Dirty Beasts
What’s inside...
Dirty Beasts is a collection of humorous poems by Roald Dahl about unsuspecting animals with surprising secrets and characteristics. Each poem tells the story of a different animal, often with a dark or mischievous twist that is characteristic of Dahl's writing. The much-loved Roald Dahl collection of hilarious animal rhymes, updated for a whole new generation of readers with an exciting new interior design and cover look. A collection of (mainly) grisly beasts out for human blood, ranging from Crocky-Wock the crocodile to Stingaling the scorpion. Described in verse with all Dahl's usual gusto and illustrated in suitably lurid style by Quentin Blake. Exciting, bold and instantly recognisable with Quentin Blake's inimitable artwork.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the animals in the stories might be feeling and why?
If you could create your own 'dirty beast,' what would it look like and what special traits would it have?
How do the rhymes and rhythm in the poems enhance the story for you?
Which 'dirty beast' was your favorite and what lesson did you learn from its story?
Can you think of a funny ending for one of the poems that might change the outcome for the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child to draw their favorite beast from the book and describe why they chose that particular one.
Encourage your child to come up with funny rhymes that could go along with the ones in the book.
Use different voices for different characters to bring the poems to life during read-aloud sessions.
Discuss the moral or lesson of each poem and relate them to everyday situations your child might encounter.
Praise your child's responses and insights to boost their confidence in expressing opinions and thoughts when discussing books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: In 'Dirty Beasts', the characters experience consequences based on their actions, such as the pig who schemes against the farmer.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering the consequences of their actions in daily interactions and decisions.
Example Lesson: Value of creativity and intelligence
Explanation: The clever pig uses his wit to outsmart the farmer, showcasing that intelligence can prevail over might.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their intellect and creativity to solve problems and navigate challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of respect for others
Explanation: The various interactions between animals and humans in the book highlight the outcomes based on how they treat each other.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to treat others with respect and kindness, understanding that everyone's feelings are important.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in 'Dirty Beasts' often learn from the missteps they make, such as the farmer underestimating the pig.
Real-World Application: Helps children see the value in learning from their mistakes and viewing failures as opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: By portraying animals with human-like problems and emotions, Dahl allows readers to relate and empathize with the characters.
Real-World Application: Promotes empathy in children by teaching them to consider and understand the feelings and perspectives of others.