Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
28(28%)
4 stars
42(42%)
3 stars
30(30%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
... Show More
I truly, deeply, and passionately Looooove the Nut Tree poem.

It is an absolute gem that combines sarcasm, silliness, and an abundance of humor in the most delightful way.

The words seem to dance off the page, making me chuckle with every line.

It's one of those rare poems that can instantly brighten my mood and bring a smile to my face.

The playfulness of the language and the unexpected twists in the verses make it a joy to read again and again.

And that simple "Nuts to you, lol" at the end just adds the perfect touch of lightheartedness.

Overall, the Nut Tree poem is a wonderful piece of work that I will always cherish for its unique charm and ability to make me laugh out loud.

July 14,2025
... Show More
This collection of short stories is ridiculously fun!

Each story is accompanied by very pretty illustrations that add to the charm.

I absolutely love it.

However, it should be noted that some of the stories may not be suitable for children.

Despite this, the overall experience of reading these stories is highly enjoyable.

The vivid descriptions and engaging plots make it difficult to put down.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read or something to spark your imagination, these short stories are definitely worth checking out.

Overall, it's a great addition to any bookshelf.
July 14,2025
... Show More

More wonderful rhymes from one of the greats of children's literature.
Like the last book of poetry of his I read, Dirty Beasts, these poems are mostly re-imaginings of classic tales, but with a surprisingly adult twist. I love them for that. I don't think I've ever seen it done by another author. You get poems that can be enjoyed by adults, like Spike Milligan's, but they are very PG. Similarly, you get adult poems that are usually over-the-top explicit, like the fake nursery rhyme Go the F*** to Sleep. These are a great in-between. They are great retellings of old stories, but with just a little twist that means you definitely wouldn't want to read them to your niece or nephew.
The rhyme scheme in all of them is superb and rarely deviates from exact. On occasions where it does, it's often tongue in cheek, which only adds to the enjoyment. The cadence is also great, and I didn't notice a single stray from the rhythm when reading. Although admittedly, occasionally some words have to be spoken with different emphasis than they usually would be.
The twists to the tales often put them more in a modern age, as in Dirty Beasts. I found this really enjoyable and most on trend. Modern retellings of fairy tales seem to be very much en vogue at the moment, but this is nothing like them. To quote one poem: 'Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? “I live with my brat in a high-rise flat, So how in the world would I know” '. It's a brilliant modern take, remarkable brevity, funny, and just great.
The illustrations of Blake are, like always, fantastic. It's interesting to see him draw things that are slightly more risqué than we're used to seeing, owing to the more adult themes in this. But they still fit perfectly to Dahl's writing and add a wonderful other dimension to the book that words alone could not replicate.
In terms of the adult content, I'm not sure that all of these would be allowed now. Perhaps I'm underestimating publishers, but I think because of the connotations of Dahl as a children's author, despite this one clearly saying it is for older readers, I think some of these may have been cut from the book. I don't think they're particularly outrageous, but I think some people would be shocked reading Dahl writing about a gym teacher in Physical Training: 'She held me here, she held me there, By gum, she held me everywhere'. But it is funny.

July 14,2025
... Show More

Yikes! This particular piece of work is far too bawdy for children. It seems to have not aged well at all. The content is filled with inappropriate and vulgar elements that are not suitable for the tender ears and minds of the young. What's more, the rhyme that it employs is rather tedious. It lacks the charm and liveliness that one would expect from a well-crafted piece. Instead of engaging the reader or listener, it has the opposite effect, causing boredom and a sense of unease. It's a prime example of how something that may have seemed acceptable or even entertaining in a different era can quickly become outdated and offensive.

July 14,2025
... Show More
oeioei…


There are some rather problematic little poems in this fun. I absolutely love Roald Dahl's stories but the poetry doesn't quite grab me as much. It is a bit too repetitive for my taste. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read smaller pieces over a longer period of time. I am, however, an extremely big fan of the illustrations that go with it!! They make everything better.


Roald Dahl is renowned for his creative and imaginative works. While his stories are often filled with excitement and wonder, the poetry in this collection seems to lack a certain spark for me. The repetition can make it feel a bit monotonous at times. However, it's important to note that everyone has different preferences when it comes to literature.


Despite my slight disappointment with the poetry, the illustrations are truly outstanding. They add an extra dimension to the words and bring the stories to life in a unique way. Each picture is full of detail and charm, making it a pleasure to look at.


Overall, while the poetry may not be my favorite aspect of this work, I still appreciate the effort and creativity that went into it. And I will continue to be a fan of Roald Dahl's other wonderful creations.
July 14,2025
... Show More
I wanted to kick off my new year by delving into a fun and lighthearted book.

Dahl makes references to classic childhood tales such as Tortoise and the Hare and Hansel and Gretel, but he puts his own unique twist on these original stories. These particular references really resonated with me, and they made me reflect on the stories I listened to during my childhood.

The book is formatted as a collection of short story poems, which means that there isn't always a lot of time to fully develop the characters or establish a solid plot. As a result, the stories can often seem random, yet at the same time, they are quite specific.

