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Roald Dahl Treasury
Anyone who has ever read James and the Giant Peach or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory knows that Roald Dahl is a man capable of working magic on young people. The wonderfully weird worlds he evokes are so perfectly in tune with children's imaginations that--PRESTO!--he has completely enchanted kids (and adults, we admit) around the world.
This splendidly illustrated treasury--which we discovered with unfettered glee--showcases excerpts from the above books, along with short stories, rhymes, memoirs, unpublished poetry, and personal letters. A host of Dahl's best-loved characters are here, from the Enormous Crocodile to Willie Wonka. The whole shebang is fabulously illustrated by Quentin Blake, Ralph Steadman, and a myriad of other fine artists. Young Roald Dahl fans will devour this book eagerly, and those who have never met Charlie Bucket, Matilda, or the Vermicious Knids will want to get their hands on everything he's ever written. (All ages)
444 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 1995
100 people are currently reading
2322 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,473 books26.6k followersRoald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
December 10, 2020
Full Disclosure: I didn't realize how much of the book would be excerpts from other books. In the cases where I had not read the original books, I skimmed the excerpts in the Treasury (I didn't want to spoil the other stories).
Of the Dahl books I read and thus reread the excerpts - I noticed that in particular the My Year and Boy: tales of childhood sections were well chosen and I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading them. The other poems and short stories, some from Dirty Beasts and Revolting Rhymes, had just as much charm as they did the first time around. The full colored illustrations just brought the story to life.
In addition, the Treasury also included handwritten notes from Dahl to readers or from readers or letters to his mother - something that I appreciated seeing in the book.
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Of the Dahl books I read and thus reread the excerpts - I noticed that in particular the My Year and Boy: tales of childhood sections were well chosen and I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading them. The other poems and short stories, some from Dirty Beasts and Revolting Rhymes, had just as much charm as they did the first time around. The full colored illustrations just brought the story to life.
In addition, the Treasury also included handwritten notes from Dahl to readers or from readers or letters to his mother - something that I appreciated seeing in the book.
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
November 5, 2010
Roald Dahl, as you know, is awesome. I've read most of his books-for-kids, but only one collection of his short stories for adults (after reading this book, I'll definitely be pursuing more of his books-for-adults). This Treasury has a wonderful mix of both types of work and includes poetry, short stories, excerpts from books, non-fiction, and recipes (I had totally forgotten about Revolting Recipes! And man, do those Hansel and Gretel Spare Ribs look GOOD). Everything is, of course, accompanied by beautiful illustrations, most of which are by Quentin Blake, some of which have been contributed by various other artists (including Ralph Steadman! How great is that?). This book collects a great selection of work by an amazing author...truly a beautiful Treasury that deserves to be on every child's (and adult's) bookshelf.
November 12, 2010
Roald Dahl.
What can I say?
What can I say that will accurately portray the great love and respect I hold for you?
That can truely express the magic you injected into my life from such an early age?
That can make you see how your stories enriched my relationships, particularly the one between my father and me.
His interpretation of the BFG's voice would have delighted you. And now, thanks to you, he will live on forever in that marvellous character.
This is a collection of snippets (and whatever the appropriate word for entended snippets is) of the wondrous works of the greatest storyteller of all time.
That's all you need to know.
Read it. Read everything he wrote.
I would read his shopping lists, his unstructured rambling notes, his telephone doodles.
What can I say?
What can I say that will accurately portray the great love and respect I hold for you?
That can truely express the magic you injected into my life from such an early age?
That can make you see how your stories enriched my relationships, particularly the one between my father and me.
His interpretation of the BFG's voice would have delighted you. And now, thanks to you, he will live on forever in that marvellous character.
This is a collection of snippets (and whatever the appropriate word for entended snippets is) of the wondrous works of the greatest storyteller of all time.
That's all you need to know.
Read it. Read everything he wrote.
I would read his shopping lists, his unstructured rambling notes, his telephone doodles.
April 25, 2021
Having had this on my shelf for probably over 10 years, and feeling as child that it was too daunting a read, being 444 pages, I really wish i had dipped in and out of it because it is truly magical! Of course, a lot of the stories and extracts in the treasury, I had already read, and they were nice to revisit. The book is also jam-packed with poems and previously unpublished material, which was really fun to read. Stories that I somehow missed during my childhood including The Enormous Crocodile, The Minpins and extracts from My Year were especially nice to come across. All of this is complemented not just by the quintessential Quentin Blake but by other amazing artists. And every drawing is presented in full colour.
July 8, 2015
My husband reads to our unborn baby every night from this book (and others), which is absolutely adorable.
Baby seems to respond to the rythm and rhyme and daddy's voice.
