Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts By: Roald Dahl

Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts By: Roald Dahl
Narrated by: Stephen Mangan, Tamsin Greig, Miriam Margolyes
Length: 1 hr and 10 mins
Release date: 09-26-13
Publisher: Listening Library

I have a collection of Roald Dahl audiobooks to get through and so I’ll continue with this one. From the man who brought you Willy Wonka, James & the Giant Peach, and so many more, this short collection is a great side from the longer writings by Dahl. Each one of these books and collections of stories seem to have something different to say and show another side of Roald Dahl.

If you’ve ever read the books “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” or “James and the Giant Peach” then you pretty well know the magical worlds Roald Dahl has created. I loved the books the movies and everything associated with the two books mentioned and when my son was learning to read I made sure to read him the books and watch the movies as he got older. I was aware of other titles by Dahl but just never took the time, that is until recently. The recent excursion into the writings of Roald Dahl is all thanks to Penguin Audio. Penguin has recently released all of Dahl’s stories in excellent audiobook form. Each book is rather short and perfect company for my commutes to work and any other trip I need to make.

In the first section of this audiobook you have Revolting Rhymes where Dahl takes a turn at re-telling classic fairy tales. The one that seems to draw a lot of attention is the Cinderella story. This one has a section where the prince beheads Cinderella’s step-sisters and then turns to Cinderella and asks “who’s this dirty slut? off with her nut, off with her nut!” Hmmmm, slut in a kids story? Maybe more of an adult aimed story. Just be careful with it, and be aware.

The readers all have something to contribute and make each story fun, but to be completely honest, there were times where their reading nearly put me to sleep.

Publisher’s Summary

Revolting Rhymes

Did you think Cinderella married the prince and lived happily ever after, or that the three little pigs outsmarted the wolf? Think again! Master storyteller Roald Dahl adds his own darkly comic twists to six favorite tales, complete with rambunctious rhymes and hilarious surprise endings.

Dirty Beasts

Roald Dahl’s inimitable style and humor shine in this collection of poems about mischievous and mysterious animals. From 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 new, larger edition is perfect for listening.

©2009 Roald Dahl (P)2009 Penguin Audio