Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl was a British novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. Dahl is best known for his children's stories, including 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' 'Matilda,' 'The BFG,' and 'James and the Giant Peach.' His works are known for their unexpected endings, and his books often feature children as the main characters who face off against villainous adults. Dahl's writing is marked by a dark sense of humor and a playful use of language.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory,

    A young boy named Charlie lives in poverty and dreams of visiting the nearby chocolate factory owned by the eccentric and mysterious Willy Wonka. When Charlie finds one of the five golden tickets hidden in chocolate bars worldwide, he earns the chance to tour the factory. Accompanied by his Grandpa Joe and four other children, Charlie embarks on a magical and surreal adventure inside the factory, where he learns valuable lessons about greed, arrogance, and honesty.

  2. 2. The BFG

    The book tells the story of a young orphan girl who befriends a benevolent giant, known as the Big Friendly Giant (BFG). Together, they embark on a mission to stop the other evil, man-eating giants from terrorizing the human world. With the help of the Queen of England and her armed forces, they manage to capture the evil giants and bring peace. The BFG and the girl then live happily in England, with the BFG delivering good dreams to children and the girl living in a new home at the palace.

  3. 3. Matilda

    The book follows the story of Matilda, an exceptionally intelligent young girl who is neglected and mistreated by her parents. She finds solace and companionship in the local library, where she develops a love of books and a remarkable talent for telekinesis. Matilda eventually uses these abilities to defend her friends from their tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and help her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey, reclaim her life.

  4. 4. James and the Giant Peach

    A young boy named James, after being orphaned and forced to live with his cruel aunts, embarks on a magical adventure inside a giant peach. Alongside a group of anthropomorphic insects who also reside in the peach, James navigates through a series of fantastical events, including battling pirate-like creatures and flying across the Atlantic Ocean to New York City. This whimsical journey helps James escape his miserable life and find a new family amongst his insect friends.

  5. 5. The Witches

    This children's dark fantasy novel tells the story of a young British boy and his Norwegian grandmother as they battle against England's child-hating witches. After losing his parents, the boy lives with his grandmother who educates him about the evil witches that appear ordinary but have a deep hatred for children. The boy accidentally stumbles upon the witches' convention and gets turned into a mouse, but with his grandmother's help, he manages to foil their plan to turn all the children into mice.

  6. 6. Danny The Champion Of The World

    In this heartwarming tale, a young boy named Danny embarks on an extraordinary adventure with his father. Living in a cozy gypsy caravan behind their country petrol station, Danny's life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his father's secret passion for poaching pheasants. As they devise a clever plan to outsmart the wealthy landowner, Danny becomes the unexpected hero of the village, showcasing the power of determination, love, and the bond between father and son.

  7. 7. The Twits

    "The Twits" is a humorous children's book that follows the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a repulsive and mean-spirited couple who delight in playing nasty tricks on each other. With their hairy faces and twisted minds, they make life miserable for everyone around them. However, their wickedness eventually catches up with them when a group of mischievous monkeys decide to teach them a lesson they will never forget.

  8. 8. Someone Like You

    "Someone Like You" is a collection of dark and twisted short stories that explore the depths of human nature. From tales of revenge and deceit to stories of unexpected twists and turns, this book delves into the sinister side of humanity, leaving readers questioning their own morals and beliefs. With Dahl's signature wit and mastery of storytelling, each narrative is a captivating and unsettling journey into the complexities of the human psyche.

  9. 9. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

    The book is a collection of seven short stories. The titular story revolves around a wealthy, idle man who discovers a set of yoga exercises that allow him to "see" through playing cards. After rigorous training, he uses this ability to win at casinos, donating his winnings to orphanages worldwide. The other stories include a tale about a man who can change his appearance at will, a bet about igniting a candle from a distance, a hitchhiker with a special thumb, a boy who discovers a turtle with 117 years, a story of a swan who saves a boy, and a tale about a woman who is obsessed with her two cats. These tales are filled with magical realism and surprising twists, showcasing the author's imaginative storytelling.

  10. 10. Fantastic Mr Fox

    In this children's novel, a clever and resourceful fox named Mr. Fox lives with his family underground beside a trio of mean and wealthy farmers named Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. When the farmers have had enough of Mr. Fox stealing their livestock to feed his family, they unite in a vengeful pursuit to capture and kill him. Despite being trapped underground without food, the cunning Mr. Fox devises a plan to outwit the farmers, digging tunnels to their individual farms to steal food. His ingenuity not only ensures the survival and prosperity of his own family but also saves his fellow animal friends, leading to a celebratory feast and the outsmarting of the spiteful farmers.

  11. 11. George's Marvellous Medicine

    In this whimsical children's book, a young boy named George concocts an extraordinary medicine to cure his cranky grandmother's unpleasant demeanor. Left alone with her while his parents are out, George decides to mix various household items to create a potion with unexpected effects. The resulting medicine leads to a series of fantastical and bizarre consequences, ultimately teaching George the power of creativity and the unpredictability of magic, while also humorously cautioning against the dangers of tampering with things one does not fully understand.