Roald Dahls revolting rhymes tell it like it is. Children like gore. An example of this is the ever popular 'Horrible Histories' series of books. I feel it is this blunt attitude to fairy stories that makes Dahls version of Red Riding Hood so successful.
'the small girl smiles an eyelid flickers, she whips a pistol from her knickers.' It is this crude humour that engages with the child and holds their attention.
