Roald Dahl was an excellent storyteller, capturing the imagination of readers everywhere with his dark humorous and wildly entertaining stories. James and the Giant Peach is storytelling at its most scrumptious: a wild, whimsical voyage that takes a lonely boy from sorrowful chores to cloud-scraping thrills. First published in 1961, this classic blends dark humour, unlikely friendships and a dash of magic into one unforgettable fruit-fuelled adventure.
James Henry Trotter is seven years old. His life got off to a loving start until at the age of four tragedy struck in the form of a runaway rhinoceros from the zoo. Orphaned, he’s shipped off to live with Aunt Spiker and Aunt Sponge, two of the most selfish, lazy, cruellest and abusive caregivers in children’s literature. For three years, James endures endless drudgery as their slave until a mysterious old man gifts him a pouch of “magic.” After the magic is accidentally spilled by an old peach tree that has never bore any fruit, one enormous peach begins to grow, and grow and grow… until it’s as big as a house. This giant fruit allows James to escape his abusive aunts. Inside the peach, he befriends seven oversized insects and they roll their way out to sea, facing sharks, cloud-men and one or two unexpected challenges.
Overall, James and the Giant Peach is a GIGANTICUS adventure story for children. With a giant peach and oversized garden insects, it creates a GLORIUMPTIOUS world for children age 8+ (and adults) to lose themselves in a RAZZTWIZZLER tale.
James and the Giant Peach is more than a SPLENDIFEROUS adventure, it’s a celebration of friendship and overcoming loneliness. Dahl shows how courage can sprout in the unlikeliest places, and how togetherness transforms fear into fun. Young readers learn that even the loneliest hearts can find a family in the strangest companions.
Young page turners will love James and the Giant Peach as it introduces larger-than-life characters kids will cheer for with its spooky moments packed with belly laughs. It celebrates empathy and collaboration in this wildly imaginative adventure.
- James Henry Trotter is a timid, kind-hearted hero who blossoms into courage. He reminds us that bravery often starts with one small step (or bite of magic).
- Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker are the perfect caricature villains (as Dahl does best): they are lazy, greedy and delightfully despicable SQUIFFLEROTTERS. They’re so exaggerated you’ll cheer when James finally gives them the slip.
- The Insect Crew is larger than life, both literally and figuratively:
- Centipede – boisterous and cheeky, always ready with a quip.
- Miss Spider – gentle, wise, and surprisingly maternal.
- Grasshopper – dapper and poised, a classical musician at heart.
- Ladybug – gentle and empathetic, the team’s moral compass.
- Earthworm – self-deprecating humour at its finest.
- Glow-worm – lighting the way (literally) through fog and darkness.
- Old-Green-Grasshopper – wise beyond words, adding depth to every moment.
As for the plot, well it’s tighter than Aunt Spikers long wet narrow lips. The story rolls from one thrilling escapade to another, much like the peach itself. With its engaging story, readers will find themselves rooting for a centipede and conversing with a worm long after they have turned the last page. And that spider that seems to have become a resident lodger in your house, it will make you think twice about evicting it.
And Dahl’s stories just wouldn’t be the same without Quentin Blake’s illustrations. These ink-sketches dance across the pages, capturing every gooey peach drip and startled insect expressions. His images with their playful details mirror Dahl’s tone – sometimes dark but always humorous – and bring the story to life.
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it – Roald Dahl
Whether you’re nine or ninety, James and the Giant Peach is just a SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIOUS tale of loneliness, friendship and wonderous adventure, a real TIME-TWIDDLER. Dahl’s unique storytelling is as rich and satisfying as a chocolate river, dark and funny with a pinch of scary. It reminds every reader that magic exists when you believe (as Dahl himself said “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it”) – and that big adventures often start with one small seed.
James and the Giant Peach is a fantastic fantasy adventure with a zest of the bizarre that will get young page turners away from the TELLY-TELLY BUNKUM BOX and lost in Roald Dahl’s expressive and imaginative SQUIBBLING.
All that’s left to say before you embark on this wonderful adventure is bon voyage, arrivederci, auf wiedersehen, or as Mr Dahl might have said, ha det bra, or just simply goodbye for now and enjoy this excellent WHIZ-BANGER of a story.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £14.99 (Hardback) / £7.99 (Paperback) / £4.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit www.roalddahl.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
DISCLOSURE: All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you decide to purchase through the Amazon link (it helps with the running costs of the website).
From the Roald Dahl dictionary:
- GIGANTICUS: grand and spectacular
- GLORIUMPTIOUS: wonderful and exciting
- RAZZTWIZZLER: something wonderfully exciting or enjoyable
- SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIOUS: delicious
- SPLENDIFEROUS: splendid, marvellous
- SQUIBBLING: writing
- SQUIFFLEROTTERS: a mean and nasty person
- TELLY-TELLY BUNKUM BOX: television
- TIME-TWIDDLER: timeless
- WHIZ-BANGER: something you really enjoy