The Twits

April 1, 1991
In Dahl's typically outre outing, the repulsive, misanthropic Mr. and Mrs. Twit become the target of revenge by the Mugglewump monkeys--who have finally had enough. Ages 7-11.

THE TWITS is the ultimate story of tit for tat. With antics including a glass eye on the loose and a frog-bedecked pillow, Mr. and Mrs. Twit vie to outdo each other with nastiness. But it's the Muggle-Wumps, with help from the Roly-Poly Bird, who have the last, topsy-turvy, say. From the opening description of Mr. Twit's food-encrusted beard, the listener knows that Simon Callow delights in portraying this detestable being and his wife. The drool of the tongue and the slurps of the wormy spaghetti will bring chuckles of pleasure and disgust, as will Callow's animated description of "the shrinks." He personalizes the Muggle-Wumps with relish. His lilt and cadence for the Roly-Poly Bird evoke its origins. Whether young listeners are attracted or repulsed by the Twits, the presentation is marvelous. A.R. 2003 ALA Notable Recording (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine