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
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Hard time rating this one.

It didn't really pack the humoristic punch I was anticipating. There were just a couple of chuckles here and there.

Probably, it would be best enjoyed by an adult who had a liking for Dahl's work during their youthful days.

The stories sort of remind me of those perverted tales that a creepy relative might share.

You feel obligated to listen out of politeness and curiosity since they are family or older than you.

Yes, they are a bit funny, but at the same time, they are also rather icky.

Although I am aware that young people can handle bawdy stuff better than we adults who are overly cautious might think,

do you really want to expose even a young teen to a story like "A Bird in the Hand" (where a vicar sexually assaults a woman) or "Physical Training" (which is about an adult woman sexually assaulting a teen boy/statutory rape)?

Ooh, I'm officially old.

July 14,2025
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It was quite alright.

It had its own charm and qualities, but it just wasn't something that truly appealed to me.

It was like a beautiful painting that some might find captivating, but for me, it lacked that certain je ne sais quoi that would make it my absolute favorite.

Maybe it was the style, or perhaps the theme didn't resonate with my personal interests.

Nevertheless, I could still appreciate the effort and skill that went into it.

It was just not my cup of tea, and that's okay.

Everyone has their own preferences and tastes, and what works for one person may not work for another.

I'm sure there are many others out there who would absolutely love it and consider it a masterpiece.

As for me, I'll continue to search for those things that truly speak to my heart and soul.

July 14,2025
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I truly believed that this concise poetic book was an absolute delight.

It brought to my mind the wonderful works of Dr. Seuss, filled with all the enjoyable and creative rhymes that made reading such a joy.

After delving into very intense and suspenseful novels, it was truly refreshing to pick up this playful book.

The rhymes and the light-hearted nature of the book made it a great escape from the seriousness of the other novels.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a love for the works of Dr. Seuss.

It's a book that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, bringing a smile to your face and a sense of fun to your reading experience.

Whether you're looking for a quick read or something to brighten up your day, this short poetic book is definitely worth checking out.

July 14,2025
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It is funny that these stories are in rhyme. Especially well-known stories but in a different way.

I think it must have been difficult to translate, because I had to think of my own Sinterklaas poems. It's nice to use a story from this in a poetry lesson.

This shows the creativity and uniqueness of these rhyming stories. They offer a fresh perspective on familiar tales, making them engaging and interesting for readers.

Maybe students in group 6 will have a great time exploring these stories and getting inspiration for their own poetry writing.

Overall, it's a wonderful addition to the world of literature and a great way to introduce the concept of rhyme and storytelling in an entertaining way.
July 14,2025
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By Roald Dahl

Poetry may not be my absolute favorite, but I re-read this book to write this review. It's a charming little collection with rhymes mostly based on popular fairy tales.

In "Dick Wittington and His Cat," DW and his cat move to London and work for the crazy Lord Hellespont. There's chaos as the lord kicks the cat and shoots his wife. The church bells mock, and DW eventually runs the lord through with a sword and leaves with his cat.

"The Tortoise and the Hare" is an interesting one. The tortoise bets the hare in a race and gets help from Rat to put wheels and an engine on his shell. Rat double-crosses them both, but in the end, they agree to a draw, and Rat gets rich. Lesson learned: never trust a businessman.

"The Price of Debauchery" warns a young lady about the consequences of kissing a man. She gets a cold after kissing one.

"The Emperor's New Clothes" shows the king's love for expensive clothes and his belief in a material only fools can't see. He freezes while skiing in his new outfit.

Each story has its own unique charm and message, making this a fun read for those who enjoy a twist on classic fairy tales.

July 14,2025
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Rhyme Stew is an outstanding collection of poems penned by the remarkable Roald Dahl, with captivating illustrations provided by Quentin Blake.

The poems within this volume are not only humorous but also highly imaginative, transporting readers into a world of奇幻 and fun.

Based around a selection of beloved children's stories, the poems offer a unique and engaging way to introduce children to the wonderful world of poems and rhyme in various forms.

It shows them how poems can be creatively crafted from stories, sparking their own creativity and interest in writing.

This book will无疑 be an invaluable resource when I am teaching my own class, especially in the Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) levels.

It will surely bring joy and excitement to the learning process, making poetry a memorable and enjoyable experience for the children.

Overall, Rhyme Stew is a must-have for any teacher or parent looking to introduce children to the magic of poetry.

July 14,2025
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711 - 2013

Mr Dahl's acceptance of fairy tales this time includes stories such as Dick Whittington and his cat, The Emperor's New Clothes, Ali Baba, Hansel and Gretel, and Aladdin.

