Penguin Readers Level 2: Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
Penguin Young Readers, Level 2 Series
What’s inside...
Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes is a collection of six poems that offer a fresh take on classic fairy tales, featuring unexpected twists and humorous verses. This Penguin Readers book, aimed at English learners aged 7+, adapts fifteen of Dahl's stories into graded readers aligned with the CEFR framework, from A1 to A2+. The Level 2 Reader, Revolting Rhymes, introduces language structures like future tenses and comparatives, supported by illustrations and language activities. The print edition provides access to a digital book and audio edition, enhancing the learning experience with quizzes, worksheets, and answer keys available on the Penguin Readers website.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Red Riding Hood
Third Little Pig
Wolf
Discussion points
Which of the revised fairy tales in 'Revolting Rhymes' did you find most surprising and why?
How do you think the characters felt when unexpected things happened in the stories?
If you could write your own 'revolting' version of a classic fairy tale, which one would you choose and what twist would you add?
Do you think the changes Roald Dahl made to the stories were funny? Why or why not?
How does Roald Dahl's use of rhymes and language make the stories more engaging or humorous?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each rhyme, ask your child to recall the traditional version of the fairy tale. Discuss what they expect might happen in Roald Dahl’s version.
Encourage your child to express their opinions on each story and relate the characters' actions to real-life situations, promoting deeper understanding and critical thinking.
After reading, engage in a creative activity where you and your child write a short ‘revolting’ rhyme together based on another fairy tale not included in the book.
Use expressive and animated voices for different characters to make the reading session more entertaining and memorable.
Discuss the moral of each revised fairy tale, if any, and compare it to the original tale’s moral to help your child grasp different perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of thinking critically
Explanation: In Dahl's twists on classic fairy tales, characters often use cleverness and wit to navigate their problems, prompting readers to think outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to analyze situations from different angles and think of creative solutions to everyday problems.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Through the unexpected outcomes in these reimagined tales, children see that actions have consequences, teaching accountability.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think about how their actions affect others, aiding in the development of empathy and responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: The value of resilience
Explanation: Characters in 'Revolting Rhymes' often face adversity but manage to persevere, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to overcome obstacles in their own lives, nurturing persistence and determination.
Example Lesson: Challenging societal norms
Explanation: Dahl's imaginative reinterpretations encourage questioning of traditional roles and norms presented in fairy tales.
Real-World Application: Children learn to challenge stereotypes and think critically about the roles society assigns to individuals.
Example Lesson: Humor as a storytelling tool
Explanation: The use of humor engages readers and makes the moral lessons more memorable.
Real-World Application: Children can use humor to engage with others and enhance their communication skills.