The stories are lovely for both adults and children, the drawings are beautiful as always with Roald Dahl.
Absolutely recommend this if you like Roald Dahl!!
Baby seems to respond to the rythm and rhyme and daddy's voice.
The stories are lovely for both adults and children, the drawings are beautiful as always with Roald Dahl.
Absolutely recommend this if you like Roald Dahl!!
March 10, 2012
If I'm ever sick, or really feeling blue, this is the perfect book to curl up with. It's impossible not to feel chirpy after reading Dahl's downright hilarious poems (which are a quirky take on age-old fairytales!)
Sometimes, I still like it read to me by my mum.
Sometimes, I still like it read to me by my mum.
March 21, 2016
There is no end to what you can invent if you put your mind to it. You can go on for ever.
January 16, 2015
Tons of Roald Dahl stuff crammed into one book?
It HAS to be 5 stars.
It HAS to be 5 stars.
March 18, 2018
What a lovely collection of samples and snippets and sometimes full poems/short stories by Roald Dahl. It is nicely divided into four themes: Animals; Magic; Family, Friends and Foes; and Matters of Importance. Through these areas, we get a good glimpse at the diversity of Dahl’s writings, all of which are accompanied by lovely illustrations by Quentin Blake for the most part, but also by Raymond Briggs, Babette Cole, Posy Simmonds and Ralph Steadman.
Having previously read The BFG and maybe a couple other of Dahl’s works (it has been a long time, okay?), I felt myself thrown right into the whirlpool of craziness that is Dahl’s written universe, and with the illustrations that to me at least were so emblematic and in line with his writing. Normally I don’t pay as much heed to illustrations as I should, but there is really an atmosphere with the illustrations of Dahl’s work, and it is simply fabulous.
To go back to Dahl’s writings in general, I found myself continually impressed by his creativity – with words, with language, with style, with tone. Just the names of different candies and bizarre beasts and creatures alone was entertaining! There is nothing quite like the names he has come up with, even if we don’t know what something looks like or how something tastes, the word(s) itself (themselves) portray the feel of the appearance, the flavor, the essence of it.
Reading this gave me the desire to go back and read more of his children’s work, but even more than that, his more auto-biographical works such as Boy and especially My Year. His life seems absolutely fascinating, and the excerpts we have in this Treasury are just teasers of the breadth of his skill at his craft.
I only wish there had been a little more editorial narration/inserts, like the first couple of pieces by his editor and daughter, to better frame the sections of the book – like mini-introductions to each section. Seeing Dahl through is work is marvelous, but there is also something very precious in seeing him through the eyes of those who worked and lived closest to him for very long periods of time.
Favorite quotes:
No book ever ends
When it’s full of your friends
-- page 91, from “The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me”
But sometimes mysteries are more intriguing than explanations[.] – page 196, from “The Minpins”
And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. – page 197, from “The Minpins”
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like so long as somebody loves you.” – page 238, from The Witches, “The Heart of a Mouse”
[Referring to how he’s made the original Grimm version of Hansel and Gretel less gorey:]
It might have been okay, who knows,
If there’d been humour in the prose.
Did I say humour? Wilhelm Grimm?
There’s not a scrap of it in him.) – page 359, from Rhyme Stew, “Hansel and Gretel”
When you grow up
and have children of your own
do please remember something important
a stodgy parent is no fun at all
What a child wants
and deserves
is a parent who is
SPARKY
-- page 375, from Boy
I had learnt even at that tender age that there are no secrets unless you keep them to yourself, and this was the greatest secret I had ever had to keep in my life so far. – page 388, from My Year
Typo:
“ The point is this. – page 221 – remove extra space after quote/before start of sentence.
“Well thrown,sir!” – page 318 – missing spaces around the comma
Having previously read The BFG and maybe a couple other of Dahl’s works (it has been a long time, okay?), I felt myself thrown right into the whirlpool of craziness that is Dahl’s written universe, and with the illustrations that to me at least were so emblematic and in line with his writing. Normally I don’t pay as much heed to illustrations as I should, but there is really an atmosphere with the illustrations of Dahl’s work, and it is simply fabulous.
To go back to Dahl’s writings in general, I found myself continually impressed by his creativity – with words, with language, with style, with tone. Just the names of different candies and bizarre beasts and creatures alone was entertaining! There is nothing quite like the names he has come up with, even if we don’t know what something looks like or how something tastes, the word(s) itself (themselves) portray the feel of the appearance, the flavor, the essence of it.
Reading this gave me the desire to go back and read more of his children’s work, but even more than that, his more auto-biographical works such as Boy and especially My Year. His life seems absolutely fascinating, and the excerpts we have in this Treasury are just teasers of the breadth of his skill at his craft.
