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shadfield34's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
After reading a few heavy books, a bit of Dahl was just what I needed.
Surprisingly I missed this one in my youth and I'm glad I've made time for it. Short and fast paced, it had me laughing out loud with George's mischief. Quentin's illustrations added to the humour.
The ending is abrupt and whilst enjoyable it'll never compare to the likes of Matilda for me.
Surprisingly I missed this one in my youth and I'm glad I've made time for it. Short and fast paced, it had me laughing out loud with George's mischief. Quentin's illustrations added to the humour.
The ending is abrupt and whilst enjoyable it'll never compare to the likes of Matilda for me.
thebobsphere's review against another edition
5.0
There is a back story to this book.
Back in 1988 the school I attended back in Canada was holding a fair and I was in grade four at the time and us grade fours had to help out and my assigned chore was to place people's goods in bags. Apparently the teacher thought I was bad at it and sent me to the classroom. On my way out I passed by the book stall and stole the nearest book to me as a form of revenge. I then went into class and read it.
That book was George's Marvellous Medicine
That book was a life changer.
As I sat n that classroom alone I decided to open the book and start reading. I was hooked and when the teacher returned and saw me enjoying myself she yelled at me but I stopped caring by then.
George's marvellous medicine is about a boy who brews up a liquid to vaporize his awful grandmother, however he comes up with a solution which revolutionises the farming business. As with all of Dahl's books this one is nasty but hilarious. Even today when I read it in class my students laugh. It's a great introduction to Dahl's world as it balances out both his nasty and funny sides.
Back in 1988 the school I attended back in Canada was holding a fair and I was in grade four at the time and us grade fours had to help out and my assigned chore was to place people's goods in bags. Apparently the teacher thought I was bad at it and sent me to the classroom. On my way out I passed by the book stall and stole the nearest book to me as a form of revenge. I then went into class and read it.
That book was George's Marvellous Medicine
That book was a life changer.
As I sat n that classroom alone I decided to open the book and start reading. I was hooked and when the teacher returned and saw me enjoying myself she yelled at me but I stopped caring by then.
George's marvellous medicine is about a boy who brews up a liquid to vaporize his awful grandmother, however he comes up with a solution which revolutionises the farming business. As with all of Dahl's books this one is nasty but hilarious. Even today when I read it in class my students laugh. It's a great introduction to Dahl's world as it balances out both his nasty and funny sides.
saltydogreads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sraev19's review against another edition
2.5
A warning sitting opposite the opening chapter urges the reader not to try making George’s marvellous medicine at home. I promptly forgot this warning as I read with horror the variety of harmful and toxic ingredients George throws into his saucepan. This is not a safe book for kids to read! I thought.
Indeed, George’s concoction reminded me of the times I played pretend chef in the bath with my parents’ fragrant shampoo, body lotion, and the magically foamy shaving cream. Strawberry Jell-O topped with whipped cream, anyone? But the medicine cabinet, cleaning supplies, and other unsafe household goods were off-limits.
In George’s Marvellous Medicine, Dahl delivers another tale of a child getting their just deserts on a cruel, selfish relative who despises children. For the young reader, this is a fun and creative story with an underdog hero to root for. They’ll snicker along with George as he reasons his way through his dangerous ingredients and then cross their fingers his medicine will “cure” cranky old Grandma for good. The illustrations depicting the effects of George’s medicine on Grandma and the farm animals add a touch of humour as well.
For the adult reader… Well, I found this tale lacklustre. First, not a lot really happens, and I didn’t feel compelled to turn the page. Second, I was saddened that SpoilerMr. Kranky is interested in the medicine only for his own gain and rushes George to recreate his brew. Yet another of Dahl’s fictional children going unheard and unseen.
Last, the ending is quick and without any consequence. In the final illustration, SpoilerGeorge breaks the fourth wall and looks straight at the reader with an expression that could mean “Oops” or “Huh.” To that I say, “Now what?” How does George feel? How is his family going to proceed? And what about the marvellous medicine?
My answer? Heed the book’s warning and don’t try this at home, kids.
Indeed, George’s concoction reminded me of the times I played pretend chef in the bath with my parents’ fragrant shampoo, body lotion, and the magically foamy shaving cream. Strawberry Jell-O topped with whipped cream, anyone? But the medicine cabinet, cleaning supplies, and other unsafe household goods were off-limits.
In George’s Marvellous Medicine, Dahl delivers another tale of a child getting their just deserts on a cruel, selfish relative who despises children. For the young reader, this is a fun and creative story with an underdog hero to root for. They’ll snicker along with George as he reasons his way through his dangerous ingredients and then cross their fingers his medicine will “cure” cranky old Grandma for good. The illustrations depicting the effects of George’s medicine on Grandma and the farm animals add a touch of humour as well.
For the adult reader… Well, I found this tale lacklustre. First, not a lot really happens, and I didn’t feel compelled to turn the page. Second, I was saddened that SpoilerMr. Kranky is interested in the medicine only for his own gain and rushes George to recreate his brew. Yet another of Dahl’s fictional children going unheard and unseen.
Last, the ending is quick and without any consequence. In the final illustration, SpoilerGeorge breaks the fourth wall and looks straight at the reader with an expression that could mean “Oops” or “Huh.” To that I say, “Now what?” How does George feel? How is his family going to proceed? And what about the marvellous medicine?
My answer? Heed the book’s warning and don’t try this at home, kids.
draackje's review against another edition
3.0
Great book for younger children. Rebel against (grand)parents and try your own experiments. At some points this might go too far, so just hope they don't try this at home :)
bekacornell's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kitsuneheart's review against another edition
4.0
I was more and more horrified as this book went on, and that's not a BAD review. Just a "wow, that kid is lucky he didn't murder, like, everyone."
George is left at home and has to give his ornery grandmother her medicine. So he decides to make her some REAL medicine. With shaving cream and perfume and paint and flea powder! One little spoonful, and...THINGS begin happening.
Like...do be careful that your kids know not to eat pretty much EVERYTHING mentioned in the medicine, but it's a fun little story. If you listen to the audiobook version, it's accompanied by quite cheerful music and a lively voice. Highly recommended if you have a little one who is just starting to read.
George is left at home and has to give his ornery grandmother her medicine. So he decides to make her some REAL medicine. With shaving cream and perfume and paint and flea powder! One little spoonful, and...THINGS begin happening.
Like...do be careful that your kids know not to eat pretty much EVERYTHING mentioned in the medicine, but it's a fun little story. If you listen to the audiobook version, it's accompanied by quite cheerful music and a lively voice. Highly recommended if you have a little one who is just starting to read.
suthsoph's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0