Roald Dahl is truly a delight to reread, and this collection is no different!

When I first read it last year (yes, that's the time gap before rereading the same Dahl - I'm indeed an addict), I recall thinking it was great but not quite on par with its predecessor, Revolting Rhymes. After rereading, I stand by that assessment.

However, there are several poems in this collection that I absolutely adored.

Dick Whittington realizes that London is overrated and that the streets are not paved with gold.

The Tortoise and the Hare both attempt to cheat each other and end up in a draw, highlighting the importance of not falling for shady business schemes.

In The Emperor’s New Clothes, everyone's admiration for his "gown" is actually part of an elaborate murder plot.

And in Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Aladdin becomes a djinn himself and helps Shakespeare and Mozart.

Just think, next time he passes you,
The lucky person might be you.

Hansel and Gretel, while beautifully written, is a more traditional adaptation of the story without the Dahl-esque twists that made the previous poems so wonderful. The Price of Debauchery was enjoyable (and quite fitting!) but a bit too short. The other poems were amusing but not as memorable.

But come on - this is Roald Dahl! His books are a treat for children of all ages, from nine to ninety.

Dick Whittington and his Cat: Dick Whittington travels to London and secures a job with a Lord. However, the cat manages to truly anger the Lord, who begins shooting at it.

St Ives: Transformed into the St Ives rhyme, where the idea of 7 wives proves to be more captivating than just 1.

A Hand in the Bird: A 40-year-old maid feels what she believes to be a mouse in her knickers, only to discover it's actually the vicar's hand!

The Tortoise and the Hare: A tortoise has an engine and wheels installed to win a race against a hare. But the mechanic betrays him and informs the hare of the situation.

The Price of Debauchery: A girl is warned by her mother that there is always a price for kissing. Nevertheless, the girl kisses a boy and subsequently catches a cold.

Physical Training: A poem about a boy who receives additional tuition from his gym teacher, who introduces him to more adult forms of exercise.

The Emperor's New Clothes: The classic tale of a king who,不愿显得愚蠢, agrees to some see-through ski clothes and ultimately freezes to death.

A Little Nut Tree: A girl asks a nut tree for nuts, and it responds with "nuts to you."

The Dentist and the Crocodile: A crocodile visits the dentist, and the dentist fears he will be eaten. But a woman arrives and claims the crocodile as her pet.

Hot and Cold: A woman undresses in front of her friend's son. When he asks if she's cold, she replies that she's hot.

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves: Ali Baba discovers he can open doors by saying "Open Sesame." He then heads to a posh hotel and opens all the doors to see what's happening inside.

Hey Diddle Diddle: About some men dealing with cash.

Mary Mary: A woman is asked how her garden grows, and she replies that she lives in a high-rise.

Hansel and Gretel: Proceeds as expected. Hansel makes a joke about Gretel's penchant for cooking when she pushes the cannibal into the oven.

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp: Aladdin wishes to become a djinn and then grants the wishes of others.

Not for kids! :)

This simple statement holds a world of meaning. It implies that the content or activity in question is not suitable for the eyes or ears of children.

It could refer to a movie with adult themes, a video game with violent or inappropriate content, or a book that deals with complex and mature topics.

By clearly indicating that something is not for kids, we are protecting their innocence and shielding them from potentially harmful or disturbing material.

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring that children are exposed only to age-appropriate content.

They should be vigilant in monitoring what their kids watch, play, and read, and make informed decisions based on the child's maturity level and developmental stage.

In a world where information is readily available at our fingertips, it is more important than ever to be discerning and responsible when it comes to what we allow our children to experience.

So, the next time you see the label "Not for kids! :)" take it seriously and do your part to keep our children safe and protected.

Roald Dahl was an incredibly talented author. He not only penned great short stories and children's books but his children's poetry was equally entertaining.

Rhyme Stew was one of the final works he published before his passing in 1990. Compared to his fairy tale poems and dirty beasts, this collection has a more bawdy and rude nature. For instance, there's a poem about a woman taking off her clothes. However, it's all done in good fun.

The majority of the collection consists of retellings of fairy tales. My personal favorites are Aladdin and The Tortoise and the Hare. All of these retellings have that nasty sting and are highly amusing. It's reassuring to know that even on his deathbed, Dahl's creative juices continued to flow, ensuring that his unique brand of humor and storytelling would live on for generations to come.

I truly loved this. I found it extremely funny, and while my children were mildly amused, it was perhaps in part due to the slightly old-fashioned words and slang that they didn't understand and required explanation.

The blurb on the back does indeed suggest it is for older children as there was a bit of innuendo present, and I wholeheartedly agree. There are both long rhymes and short rhymes throughout the text.

It makes for an interesting read, especially for those who appreciate the charm of older language and the playfulness of rhymes.

However, it's important to note that for younger children, some of the content might need to be carefully considered or perhaps even skipped over to ensure it is age-appropriate.

