Are you looking for great books your kids will love reading? Check out this awesome list of Roald Dahl books every kid will enjoy.
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Roald Dahl Books
When I taught third grade, I was always on the lookout for great stories. Each morning I would gather the kids for our morning meeting and then I’d select a book to read aloud as we scrunched up together on a carpet in the corner of our class.
The read aloud was always my favorite part of the day for us. I loved how excited the kids would become when they realized a twist in the plot of the story or something surprising happened. I especially loved how thrilled they would be when I picked up to continue the next chapter from one we’d already started reading.
The more we read together, the more I learned about each student, and it didn’t take long for me to discover their own interests and what they enjoyed. Every year, however, a couple of favorite authors would take over our classroom book shelves.
It seemed these authors could reach every child, regardless of differences. No matter what, there were certain books I read aloud each year that captivated their interests more than anything else. And, after introducing them to these authors, the kids would visit our school library and check out more books by that same author to take home and enjoy for themselves.
Roald Dahl Read Alouds
Ever year, Roald Dahl books were the most popular. I’m still amazed when I look back on it at just how mesmerized they were as I read each chapter and turned each page. Roald Dahl had a way of knowing how to grab the reader from the very first sentence. And, even better, he could keep you so engulfed in the story that it was very difficult to end a chapter without going on to the next one. Every time I read aloud one of his stories, my students would respond with, “keep reading, Mrs. Smith. We want to know more.”
That is why, based on my own experience reading aloud tons of books with all sorts of readers, I know Roald Dahl books should be on every child’s bookshelf. From James and the Giant Peach to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory–his most famous work, kids and adults will enjoy his many wonderful adventures that are filled with wonder, extraordinary imagination, and page-turning plots that keep all of us captivated and entertained.
Roald Dahl Books Every Kid Will Love
Here are the Roald Dahl books I think every kid and adult should know.
James and the Giant Peach
This one is my all-time favorite Roald Dahl book. It’s the perfect read aloud that keeps kids captivated by the story from the very first sentence and ever chapter ends with a cliffhanger type sentence that keeps you turning the page.
Matilda
Matilda is another well-known Dahl story and since I’m a girl, well, I fell in love with the main character who happens to be a genius girl who conquers the evil within her world.
The BFG
You’ll fall in love with this one immediately. And with the new release of a movie version coming this summer, this one would be a great read before your kids see it on the big screen.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Who doesn’t love this one? It is truly a classic that demonstrates the genius of Roald Dahl’s work. It’s a must-read for kids as one of the greatest books ever written for children.
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
My youngest son loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, so he immediately grabbed this one after reading it. Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator is the sequel, so if you’re like my son and loved the first one, you’ll want to grab this one, too.
George’s Marvelous Medicine
Just in other Dahl stories, George must deal with a horrible relative–his grouchy grandmother. In this one, George decides to create a special potion to cure his grandmother’s grumpy mood that has surprising results.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
This one is a funny story about a clever Mr. Fox who is trying to escape three furious farmers determined to kill him for stealing from their farms.
The Twits
The Twits are nasty people who hate everything and love playing jokes on each other at the expense of others. It’s a classic Dahl-style story where the underdog sets out for revenge.
The Witches
This one is funny and will keep you laughing. It’s about a boy who learned from his grandmother about real witches that look like ordinary people, but hate children. Again, it’s a book both kids and adults will enjoy.
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
This one is a fun little story about a giraffe, pelican, and monkey who create the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company and set out to wash all 677 windows of the Hampshire House.
Boy
I also wanted to include Boy on the list because I thought it was a great read for others, like me, who love Roald Dahl. It’s his own story that’s filled with tales from his very own childhood. As I read, I saw so many connections between Dahl’s experiences and the many books he later wrote. This one is one you’ll want to add to your collection after you’ve read some of the others to discover his inspiration for so many of his stories.
Roald Dahl Collection – 15 Paperback Book Boxed Set
Did you know you could buy a 15 story Roald Dahl gift set?
After your kids fall in love with these stories, they are sure to want to read more from his collection. This gift set would be a great idea for Christmas, a birthday, or some other special occasion. Even better, these stories are the kinds you’ll want to read over, and with this set, you can enjoy Roald Dahl books again and again.
It’s the perfect gift to encourage your kids to keep reading.
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