The Twits Next Door

The Twits Next Door by Greg James and Chris Smith, illustrated by Emily Jones (Puffin) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780241698389

Above the title on the front cover of this novel are the words, ‘Inspired by the characters of Roald Dahl.' So of course, comparisons will be made between the ‘real’ Roald Dahl’s Mr and Mrs Twit, and that of the characters created by James and Smith. In fact, the more recent authors’ characters compare favourably insofar as they are every bit as gruesome and repulsive as the original Twits.

Naturally, the Twits are the most revolting couple ever, living their disgusting lives, eating wormy spaghetti and playing horrible tricks on each other. All is going despicably with husband and wife until the Lovelies, the happiest, cheeriest most lovely family in the world move in next door.

So, there’s the plot beginning of this humorous homage to Dahl’s The Twits. As with the master’s story, this one reads easily, is well-paced, and page-turning. It’s up to readers aged 9 to 12 years whether the comparison works. It would seem to, and it’s interesting to see if James and Smith appropriate any more of Dahl’s characters and stories.

There are black and white cartoonish illustrations throughout the book -- and lots of type font variations (words such as 'arrgghhh' and 'boing them into orbit,' etc) which make the book look even more attractive and enticing. But of course there will be comparisons between Jones and the original illustrator, Quentin Blake. Look at the front cover on this page, and make up your own mind!