Overall, it's a unique piece that offers a different kind of entertainment and language experience.

Underwhelming.

It is truly a letdown. There are also a few instances of awkward word choice just to force a rhyme.

For example,

"Hold it," the Tortoise cried. "My wheeze"
And listen carefully if you please.

Here, the use of "wheeze" seems a bit odd and forced to fit the rhyme scheme.

Another example is

"He gagged and coughed, but when he spake
He cried, "You're on! So what's the stake?"

The word "spake" feels rather archaic and out of place in this context.

I had expected more from this work. It was simply too amateurish for my refined taste.

I was hoping for something more polished and sophisticated, but unfortunately, this fell short of my expectations.

This book is an incredibly fun and quick read that truly captivates the reader.

Roald Dahl has an amazing talent for adding a unique and quirky spin to timeless classics. His writing style is so engaging that it makes these well-known stories feel brand new.

Whether it's a familiar fairy tale or a beloved children's story, Roald's interpretations bring a fresh perspective and a sense of excitement.

The characters he creates are vivid and memorable, and the plots are filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Reading his books is like going on a magical adventure, where anything can happen.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story and enjoys being entertained. It's a must-read for both children and adults alike.

Once upon a time, Dahl wrote books for children, but this contained stories that were not really for children. The story told by the wrestling teacher about the girls really confused an adult too :D Dahl is quite different in general from what I have read before. This week, it was reported that there is a need to rewrite inappropriate classic texts, and as I remember, one of the 'texts to be corrected' was Roald Dahl's description of a person being really fat! So can't a child say 'big-bellied fatty' and 'fatso' anymore? :D

It's interesting to see how the perception of what is appropriate in children's literature has changed over time. While Dahl's works are beloved by many, some of his descriptions and language may now be considered outdated or potentially offensive. Rewriting these texts can ensure that they are more in line with modern values and sensitivities. However, it also raises questions about whether we should be changing the original works of great authors. On one hand, we want to make sure that children are exposed to positive and inclusive messages. On the other hand, we don't want to sanitize or censor literature to the point where it loses its authenticity and power.

Perhaps a better approach would be to use these texts as a starting point for discussions with children about language, stereotypes, and respect. By engaging in these conversations, we can help them develop a more critical understanding of the world around them and learn to appreciate different perspectives. In this way, we can both preserve the legacy of great authors like Roald Dahl and ensure that our children are growing up with the right values and attitudes.

This is a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read. The poems within it are truly remarkable. Their rhymes are not only crisp but also smooth and funny, making them a delight to the senses. Some of the poems offer a twisted take on a well-known fairy tale, adding a unique and unexpected twist to the familiar stories. Others are short poems with a punchline that will leave you laughing out loud. And then there are those that can be pretty naughty, depending on how dirty your mind is. It's all standard Roald Dahl, with his brilliant imagination and knack for creating engaging and entertaining works. Whether you're a fan of poetry or just looking for a lighthearted and fun read, this collection is sure to please.

My favorite brother (oh, and just to be clear, he's my only brother) presented this to me as a birthday gift. What an amazing little moment it was! Roald Dahl has once again worked his magic with a collection of delightfully bawdy parodies of our beloved fairy tales. These are told in simple verse, combined with a plethora of comical and nonsensical rhymes.

It's truly a treat to read on a Sunday afternoon. Whoever fails to appreciate this kind of literary gem is seriously missing out on something wonderful in their life. Dahl's creativity knows no bounds, and his ability to take classic fairy tales and turn them on their heads with humor and wit is simply remarkable.

Whether you're a child or an adult, these parodies are sure to bring a smile to your face and a laugh to your lips. So, the next time you're looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read, pick up one of Roald Dahl's fairy tale parodies and prepare to be charmed.

After reading Matilda, I firmly believe that Rhyme Stew was my absolute favorite Roald Dahl book during my childhood.

Revisiting it as an adult, I was quite surprised to find that certain parts are actually rather risque. However, this doesn't detract from the fact that it remains bitingly funny.

The stories in Rhyme Stew, such as Dick Whittington, The Hare and the Tortoise, the Emperor's New Clothes, Ali Baba, Aladdin, and Hansel and Gretel, are retold in rhyme in a way that you've never seen them before.

It's truly a remarkable collection that manages to combine humor, adventure, and a touch of the unexpected.

Even now, as an adult, I can't help but be charmed by the tremendous fun that Rhyme Stew offers.

It's really a pity that I have already finished reading him.

I have enjoyed the poems.

Some things that I would have taken very seriously as a child are actually very funny now that I am older.

Fantastic!

This collection of poems has truly brought me a unique reading experience.

The words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures in my mind.

Each poem has its own charm and message, making me reflect on life and emotions.

I am glad that I had the opportunity to discover this wonderful work.

It has not only entertained me but also enriched my understanding of the world.

I look forward to exploring more works like this in the future.