The Best Books by Roald Dahl

On the 13^th September 2020, it would have been Roald Dahl’s 103^rd birthday! To mark this, we decided to dedicate our blogs this week to this prolific children’s author. In celebration of Jaques’ Roald Dahl Week 2020, we collated a list of our Top 5 Roald Dahl books! The short stories crafted by Roald Dahl are timeless and a staple of children’s literature. Not only are the books imaginative, magical and easy to read, they contain strong moral messages, such as the power of education and friendship.

Benefits of Reading

You can incorporate these top 5 books into your lesson plans, at home or for educational resources. These books help with communication, creative writing, and curriculum learning.

Reading has multiple benefits for childhood development. Children’s books, such as the Roald Dahl books mentioned above, are perfect for growing your little learner’s imaginations, giving them the inspiration to write their own stories or scenarios for pretend play. Reading increases knowledge and breadth of vocabulary, in terms of being able to recognise words, understand the meaning of them and use them in context. It also leads to more accuracy in spelling. Some of Jaques of London’s products could help your children with their Literacy skills.

1. Matilda

Matilda centres around the life of a very special little girl. Matilda Wormwood is a bright, intelligent, sweet girl who is, sadly, unappreciated by her parents. They simply have no interest in their daughter. Her Dad is a shady car dealer who sells old cars which are not fit for purpose. Her mother is a socialite, spending her day at the local Bingo Hall. Growing bored of her daily life, little Matilda finds refuge in the local library, immersing herself in a host of imaginary worlds. Eventually, her parents decide to allow Matilda to attend school. When she starts school, Matilda discovers that her teacher, Miss Honey, is the polar opposite of her cold and uncaring parents. Miss Honey shows Matilda that kind adults, who genuinely care, do exist. However, the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull soon rains on Matilda’s parade. A cold, mean spirited and evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull scares the living daylights out of the pupils in her school. It is soon discovered that Matilda possesses magical powers. What will become of Matilda? What secrets will be unnerved? Will the evil characters get their comeuppance?

2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Living in a small, overcrowded shack with his parents and both sets of Grandparents, Charlie Bucket’s life is far from comfortable. Treading the line between poverty and starvation, Charlie is taunted on a daily basis by the divine scent that fills the air from Mr Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Once a thriving, global enterprise, Mr Wonka shut down the factory and shrouded himself and his business in a veil of mystery. Out of the blue, Mr Wonka launches a lifechanging competition; there are 5 golden tickets to be won. The tickets are hidden inside his chocolate bars and the 5 lucky winners will have the opportunity to visit his factory and go on a behind-the-scenes tour! Charlie is desperate to win a ticket, as is his Grandfather Joe! But, Charlie’s family are poor. Therefore, Charlie only gets one bar of chocolate a year on his birthday. The odds are stacked against Charlie. However, his dreams come true and he is one of the lucky five children to find a golden ticket. Fast forward to the magical mystery tour of Wonka’s renowned factory. What magic awaits the children behind the factory gates? What mysteries await them?

3. The BFG

The BFG, short for the Big Friendly Giant, is an anomaly among his kind. Far from being a fearsome monster intent on making a meal out of unsuspecting humans, the BFG is kind, gentle and completely harmless. Sophie, an orphan, is whisked away by the BFG unexpectedly one night. She finds herself in a land full of giants; most of whom like to snack on children! But, the BFG is determined to protect Sophie. He makes it his mission to protect children from the grizzly, fearsome giants!

4. James and the Giant Peach

It is a lonely life for James Trotter. James lives with his Aunts, Spiker and Sponge, both of whom are unkind and harbour a deep dislike of children. With limited contact with the outside world, James is friendless and alone. But, this all changes with the addition of a giant peach and some new insect friends!

5. Fantastic Mr Fox

Mr Fox, his family, and his friends are under constant threat of attack from the local farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Mr Fox and his friends regularly forage for food within the local farms, which drives the farmers red with rage. Determined to rid themselves of the wildlife for good, the farmers work together to come up with a cunning plan to exterminate Mr Fox and his friends. But, they underestimated the intelligence of the Fantastic Mr Fox!

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