Once upon a time, in the land of children’s literature there lived a man named Roald Dahl (he did also write books for adults as well as screenplays, including the James Bond classic You Only Live Twice). But he wasn’t just any man – he was a master storyteller who spun words into gold, including his own Gobblefunk language, and conjured characters that just leapt off the page and straight into our hearts. Born in Wales to Norwegian parents, Dahl’s life was as colourful as his imagination and his stories. From fighter pilot to spy to chocolate bar tester and beloved author, he had a flair for the whimsical and the fantastical, which shines through in his timeless classics. Though Dahl is no longer with us, his stories and characters live on – and this Christmas, fans are in for a real treat with a story collection by various authors inspired by Dahl’s characters – Charlie and the Christmas Factory and Other Stories.
Charlie and the Christmas Factory and Other Stories is a festive collection of 12 short stories written by 13 brilliant authors, each one inspired by Dahl’s fantabulous and glumptious characters. From The BFG and The Twits to Willy Wonka and Matilda, this whiz-banger of a book brings back old favourites with a Christmas twist. Every story is steeped in holiday cheer, making it a perfect seasonal read for children and grown-up Dahl fans alike.
The collection includes:
- Charlie and the Christmas Factory by Sibéal Pounder
- George’s Marvellous Medicine by Adam Kay
- The Gigantic Australian Crocodile by Adam Hills
- The Chrinklemas Phizzwizard by Nadia Shireen
- Matilda and the Naughty List by Elle McNicoll
- The Giraffe and the Pelly and the Runaway Baubles by Nathan Bryon
- The Witches’ Festive Flop by Pamela Butchart
- Sammy, Lisa and Danya, Champions of Christmas by Konnie Huq
- The Twits in the Great Carrot Caper by Greg James and Chris Smith
- Gran and the Magic Finger by Sally Rippin
- Jesse and the Giant Peach Stone by Ben Bailey Smith
- Fantastic Frankie Fox by Hannah Gold
Since 1964, when we first met Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka, Dahl’s characters have become part of our literary DNA. The Twits arrived in 1980, and The BFG strode into our dreams in 1982. Now they return for some festive mischief and magic.
In Charlie and the Christmas Factory, Charlie is now in charge of the chocolate factory – and it’s Christmas! With candy canes replacing gobstoppers and eggnog rivers flowing through the factory, the story takes a festive spin. Violet Beauregarde has captured a very important Christmas figure and Willy Wonka must fire up his glass elevator to save the season.
In George’s Marvellous Medicine, George is now a granddad to eight-year-old Gigi, who’s convinced Christmas with him will be dull. That is, until she brews her own “marvellous medicine” for Santa – with chaotic consequences.
The Gigantic Australian Crocodile introduces a greedy croc who wants all the presents but isn’t exactly popular. His plan to steal gifts from children’s homes is met with resistance from the other animals, who hatch a clever counterplot.
The BFG and Sophie return in The Chrinklemas Phizzwizard, delivering the most magical Christmas dreams to children in an orphanage.
Meanwhile, in Matilda and the Naughty List, Matilda is thriving with Miss Honey but worries that standing up to a school bully might land her on the Naughty List.
In The Giraffe and the Pelly and the Runaway Baubles, the Ladderless Window Company is back in action when giant baubles roll through London’s busiest shopping street, threatening to ruin Christmas.
The Witches’ Festive Flop sees witches infiltrating a school, replacing teachers and banning all things festive. But the children aren’t about to let Christmas disappear without a fight.
Danny, Champion of the World, returns in Sammy, Lisa and Danya, Champions of Christmas. Now a father to twins, Danny revisits Hazell’s Wood to save the village from developers – with a little help from some bats.
The Twits are up to their usual tricks in The Great Carrot Caper, plotting to steal carrots from neighbours and sabotage Santa’s snack supply. But their plan goes hilariously wrong, and they may be in for a frosty surprise.
In Gran and the Magic Finger, a school bully gets turned into a chicken by a magical finger. Can kindness reverse the spell?
Jesse and the Giant Peach Stone brings back James Henry Trotter, now a grandfather. His grandson Jesse must help the Cloud-People make peace with humans, using a giant peach stone house and a familiar cast of insect friends.
Finally, Fantastic Frankie Fox follows Mr Fox’s daughter, Frankie, as she’s tasked with fetching the plumpest turkey for the underground animals’ Winter Feast. There’s just one problem – Frankie’s a vegetarian. She must outwit the farmers and her father to save the turkeys and the feast.
This wonderful Christmas collection features some of Dahl’s much-loved, and loathsome, characters and is a joyful celebration of his legacy, blending his signature dark humour with heartwarming festive themes. Each fast-paced story is imaginative and packed with humour, making it perfect for reluctant readers and lifelong fans alike.
The various authors do a brilliant job of updating Dahl’s extraordinary characters for modern readers while still staying true to his unique style. With themes of kindness, creativity, family and lots of festive fun, this is a standout Christmas read.
Whether you’re revisiting beloved characters or meeting them for the first time, Charlie and the Christmas Factory and Other Stories is a magical, mischievous and utterly delightful addition to your Christmas-themed bookshelf. I thoroughly enjoyed it – and I think you will too.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £14.99 (Hardback) / £8.99 (Paperback) / £7.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
