Throwback Book Thursday!

In this Throwback Book Thursday, we’re going to take a look at some of Roald Dahl’s most famous works.  The books that more than likely filled our libraries, our classrooms, and our hearts for much longer than our educational careers.  That’s not to say that Dahl didn’t create other incredible works:  novels, plays, screenplays…the list knows no bounds.  But let us jump into our childhood once again and relive the memories that each of these books represent.

A boy, a peach, and some rather large interesting insects.

James and the Giant Peach, was always regarded, to me, as a rather creepy and distorted Roald Dahl book.  I mean, you have a young boy, in a not so friendly home environment, who goes to explore the world in a giant peach with some insects and…a spider… *shiver*

Beyond that fact, I love that Dahl created characters in a way that his readers could identify with.  Each character had their own ways of thinking, their own motives, and their own personalities.  You were lead on a magical journey that even the most unimaginative readers could get wrapped up in. 

Everyone should know this story!  If you didn’t read this book as a child, you’ve watched the movie, I’m sure.

The story goes, you have Charlie, whose family is all he has.  Their home is worse for wear and they really don’t have much money.  BUT, they have each other.

One day, the famous candy maker, Willy Wonka, announces that he is going to hide 5 golden tickets in his candy for the public to find.  Whoever finds these tickets will gain access to a tour of his magical factory.

Of course the world goes wild over this!  Even Charlie who, as you might surmise, finds a golden ticket with a bit of luck. 

From there hilarity and wonder ensue, leaving you on a wild ride that will leave you breathless and your heart full.

Big. Friendly. Giant.

This was the very first Roald Dahl book I ever read.  I still remember the wonder I experienced as I flipped each page, devouring them as a child.  I fell in love with the characters and found myself connecting with Sophie.

Essentially all children in London, must be in bed at a early time at night, otherwise they were told that bad things would happen.  Sophie of course, decides to test this and is shocked to find a giant roams the streets, looking through windows.

She tries to hide but the BFG finds her and whisks her away to his home.  There she learns a rather interesting new language, learns about dreams, and learns that friendship comes in ALL sizes.

I am also excited to announce that The BFG is coming to theaters soon!!  I can’t wait!  Check it out below…

I was introduced to this book, surprisingly through the movie!  I will tell you, I was completely horrified and scared just from the very premise of witches taking over the world and trying to get rid of ALL the children.

The fact that the witches could disguise themselves as ANYONE terrified me.

The story in a nutshell goes:  A young boy and his grandmother are on an adventure to get rid of the Grand High Witch, who has a terrible plan to get rid of all the “disgusting” children of the world.  Filled with potions, magic and rats, there’s no wonder the book and movie brought fear to most who picked it up or watched it. 

 

However, there was a positive end message to this.  If you struggle through and never give up, hold bravery within your heart, and fight for what you love, success will always come your way and good will overcome evil.

Easily my favorite. 

Why?

Because she’s a bookworm like you and I! J

Matilda brings love to the hearts of all who read her.  In her story, once again, you have a child living in a rather neglectful and mean family.  She comes to rely on herself for everything and ultimately ends up teaching herself to read.  Through this she finds love in her books and her characters that she holds so dear. 

She also has some rather unique powers.

Oh…

…and we also have The Trunchbull.

*shivers in fear again*

Ultimately, I love Roald Dahl’s work and how he illuminates the fantasy and imagination within our world.  I feel that Dahl held one main theme in all his books: 

Stay true to who you are and what you believe.

Thank you for all the truly remarkable stories you’ve brought into our lives Mr. Dahl.  You truly were an inspiration.

If you’d like to find out more about Roald Dahl’s other works, please visit:

Roald Dahl