New editions of Roald Dahl’s children’s books are being rewritten to remove language deemed offensive by the publisher Puffin Books, including the words “fat” and “ugly.”

A note from Puffin at the beginning of the new editions, which have been viewed by The Telegraph, reads: “The wonderful words of Roald Dahl can transport you to different worlds and introduce you to the most marvelous characters. This book was written many years ago, and so we regularly review the language to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by all today.”

Some parents who have purchased the new editions have shared screenshots of the note on Twitter. The note stresses Puffin’s gratitude to the organization Inclusive Minds for “introducing us to its network of inclusion ambassadors.”

Inclusive Minds told The Epoch Times it is an organization that works in the children’s book world to support “authentic representation, primarily by connecting those in the industry with those who have lived experience of any or multiple facets of diversity. Inclusive Minds do not write, edit or rewrite texts, but provide book creators with valuable insight from people with the relevant lived experience that they can take into consideration in the wider process of writing and editing.

“We encourage book creators (usually publishers and sometimes authors and illustrators) to ask to connect with the network at the earliest possible stage of a book’s development so that Inclusion Ambassadors can share nuances related to their lived experience as characters are created and plots are developed. This makes it very different from sensitivity reading. Involving our Ambassadors is not about cutting potentially controversial content but rather about including and embedding authenticity and inclusive voices and experiences from the outset. These connections provide valuable insight that complements the many other forms of research an author will use to ensure authentic inclusion.”

The Telegraph reportedly found hundreds of changes to Dahl’s original stories, including sentences that were not actually written by Dahl himself.

The changes include language relating to weight, mental health, gender, race, and violence.

After the changes, the character Augustus Gloop in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is now reportedly referred to as “enormous” as opposed to “enormously fat,” while the “Cloud-Men” in “James and the Giant Peach” have been given gender-neutral terms, and are now “Cloud-People.”

“Mothers and fathers” have been rewritten as “parents” across a range of Dahl’s books, according to the report.

Elsewhere, a sentence from “The Witches” which previously read: “You can’t go round pulling at the hair of every lady you meet, even if she is wearing gloves. Just you try it and see what happens,” now reads, “Besides, there are plenty of other reasons why women might wear wigs and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.”

The word “crazy” has also been replaced with “furious” or has otherwise been removed outright, as has the word “mad,” while “policemen” has been replaced with “police officers” and Oompa Loompas are no longer “small men,” but “small people.”

A spokesperson for the Roald Dahl Story Company said in a statement to Business Insider: “We want to ensure that Roald Dahl’s wonderful stories and characters continue to be enjoyed by all children today. When publishing new print runs of books written years ago, it’s not unusual to review the language used alongside updating other details including a book’s cover and page layout.”

“Our guiding principle throughout has been to maintain the storylines, characters, and the irreverence and sharp-edged spirit of the original text. Any changes made have been small and carefully considered,” the spokesperson continued.

However, the move has prompted outrage from Dahl’s fans, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who condemned the rewriting of the beloved children’s books.

Sunak’s spokesperson backed fans in a statement to multiple media outlets on Monday: “When it comes to our rich and varied literary heritage, the PM agrees with the BFG that you shouldn’t ‘gobblefunk’ around with words,” referencing Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant character and the language the author created and used in his books.

“I think it’s important that works of literature and works of fiction are preserved and not airbrushed. We have always defended the right to free speech and expression,” the statement added.

Elsewhere, Matthew Dennison, Dahl’s biographer, told The Telegraph that he’s “almost certain” that the late author “would have recognized that alterations to his novels prompted by the political climate were driven by adults rather than children” — acts Dennison believes would have inspired the author’s derision, or even contempt.

Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, a nonprofit that works to defend writers’ free expression, tweeted: “Those who might cheer specific edits to Dahl’s work should consider how the power to rewrite books might be used in the hands of those who do not share their values and sensibilities.”

The Epoch Times has contacted Puffin for comment.

British novelist Dahl published 49 books that have sold millions of copies worldwide, including collections and books that were published after his death in 1990.

The latest move by publisher Puffin Books comes after Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced in 2021 that it would be shelving six titles from publication due to “offensive imagery” after appraisal by “a panel of experts, including educators.”

“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,” the children’s entertainment company said at the time. “Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families.”