This short story style was actually quite effective in keeping my attention, especially when I started to feel bored with a particular story.

However, I have to give this book three stars because some of the language and art felt a bit outdated. Due to this, I wasn't able to fully relate to or enjoy some of the content.

Overall, it was an interesting read, but it had its flaws.
July 14,2025
... Show More
There are so many weird things and so many strange occurrences.

I find it extremely humorous when he writes about how perverse the Grimm Brothers were, to the extent that he had to edit out the awful parts.

Considering that Mr. Dahl is now himself the subject of editors' red pens, it adds an interesting layer to the story.

It is entertaining in an odd way, appealing both to kids and yet really not suitable for kids in some aspects.

But I guess that's the unique charm of Roald Dahl. His works are filled with such contradictions and unexpected twists that make them both engaging and thought-provoking.

Whether it's the strange characters he creates or the unusual storylines he weaves, there is always something to capture the reader's attention and keep them entertained.

Roald Dahl's ability to blend the humorous and the macabre is truly remarkable and has made him a beloved author for generations.
July 14,2025
... Show More
There is an article that contains some rather inappropriate content.

It mentions that there are sexual elements in a couple of rhymes. For example, 'A Hand in the Bird' refers to something rather vulgar involving a man's hand and a lady's underpants.

'Physical Training' describes a situation where the sports teacher, Miss McPhee, keeps a young man behind and shows him more than just wrestling moves on the mat, hinting at something inappropriate.

There are also a few other rhymes with inappropriate lines related to nudity and sexual temptation, such as in 'The Emperor's New Clothes, Aladdin's Lamp, The Price of Debauchery'.

It is quite unfortunate because otherwise, the rhymes themselves might have some merit. However, due to this inappropriate content, it is not suitable for primary school students and should not be read aloud or left in the classroom library.

This kind of content can have a negative impact on the impressionable minds of young students and is not in line with the appropriate educational environment that should be maintained in schools.

It is important to be cautious when selecting materials for students to ensure that they are both educational and appropriate.
July 14,2025
... Show More
We discovered this book at a community rummage sale more than a decade ago. Oh, what a precious find it was!

This particular sale had books priced from a mere 10 cents to 25 cents, never going higher than that. Since the people in the community just unloaded their stuff, there was no way of knowing what one might come across.

Today, you can obtain a copy of this book for approximately $5.00 (new) online. Our copy is a Penguin Book's paperback published in 1990. The original was released in 1989. It is extremely thin, consisting of only about 79 pages in total.

Roald Dahl essentially took some well-known fables and tales and transformed them into silly rhymes. We all know how Roald Dahl had an incredibly vivid imagination, so this collection can be both crazy and hilarious. Some of the rhymes are a bit too inappropriate and not really suitable for kids as they refer to sex, adultery, and even cannibalism. However, I think some of it might likely go unnoticed. Definitely read it at your own risk! Others are completely harmless.

Quentin Blake's iconic illustrations are absolutely perfect in every Roald Dahl book we have read. They magically complement his stories, creating interesting characters. The kids have become accustomed to seeing his illustrations in most of their favorite Dahl books.

It comes as no surprise that his sinister version of "Hansel and Gretel" is my favorite. Something unique about this one is this little addition towards 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 is no denying that 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
July 14,2025
... Show More
Dahl is truly a genius when it comes to rhymes. His works are filled with clever and catchy rhymes that add a unique charm to his stories.

However, it should be noted that his books are not always recommended for kids. There are some elements in his stories that might be a bit too intense or inappropriate for younger readers.

Despite this, Dahl's ability to create relatable characters and situations that are true to life is remarkable. He takes classic fairy tales and gives them a twist, presenting them in a lyrical and poetic way that is both engaging and entertaining.

Overall, Dahl's works are a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and enjoys a good story with a unique twist. *clap, clap*
July 14,2025
... Show More
Avausruno eskaloitui tosi vikkelään ja hulvattomasti.

Se loi vahvat puitteet teoksen loppuosan lukemiselle.

Pääosin oivaltavia ja miellyttäviä oli kuitenkin välissä myös hieman tyhjäkäyntiä ja tunkkaisia asenteita.

Tämä lisäsi jännitystä ja vaihtelua tekstissä, mikä teki siitä kiinnostavampaa ja moniulotteisempaa.

Avausruno antoi lukijalle hyvän käsityksen siitä, mitä odottaa loppuosasta, mutta samalla myös jätti tilaa mielenkiinnon herättäville yllätyksille ja uudistuville ideoille.

Yhteensä avausruno oli hyvin tehty ja teki itsestään merkityksellisen osan koko teosta.
July 14,2025
... Show More
This is a quick read and an enjoyable one.

It manages to engage the reader's attention from the very beginning. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked, eager to know what will happen next.

I liked it, although it did not make me laugh as much as Revolting Rhymes.

Perhaps the humor in this piece is more subtle, relying on clever wordplay and unexpected twists.

Nonetheless, it still has its charm and entertainment value.

The characters are well-developed, and their actions and interactions add depth to the narrative.

The writing style is流畅 and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Overall, it's a worthwhile read that I would recommend to others who are looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable story.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.