Sometimes, there are still traces of the original stories in Mr Dahl's poems, but more often than not, the stories deviate significantly.

Ali Baba using the magic word Open Sesame to open all the doors in the rooms of the Hotel Ritz? Aladdin asking to be made into a genie and helping artists like Shakespeare and Mozart?

"If you're the djinn then where's the tonic?" This line adds an element of mystery and playfulness to the already imaginative tales. Mr Dahl's unique interpretations bring a fresh perspective to these classic fairy tales, making them both familiar and yet completely new. His creativity knows no bounds as he weaves together elements of the original stories with his own wild imagination.
July 14,2025
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Review by my nine-year-old daughter:


This book is part of the reading challenge at my school, and its category is poetry. The renowned author Roald Dahl penned Rhyme Stew, with Quentin Blake providing the illustrations. Roald Dahl is one of my all-time favorite authors. I've devoured just about all his books, including 'Matilda', 'BFG', 'Witches', and his boyhood autobiology, and many more.


This book is brimming with hilarious rhymes. Roald Dahl has taken some well-known fairy tales, made them rhyme, and even changed the punchlines. I was constantly chuckling while reading Rhyme Stew.


Roald Dahl has incorporated some English words or concepts in these rhymes, such as 'knickers', 'tombola', 'church bazaar', 'gusto', 'jolly', and 'haughty'. Some of these words are quite old-fashioned. I found these poems amusing as I'm English and use some of these words regularly (like knickers). Another reason is that the author surprises and sometimes shocks you.


The only drawback is that the poems sometimes contain big words that some children, even me, might not understand. One of my favorite poems is called 'The Price of Debauchery', which is about a girl who allows a boy to kiss her behind her house despite her Mum's warning. I learned the meaning of debauchery.


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 truly enjoyed reading Rhyme Stew and reading out some of the poems to my parents.

July 14,2025
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This collection of poems, with its witty and funny style, has the power to amuse the readers greatly.

Well-known stories such as Ali Baba, Aladdin, Hansel and Gretel, the hare and the tortoise, and the emperor's new clothes are retold in the form of poems.

The illustrations accompanying these poems further enhance the fun of enjoyment.

Readers will find themselves laughing out loud as they explore the creative and humorous interpretations of these classic tales.

The combination of poetry and illustration makes this collection a unique and engaging read for people of all ages.

Whether you are a child or an adult, you are sure to be entertained by the clever wordplay and charming illustrations in this wonderful collection of poems.
July 14,2025
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A brilliant book of rhymes awaits you! It contains some rhymes that are based on popular tales such as Hansel & Gretel, Aladdin, and The Hare & the Tortoise. These well-known stories are brought to life in a whole new and entertaining way through the power of rhyme. As you turn the pages, you'll encounter moments where you simply have to laugh out loud at the sheer cleverness of the rhymes. The author has a real talent for crafting words that not only rhyme beautifully but also capture the essence and spirit of each tale. It's a book that will delight readers of all ages, whether you're a child who loves fairy tales or an adult looking for a bit of light-hearted fun. So, pick up this book of rhymes and prepare to be charmed and entertained from start to finish!

July 14,2025
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I have always been a great lover of the story about the Tortoise and the Hare. This particular version offers a truly distinct and comical perspective. In this modern rendition, neither the tortoise nor the hare emerges as the winner. Instead, it is the wise old businessman, The Rat, who ultimately claims victory.

Another story that caught my attention was Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. In this unique take, Aladdin requests to be turned into a djinn himself. His reasoning is that he desires to travel the world and have the ability to grant people's wishes, just like the djinn. This presents a really different way of looking at the Aladdin story. It makes one think from a child's perspective, realizing that the opportunity to grant wishes and travel would be far more enjoyable than simply having a limited number of wishes and then being done.

These modern interpretations of classic stories add a fresh and exciting twist, captivating audiences of all ages and inspiring new ways of thinking about these beloved tales.
July 14,2025
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Lame poetry that, if treated differently, might have evolved into classic illustrated short stories.

Dahl's rhymes are overly simplistic for adults, lacking the depth and complexity that mature readers often seek. At the same time, they seem too adult in nature for young readers.

The cover explicitly states this, yet everything else about the book's presentation shouts 'children'.

It's a perplexing offering that leaves both adults and children somewhat dissatisfied.

One wonders what could have been if the author had taken a different approach and developed these poems into more substantial and engaging short stories.

Perhaps then, it could have achieved the status of a classic, appealing to a wider audience and leaving a lasting impression.

As it stands, however, it remains a missed opportunity.
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