From the World’s No. 1 Storyteller, James and the Giant Peach is a children’s classic that has captured young reader’s imaginations for generations.One of TIME MAGAZINE’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All TimeAfter James Henry Trotter’s parents are tragically eaten by a rhinoceros, he goes to live with his two horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Life there is no fun, until James accidentally drops … fun, until James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree and strange things start to happen. The peach at the top of the tree begins to grow, and before long it’s as big as a house. Inside, James meets a bunch of oversized friends—Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybug, and more. With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away, and the great adventure begins!
Roald Dahl is the author of numerous classic children’s stories including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, and many more!
“James and the Giant Peach remains a favorite among kids and parents alike nearly 60 years after it was first published, thanks to its vivid imagery, vibrant characters and forthright exploration of mature themes like death and hope.” —TIME Magazine
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After so many years, I’ve finally come back to Roald Dahl’s books. As much as I love some of his other books, I’d have to say that of those I have read, this one is my favorite. A wild adventure with great characters and a touch of magic is just what I love.
If you pick up this book, you will find a rollicking good time with a little boy named James. After spilling some magic crystals, a giant peach blooms on a tree, and inside it are some enormous insects. Terrifying as they look, they are really the kindest and most interesting of creatures. After cutting the stem, the adventure begins.
Journey across the ocean with little James, the Old Green Grasshopper, Mr. Earthworm, Mrs. Ladybug, Miss Spider, Mr. Centipede, the Glow-worm, and the Silkworm in this mesmerizing tale that is as much for adults as children. Recommended to the young and the young at heart, this is a wonderful journey from a beloved children’s author that will take your breath away. Enjoy!
It was so creative and descriptive you really felt like our were part of the motley crew inside the peach. It was an exciting adventure and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!
Whenever I feel as if I can’t read no more, and I need a new book but the shops are shut. Well….I know I can turn to this one. No matter my mood, it brings me alive and that’s all I need from a book. Roald Dahl never ceases to entertain me and I love that.
It’s a great read aloud to kids.
What FUN! An imaginative and fanciful adventure story for BOTH children and adults. I’m sorry to say that I never read this book as a child. I wish I had because it was delightful! Awarded four stars on Goodreads.
NOTE: I “watched” the story rather than “read” Roald Dahl’s book, working through Actor-Director Taika Waititi’s (JOJO RABBIT) 10-part video series on YouTube, a Videolink fundraiser for a very worthwhile charity, PARTNERS IN HEALTH . The series consists of Waititi, along with a group of well-known actors and celebrities, sharing the reading task — all of them breathing life into Dahl’s characters and humor. Watching is a GREAT family experience, especially during the pandemic!
At the start, James is a lonely and friendless child living an isolated life with distant relatives who are not very kind to him. But, with the help of some magic beans, he soon begins the adventure of a lifetime, meeting a group of unusually large creatures — all of whom have unique gifts to offer each other. It’s a suspenseful story of their travels together that everyone will love, with an ending that satisfies all.
Among the actors participating: Meryl Streep, Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Wilde, Mindy Kaling, Ben Schwartz, Governor Andrew Cuomo, the Duchess of Cornwall, Lupita Nyong’o, Ryan Reynolds, Cate Blanchett, Cara Delevingne, and Eddie Redmayne. There are many others.
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Book Review
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl is a very creative story built for everyone of all ages to enjoy. I think of it as a cross between 3 things: (1) Dr. Seuss, (2) Jack and the Beanstalk and (3) Harry Potter. 4 of 5 stars to this lovely keepsake!
I had to read this book, when it’s my namesake, James. But the similarities end there. James’ parents have passed away and he lives with his awful aunt and uncle. A mysterious man gives him a package which helps him grow this giant peach. And then the peach turns into a house, rolls away into fantasy-land and brings tons of new cartoon characters for James to have his own family.
It’s a great children’s story / younger young adult story to help show the different types of family, love and support one can get. So many fun things come from here, it’s a must read for all kids. My favorite character would probably be the ladybug… such a treasure in words and pictures.
… reading with my 10 year old daughter…
I love Roald and my favourie book by him is Matilda (my daugher has yet to read it). James’s story is a wonderful story as well. James’s dreams become reality and the adventure for him and us as readers is an amazing one.
Read this book to my 5 the graders. They enjoyed.