
I understand the goal of these but they felt more dark than funny to me. I don’t think I could recommend these, they are twists on classic stories and animals but have very dark themes in the twists. Not for me.
I understand the goal of these but they felt more dark than funny to me. I don’t think I could recommend these, they are twists on classic stories and animals but have very dark themes in the twists. Not for me.
July 20, 2022
Some of these aged better than others.
April 11, 2018
A cute little book of reimagined fairy tales and beastly stories to listen to on a short commute. Of course, I always thought that Little Red Riding Hood got off too easy!
December 15, 2013
This brief and unabridged audio production begins with Revolting Rhymes then progresses into Dirty Beasts. There is music arranged as dividers between the various rhymes. I usually do not like music in audio productions but this is the exception. I appreciated how the music provided a moment for laughter or reflection, and I never felt as if the musical interludes were distracting. Stephen Mangan, Tamsin Greig, and Miriam Margolyes take turns reading the selections. All of them do a fantastic job, and not once did a narrator overacting the material pull me away from the text. I think Penguin Audio got this right.
While this is aimed at a youthful audience, it's accessible for all ages. Those who are younger will enjoy the enthusiastic readings and rhyming schemes on display. For the older reader/listener, the cleverness of Dahl is truly something to appreciate.
Incidentally, my favorite was "The Toad and the Snail."
While this is aimed at a youthful audience, it's accessible for all ages. Those who are younger will enjoy the enthusiastic readings and rhyming schemes on display. For the older reader/listener, the cleverness of Dahl is truly something to appreciate.
Incidentally, my favorite was "The Toad and the Snail."
February 28, 2010
I love it when they choose the perfect person to read a book. Alan Cumming is so good reading Dahl's poems. Fun and silly!
November 5, 2020
Great enjoyment from a master, but a super tough book to find in used bookstores! The audiobook was super well done and a lot of fun.
October 4, 2017
I've read and reviewed each of the two volumes in this collection separately, so this is basically just for my own records. I unearthed these childhood staples from a bookshelf recently and was delighted to find that, though I haven't read them for 20+ years, I still remember parts of them very clearly, even if I didn't remember where the lines came from. "The huntsman's heart began to flutter / it melted like a pound of butter" is engraved on my memory, for instance, and there it was! I can't tell you how many times I read these two books as a kid. It was LOTS, that's for sure, and now that I've rediscovered them I'll no doubt be reading them lots again.
October 9, 2020
Revolting Rhymes– Dahl’s fractures some of the most popular fairy tales with some funny and outrageous twists to the classics. Six stories are re-written with surprising details and conclusions.
Dirty Beasts shows a rather dark and ghastly side of Dahl's humor. From pigs to crocodiles to anteaters these poems might provide some nightmares.
These two books of poetry are incredibly cleaver but not recommended for children. The best target audience, in my opinion, is sarcastic adults who enjoy poking fun at one’s childhood memories. 4 stars for twisted adults (like me) and 2 stars for individuals under the age of 10.
Dirty Beasts shows a rather dark and ghastly side of Dahl's humor. From pigs to crocodiles to anteaters these poems might provide some nightmares.
These two books of poetry are incredibly cleaver but not recommended for children. The best target audience, in my opinion, is sarcastic adults who enjoy poking fun at one’s childhood memories. 4 stars for twisted adults (like me) and 2 stars for individuals under the age of 10.
November 9, 2020
I had just finished plodding through a highly-rated modern"humor" book that was so unfunny that I then had to search for a really funny laugh out loud book to find out if I caught a terminal case of anhedonia from it. Thank you, Roald Dahl, I can indeed find humor where there is any to be had. In fact I would recommend emptying your bladder before proceeding to read them. My favorite was Goldilocks, although there was a lot to be said for Snow White. Seriously. who would waste a magic mirror just to tell how fair you are, when it has potentially much better uses! I didn't find the Dirty Beasts quite as good--but that's just me, since I was raised on Rocky and Bullwinkle and the Fractured Fairy Tales--but Dirty Beasts is still awfully darned good. Extremely clever, creative, and LOL funny IMHO, but probably not for small children as much as middle-level readers who can appreciate their fairy tales more piquant.
April 18, 2021
Definitely NOT for young children. I listened to this one on a long drive today, and it seemed to shorten the amount of time I was in the car. The narrators include Miriam Margolyes and Tamsin Grieg, and their performances are perfect for Dahl's revolting rhymes and tales of dirty beasts. We get a new view of Red Riding Hood who doesn't need a woodsman to save her and a different take on the story of the three pigs. If you've read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and remember that only one child came through the tour unscathed, you might enjoy the dark humor of this audiobook.
August 28, 2017
Humorous fractured fairy tales told in rhyme, adaptations of children's classic stories from the delightfully twisted mind of Roald Dahl. What more can a person ask for? Wonderful fun. I loved listening to the audiobook version, the narrators are terrific.
October 23, 2020
Miss 6 was rapt. She definitely enjoyed listening to both 'Dirty Beasts' and 'Revolting Rhymes'.
Miss 6 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 6 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
February 28, 2019
The first half of these poems were excellent as they were retellings of fairytales. The second half were poems not based off any stories that I had heard of. I wasn’t as big of a fan of these as the retellings, but they were still interesting.
November 4, 2020
I’ve read the book before which I really enjoyed (I’m a grown up!). I was dreaming in limericks for days!
I listened to readings on Spotify this time. I didn’t enjoy her voices so it ruined it for me.
I’d recommend doing your research on narrators, if you want to go down that route.
I listened to readings on Spotify this time. I didn’t enjoy her voices so it ruined it for me.
I’d recommend doing your research on narrators, if you want to go down that route.
May 5, 2017
Enjoyed all the stories, some were quite funny.
January 2, 2019
Roald Dahl with rhyme and fairytales with a twist
December 30, 2019
Clever
January 14, 2020
A wonderfully twisted and macabre retelling of classic fairytales with a little bit more violence.
March 9, 2020
3.5 stars
June 10, 2020
An interesting take on classics stories and nursery rhymes.
April 8, 2021
Not my favorite Roald Dahl, but there were a few funny stories.
December 6, 2023
Listened with the girls. Funny twists on traditional tales.
March 14, 2024
These were good fun!
September 16, 2024
The collection contained only a few stories that didn’t revolve around humans; thus, I felt the collection would have been better aligned if it had been just those stories.
December 13, 2024
It was so silly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews