About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when they want to share a laugh with a child who enjoys subversive humor or when they want to explore the idea that inner kindness matters more than outer appearances. It is a perfect choice for children who have a silly or slightly 'gross' sense of humor and need a story where the villains get exactly what they deserve. The Twits is a darkly comedic tale about a husband and wife who spend their lives being mean to each other and to the animals around them. Through the teamwork of a family of monkeys and a clever bird, the Twits are eventually outsmarted. While the humor is biting and the characters are intentionally grotesque, the story reinforces the satisfying theme that goodness and cooperation triumph over cruelty. It is ideal for independent readers aged 7 to 9 or as a high-energy read-aloud for slightly younger children.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
1. DISTRESS: The Twits are genuinely cruel. They catch birds by putting sticky glue on tree branches to make 'Bird Pie' and they are physically and emotionally abusive to their captive monkeys. While the tone is comedic, sensitive children might be upset by the captive animals' plight or the graphic descriptions of filth (the hair in Mr. Twit's beard). 2. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the concept of poetic justice and the difference between playful pranks and malicious bullying.
Ideal Reader
A second or third grader who loves 'gross-out' humor and stories where the adults are the ridiculous ones who get outsmarted by clever animals.
Parent Prep
Read the first chapter ('Dirty Beards') to gauge if the level of 'yuck' is right for your child. It can be read cold as the chapters are very short and punchy. A child asking why the monkeys are being forced to stand on their heads or being bothered by the idea of eating birds in a pie.
Age Experience
Younger children (6-7) will focus on the slapstick humor and the funny illustrations. Older children (9-10) will appreciate the irony and Dahl's specific commentary on how ugly thoughts make a person look ugly.
What Makes It Special
Dahl’s unique ability to make villainy both hilarious and repulsive, coupled with the iconic Quentin Blake illustrations, makes this a standout in the 'naughty' humor genre.
Read plot summary
Mr. and Mrs. Twit are two revolting people who take pleasure in tormenting one another with tricks like glass eyes in beer and worms in spaghetti. They also keep a family of Muggle-Wump monkeys captive in a cage, forcing them to stand on their heads. With the help of the Roly-Poly Bird, the monkeys escape and execute a brilliant plan to glue all the Twits' furniture to the ceiling, tricking the couple into thinking the world is upside down. The story ends with the Twits shrinking into nothingness due to 'the shrinks.'
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Roald Dahl says that if you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams. Do you think that’s true in real life?
2
Mr. and Mrs. Twit are always playing tricks on each other. What is the difference between a funny trick and a mean trick?
3
Why was it important for the Muggle-Wump monkeys and the Roly-Poly Bird to work together to defeat the Twits?
4
If you were one of the birds landing on the Big Dead Tree, what would you say to warn the other birds about the 'hug-tight' glue?
