James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl
James and the Giant Peach cover
Good Books rating 4.28
Children's Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99–£8.99 CD-Audio • £12.99
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Format • £7.59
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Technical
  • ID: 4607
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780141322636
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2007-09-06
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 4

James and the Giant Peach tells the story of a young boy named James who, after the tragic loss of his parents, is sent to live with his two cruel aunts, Sponge and Spiker. His life takes an extraordinary turn when he discovers a giant peach growing in his garden. This magical peach becomes the gateway to an incredible adventure as James befriends a group of oversized, talking insects and together they journey across the ocean to New York City. The story is filled with imagination, wonder, and a touch of darkness, making it a timeless classic for children and adults alike. The book is known for its vivid descriptions and the unique way it blends the mundane with the fantastical, creating a world that is both strange and familiar. It's a tale of friendship, courage, and the power of imagination to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Reviews
Fantasy Literature · 2025-12-18
amusing 4.00

They noted that adult readers might find the story strikingly funny and wickedly amusing, with a dark edge.

The reviewer pointed out that while the book is often seen as a children's tale, it has layers that appeal to adult readers. The dark humor and imaginative scenarios add a layer of complexity that makes the story enjoyable for a wider audience. They appreciated the balance between whimsy and darker elements, which gives the book a unique charm. The reviewer also highlighted how the book's themes of adventure and resilience resonate with both children and adults.

Quick quotes

    Adult readers of James and the Giant Peach will likely be struck by errant thoughts as the story progresses

    The violent deaths of Spiker and Sponge are played for laughs

    The book's themes of adventure and resilience

Amazon · 2025-12-17
immersive 4.70

The novel is very immersive and feels like you're part of the story, with a similar charm to other Roald Dahl books. It's a captivating and engaging read for all ages.

This review emphasizes the book's immersive quality, noting how it feels like you're part of the story. The reviewer compares it to other Roald Dahl books, highlighting its similar charm and appeal. They find the novel to be captivating and engaging, with a narrative that draws readers in and keeps them entertained. The review suggests that the book's imaginative elements and engaging storytelling make it a enjoyable read for all ages, with a sense of wonder and adventure that is characteristic of Dahl's work.

Quick quotes

    It is very easy to imagine and feels like you're in the story itself

    This novel is similar to other Roald Dahl books such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

    A captivating and engaging read for all ages

What's Good to Read · 2025-10-22
satisfying 4.20

Dahl's storytelling is rich and satisfying, with a mix of dark and funny elements. The reviewer finds it both entertaining and slightly scary.

The reviewer describes Dahl's storytelling as rich and satisfying, comparing it to a chocolate river. They appreciate the dark and funny elements, which add a unique flavor to the story. The reviewer also notes that the book is slightly scary, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement for young readers. They praise Roald Dahl's ability to create a captivating narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Dahl's unique storytelling is as rich and satisfying as a chocolate river, while dark and funny with a pinch of scary.

    The book is slightly scary, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement for young readers.

    Roald Dahl's ability to create a captivating narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Common Sense Media · 2025-10-22
charming 4.20

The book is a charming and fanciful story about a boy's brave journey. It is also a motivational tale about escaping an abusive situation.

This review emphasizes the book's charm and fanciful nature, focusing on the brave journey of the protagonist. The reviewer highlights how the story serves as a motivational tale, particularly for young readers dealing with difficult situations. They appreciate the book's ability to address serious themes in a way that is accessible and engaging for children, making it both entertaining and meaningful.

Quick quotes

    It is a charming and fanciful story about one boy's brave journey

    as well as a motivational tale about the boy James' escape from an abusive situation

    The book's whimsical elements make it a delightful read

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