Dahl’s stories are a celebration of childhood imagination and a rebellion against unjust authority, which is why they continue to resonate with readers of all ages and are constantly adapted into new films, musicals, and stage plays.
In honor of his legacy, here are 10 books that cemented his place as one of the world’s most beloved authors.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl’s most famous tale and a timeless classic. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the story of a poor boy named Charlie Bucket who wins a golden ticket to visit the magical chocolate factory owned by the strange and brilliant Willy Wonka. Inside, Charlie and four other children explore amazing rooms filled with chocolate rivers, edible inventions, and Oompa-Loompas.
Matilda
IMDb
This book tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, an exceptionally intelligent and telekinetic young girl who is unloved and neglected by her cruel, vulgar parents. After being sent to a school ruled by the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda finds solace in her kind teacher, Miss Honey, and learns to use her magical powers to stand up to the injustices of the world. The movie adaptation was also a success.
George’s Marvellous Medicine
The story of George Kranky, a young boy who, fed up with his mean-spirited grandmother, concocts a magical potion from various household items. The medicine, which causes his grandmother and some farm animals to grow to an enormous size, sets off a chaotic chain of events. The book is a delightful and humorous celebration of a child’s imagination.
The BFG
IMDb
Dahl’s story introduces a little girl named Sophie who is kidnapped from her orphanage by the Big Friendly Giant, a gentle giant who collects dreams and blows them into the minds of children. He and Sophie embark on a magical and dangerous adventure to stop the other, meaner giants from eating children.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
This book tells the story of a clever and cunning fox named Mr. Fox, who, to feed his family, constantly outwits three mean-spirited and greedy farmers: Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. When the farmers hatch a plan to catch him, Mr. Fox must use his wits to save his family and the other animals. It was also famously adapted into a critically acclaimed stop-motion film directed by Wes Anderson.
The Witches
This dark and thrilling tale follows an unnamed young boy who, while staying at a hotel with his grandmother, overhears a group of witches plotting to turn all the children in England into mice. The boy, who is turned into a mouse himself, must now find a way to stop the witches from completing their evil plan. The book is a masterclass in blending humor with genuine horror, and its fearless approach to a terrifying subject has made it a beloved and unforgettable story that has captivated children and adults alike.
James and the Giant Peach
IMDb
This delightful story follows James Henry Trotter, an orphan living a miserable life with his two cruel aunts. When a mysterious old man gives him a bag of magical crocodile tongues, a giant peach begins to grow on a nearby tree. James finds himself whisked away on a fantastical adventure inside the peach, where he befriends a group of giant insects. The book is a captivating tale of friendship and resilience.
The Twits
This book is a darkly humorous tale of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a vile and repulsive couple who delight in playing cruel pranks on each other and mistreating animals. The couple’s nasty behavior is a constant source of ridicule, and their terrible actions are a constant source of humor. The book, which is known for its grotesque characters and satirical humor, is a brilliant lesson on the consequences of cruelty and the importance of kindness.
Danny the Champion of the World
This book follows Danny and his father, William, who live a happy but modest life in a gypsy caravan. When Danny discovers that his father has a secret passion for poaching pheasants, the two embark on a wild adventure to outwit a cruel and wealthy landowner who is trying to evict them from their land. The book is a heartwarming tale about the strong bond between a father and son and a powerful lesson on the importance of family.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
This book is a collection of short stories for a slightly older audience. The title story follows Henry Sugar, a wealthy man who, after reading a doctor’s report, discovers a new way to see without using his eyes and uses his new ability to win money at a casino. It stands as a testament to Dahl’s versatility and his ability to write stories that captivated readers of all ages, from children to adults.
