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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think Revolting Rhymes is not suitable for 5 years olds?

51 replies

fosterdream · 13/10/2012 12:27

I quote;

'Poor Cindy's heart was torn to shreds.
My Prince! She thought. He chops off heads!
How could I marry anyone
Who does that sort of thing for fun?
The Prince cried, "Who's this dirty slut?
Off with her nut! Off with her nut!'
― Roald Dahl, Revolting Rhymes

and

'Oh where, oh where had Snow White gone?
She'd found it easy, being pretty
To hitch a ride into the city.'
― Roald Dahl, Revolting Rhymes

I bought it for my nephew for Christmas and had a quick read and was shocked when poor Cinderella was called a slut and told her head would be chopped off!

I called up the book people and have a refund but I'm still very shocked it was for ages 5+ is this unreasonable?

OP posts:
ReallyTired · 13/10/2012 12:28

lol... five year olds hear worse stuff in the play ground.

I think you are being a bit over precious.

WitchesWreakinHavoc · 13/10/2012 12:30

I am not precious at all but would be mortified if my 6yo ds was reading the word slut in a childrens book.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 13/10/2012 12:30

Littlies love that sort of stuff!

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 13/10/2012 12:32

Plus slut = one with slovenly or dirty habits, so no sex reference if that's your concern.

snooter · 13/10/2012 12:33

Reading the word 'slut' is fine - it's when you're asked to explain it that the problems start...

nickeldaisical · 13/10/2012 12:33

nah, it's funny.

i read it to a group of Rainbows last week and they thought it was hilarious Grin

snooter · 13/10/2012 12:33

Although agree yes it doesn't have to be sexual

vigglewiggle · 13/10/2012 12:34

I would interpret the word "slut" as per the "slattern" type of definition rather that the sexual reference.

I therefore think you are over-reacting.

vigglewiggle · 13/10/2012 12:35

X posts

IneedAgoldenNickname · 13/10/2012 12:35

We have then on DVD, neither of my sons (8 and 5) have ever picked up on the word slur, but agree its not a sexual reference

poachedeggs · 13/10/2012 12:35

YABU.

ErrorError · 13/10/2012 12:38

The reference to slut I believe is the original definition of the word "a dirty, untidy or slovenly woman", which in the case of Cinderella is entirely appropriate in this context. If you're bothered by the sexually promiscuous connotation of the word, then wait a couple of years if it really bothers you. I was 8 when I got this book, understood it fully, and loved it!

ErrorError · 13/10/2012 12:39

x-posts from me too!

HappyAsEyeAm · 13/10/2012 12:40

It doesn't sit well with me either, OP. I would definitely avoid it with my nearly 5yo. But not just because of the choice of words, I also think it would terrify him! That said, I had a copy of Revolting Rhymes as a child (but I think I was probably about 8 yo) and I can't remember 'slut' appearing in it, so it couldn't have made a bad impression.

Original poster
fosterdream · 13/10/2012 12:41

But Roald Dahl didn't make the rhymes to be published so I believe he made them for himself and adults friends.

So how about the quote about snow white is it really appropriate for five year old's to read that been pretty will get you somewhere in life without having to try?

OP posts:
fortifiedwithtea · 13/10/2012 12:47

YANBU. And if 6yr olds hear worse in the playground that is Sad.

Original poster
fosterdream · 13/10/2012 12:48

Also the word slut is no longer means "a dirty, untidy or slovenly woman" you all know what it means in general.

OP posts:
derekthehamster · 13/10/2012 12:50

I quite like the old fashioned meaning, I often refer to myself as a slut (as in slattern)

StaceymReadyForNumber3 · 13/10/2012 12:51

My dcs have had this book since ds was 4. They don't notice what adults notice.

Personally I think it's suitable. If you don't then don't read it with/to your kids.

Original poster
fosterdream · 13/10/2012 12:53

Hamster I agree the olden words are much better I called myself gay the other day to DH and my DD said it at school Shock

I've never heard swear words at DD school

OP posts:
Himalaya · 13/10/2012 12:54

I used to love that book. I think 5 is probably a bit young to get the humour. Just leave it on the shelf for a couple of years.

Original poster
fosterdream · 13/10/2012 12:57

Hima I found the book funny and have been told that they won't be sorting a return so I get to keep it, giving it to my 30 year old BIL for Christmas we all ways get him some sort of shite and I don't want it on my shelf DD can read

OP posts:
Himalaya · 13/10/2012 13:00

I remember putting these on as skits with my friends when we were about 9 Grin

werewolvesdidit · 13/10/2012 13:05

My kids (6 and 3) loved this book. What they don't understand goes over their heads :) I'm not into censorship of books.

lovebunny · 13/10/2012 13:07

i can't remember which roald dahl i was trying to buy for my then-primary-school age daughter when the bookshop staff tried desperately to stop me.
'its ok, i said, she's reading 'trainspotting' and swears like a trooper!'
no, i didn't. she didn't read trainspotting until she was a teenager. but i did tell them she was quite mature enough to cope with a few rude words!