I only wish there had been a little more editorial narration/inserts, like the first couple of pieces by his editor and daughter, to better frame the sections of the book – like mini-introductions to each section. Seeing Dahl through is work is marvelous, but there is also something very precious in seeing him through the eyes of those who worked and lived closest to him for very long periods of time.
Favorite quotes:
No book ever ends
When it’s full of your friends
-- page 91, from “The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me”
But sometimes mysteries are more intriguing than explanations[.] – page 196, from “The Minpins”
And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. – page 197, from “The Minpins”
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like so long as somebody loves you.” – page 238, from The Witches, “The Heart of a Mouse”
[Referring to how he’s made the original Grimm version of Hansel and Gretel less gorey:]
It might have been okay, who knows,
If there’d been humour in the prose.
Did I say humour? Wilhelm Grimm?
There’s not a scrap of it in him.) – page 359, from Rhyme Stew, “Hansel and Gretel”
When you grow up
and have children of your own
do please remember something important
a stodgy parent is no fun at all
What a child wants
and deserves
is a parent who is
SPARKY
-- page 375, from Boy
I had learnt even at that tender age that there are no secrets unless you keep them to yourself, and this was the greatest secret I had ever had to keep in my life so far. – page 388, from My Year
Typo:
“ The point is this. – page 221 – remove extra space after quote/before start of sentence.
“Well thrown,sir!” – page 318 – missing spaces around the comma
April 26, 2009
This tome of an homage dedicated to the great Roald Dahl contains excerpts from Dahl's best-loved fiction for children and his autobiographical material. There are stories, rhymes, and memoirs as well as unpublished poetry and letters. Although they may be a bit shortened, it will give you a good idea of which book of his to buy if you want to finish a given story.
Lavishly produced and illustrated in full-color, it features artwork by such prominent illustrators as Quentin Blake, Lane Smith, and Raymond Briggs.
While it's not a replacement for reading the complete works of Roald Dahl, this book is a lovely tribute to him and a good selection of his works. Personal tributes from some people who knew him well combine with excerpts from his longer books and full-text of some of his shorter works, including some items previously unpublished.
If you decide to read this treasury, you will find yourself transported to a world of unknown witches, greedy foxes, giants houses, peaches, and more amazing places that you would never think up. I respect Dahl for his wonderful imagination and terrific writing abilities.
"My candle burns at both ends. It will not last the night. But, oh my foes and oh my friends it gives a lovely light."
Book Details:
Title Roald Dahl Treasury
Author Roald Dahl
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Lavishly produced and illustrated in full-color, it features artwork by such prominent illustrators as Quentin Blake, Lane Smith, and Raymond Briggs.
While it's not a replacement for reading the complete works of Roald Dahl, this book is a lovely tribute to him and a good selection of his works. Personal tributes from some people who knew him well combine with excerpts from his longer books and full-text of some of his shorter works, including some items previously unpublished.
If you decide to read this treasury, you will find yourself transported to a world of unknown witches, greedy foxes, giants houses, peaches, and more amazing places that you would never think up. I respect Dahl for his wonderful imagination and terrific writing abilities.
"My candle burns at both ends. It will not last the night. But, oh my foes and oh my friends it gives a lovely light."
Book Details:
Title Roald Dahl Treasury
Author Roald Dahl
Reviewed By Purplycookie
September 4, 2013
Who doesn't enjoy reading Roald Dahl?
This review seems completely pointless because even if I did have anything bad to say about anything that Dahl has ever written (which I certainly do not), his legions of fans from young to old will simply ignore. And rightly so.
Roald Dahl novels, short stories, poems, rhymes and songs can be enjoyed as a class reading, individual reading, guided reading and will certainly help to inspire young peoples creative writing skills.
The Roald Dahl Treasury in particular is great for readers of all levels, including non-readers, as it is full of short stories and extracts from all of Roald Dahl's most famous works it means you can choose to only read for a few minutes, or can enjoy several of the stories in one sitting.
The reading age for this book, as with all Roald Dahl literature ranges all the way through the school years, from key stage 1 or even earlier with Quentin Blakes fantastic illustrations, and far beyond into adolescence and adulthood. The stories can also be enjoyed by both boys and girls as the plots and themes are wide ranging and diverse.
This review seems completely pointless because even if I did have anything bad to say about anything that Dahl has ever written (which I certainly do not), his legions of fans from young to old will simply ignore. And rightly so.
Roald Dahl novels, short stories, poems, rhymes and songs can be enjoyed as a class reading, individual reading, guided reading and will certainly help to inspire young peoples creative writing skills.
