Our favourite Roald Dahl books

By Jamie | 13th September 2019

This year 13th September is now known as ‘Roald Dahl Day’ as September is Roald Dahl’s birth month, if he was still alive today, he would be 102 years old.

Dahl is beloved not only by kids across the world, but by us big kids who grew up reading his stories. When we saw it trending online, we started discussing some of our favourite Roald Dahl books. Here's what we picked...

Jamie – James and The Giant Peach

Roald Dahl shaped many of our childhoods, including mine, having read many of his books growing up. I would have to say my favourite book of his is James and The Giant Peach. I think it is an action-packed book from the start to finish. The story has everything your imagination could wish for, a killer rhinoceros, abusive aunts (who eventually get their comeuppance), talking insects and of course you guessed it, a giant peach! What is not to love?

Claire-Marie – Matilda

I was fortunate enough to have the entire Roald Dahl collection of books when I was a youngster and I loved the mischief and adventures I would uncover when reading them.

The one story I loved going back to time and again was ‘Matilda’ as, being a somewhat precocious little girl myself, I always thought how amazing it would be to have telekinetic abilities so I too could play pranks on meanies.

It’s still a great read as a ‘grown-up’ and I now enjoy reading it with my own children, who also revel in the Wormwoods and Miss Trunchbull getting their comeuppance from a sweet, gifted little girl.

Ben – The BFG

When it comes to the works of one of the greatest children’s writers of all time, there is one book that, to me, stands out as being a real phizz-whizzer. The BFG.

Roald Dahl was an expert at taking everyday things and making them seem magical. Whether it be chocolate, peaches or, in this case, dreams. The idea of a giant blowing dreams in through your window is such a nice image, and the childlike innocence of the BFG, mixed with the terrifying descriptions of the giants, always makes for an exciting read.

Not only is there vivid imagery to spark the imagination, but the book is also incredibly creative with its use of words, creating the ‘Gobblefunk’ language - with words like snozzcumber, frobscottle and trogglehumper - to bring some fun and silliness to the story.

The BFG is a true classic and remains one of the most enjoyable reads in Dahl’s impressive catalogue.

Matt – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

As one of the most successful children’s writers of all time, Roald Dahl has an impressive collection of work, featuring some of the most famous titles the world has ever seen. For that reason, picking an outright favourite is a difficult task, but I think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory might just edge it for me.

One of the first books I ever read, and a gateway into the world of creative writing, the novel is a true demonstration of Dahl’s extraordinary imagination, and an introduction to some of the world’s most famous fictional characters – we can’t have a Roald Dahl blog without giving a shout out to the Oompa Loompas!

Laura – George’s Marvellous Medicine

My favourite book by Roald Dahl has to be George’s Marvellous Medicine. It was my go to book whilst growing up, I read it countless times and have also enjoyed sharing this story with my children. The story is about George an 8-year-old boy who has a desire to transform his cranky old Grandma. He decides to concoct a medicine for his Grandma to brighten her mood. The list of ingredients George uses in this medicine is my favourite part of the book, as everything from bath

bubbles, car wax, pig medicine, shampoo and various items he could find in the house and garage was poured or scooped in the big pan of marvellous medicine. This book captured mine and my children’s imagination and will continue to be enjoyed in our household for many more years to come.