The Roald Dahl Treasury in particular is great for readers of all levels, including non-readers, as it is full of short stories and extracts from all of Roald Dahl's most famous works it means you can choose to only read for a few minutes, or can enjoy several of the stories in one sitting.
The reading age for this book, as with all Roald Dahl literature ranges all the way through the school years, from key stage 1 or even earlier with Quentin Blakes fantastic illustrations, and far beyond into adolescence and adulthood. The stories can also be enjoyed by both boys and girls as the plots and themes are wide ranging and diverse.
March 8, 2015
The first and only Roald Dahl book that I had ever read before this was Matilda which was recommended to me by a friend when I was 10. I loved it and I recently felt like reading more Dahl books. The beautiful blue cover captivated me and even though it was expensive I bought it. And I enjoyed it a lot. I liked the colourful illustrations. There were lovely retellings of fairy tales with twists and personal life stories from Dahl and short stories and poems from his other books. For some stories, it felt as if Dahl was there telling you the stories himself which I enjoyed immensely. I wish that his novels( such as Matilda, Charlie and the chocolate factory,...) were full and not in excerpts even though I know that would have made this already huge book, even bigger.
Overall, it was very enjoyable, it managed to make me laugh and feel surprised, along side being a quick read( it only took me 5 days to finish).
"As I grew Old
As I grew old and just a trifle frayed
It's nice to know that sometimes I have made
You children and occasionally the staff
Stop work and have instead a little laugh. " (444)
Overall, it was very enjoyable, it managed to make me laugh and feel surprised, along side being a quick read( it only took me 5 days to finish).
"As I grew Old
As I grew old and just a trifle frayed
It's nice to know that sometimes I have made
You children and occasionally the staff
Stop work and have instead a little laugh. " (444)
January 18, 2024
? Wij hebben deze mooie uitgave al een tijd bij ons in de boekenkast staan. Tijd voor mij om nog eens te lezen welke verhalen er precies allemaal instaan..
🤔 We hebben thuis ook een boekje van de Griezels, de film Mathilda heb ik met mijn kinderen misschien wel 5 keer gezien. Sjakie en de chocoladefabriek is een bekend verhaal, maar wel langs me heengegaan, ik heb er niets mee.. Mijn vrouw vindt het aangepaste sprookjesverhaal Roodkapje, waarbij Roodkapje 'in een wipje een revolver haalt uit haar slipje' vooral hilarisch uit dit boek. Ik heb er duidelijk wat minder mee hoewel ik het wel een mooie uitgave vindt met veel verschillende leuke stukjes, gedichten en verhalen (vaak fragmenten). Ik heb er zelf nog niet uit voorgelezen aan kinderen, maar misschien ga ik dat in de toekomst nog wel doen...
MW 22/1/22
🤔 We hebben thuis ook een boekje van de Griezels, de film Mathilda heb ik met mijn kinderen misschien wel 5 keer gezien. Sjakie en de chocoladefabriek is een bekend verhaal, maar wel langs me heengegaan, ik heb er niets mee.. Mijn vrouw vindt het aangepaste sprookjesverhaal Roodkapje, waarbij Roodkapje 'in een wipje een revolver haalt uit haar slipje' vooral hilarisch uit dit boek. Ik heb er duidelijk wat minder mee hoewel ik het wel een mooie uitgave vindt met veel verschillende leuke stukjes, gedichten en verhalen (vaak fragmenten). Ik heb er zelf nog niet uit voorgelezen aan kinderen, maar misschien ga ik dat in de toekomst nog wel doen...
MW 22/1/22
July 15, 2007
My husband got this book for me as a Christmas present. I love anything Roald Dahl (as you can probably gather from my books), so I was excited that he bought this for me. The graphics in this book are wonderful, and the collection of books is nice because it enables the reader to see the wide variation in Dahl's writing topics. My only criticism is that I was disappointed that the Treasury uses only snippets of the different books (a chapter of each, really) rather than the entire book. I would really like to have a large volume of Dahl's collected works, and while this is a step in that direction, I was surprised to find that it was only selections.
October 17, 2011
I recently read somewhere, an author saying the best advise he ever got was to always read Roald Dahl. I think that's pretty good advise. I didn't read a lot of him when I was a kid (I didn't like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Fantastic Mr. Fox), and I honestly think I enjoy him more as an adult.
This book did get a little tedious after a while (I don't think you're supposed to read it straight through), and I'm not a fan of extracts from full-lenght books, but all-in-all, this was a very enjoyable read.
This book did get a little tedious after a while (I don't think you're supposed to read it straight through), and I'm not a fan of extracts from full-lenght books, but all-in-all, this was a very enjoyable read.
March 24, 2015
I'd not read a whole lot of Roald Dahl, but I knew the stories and had watched several of the films and loved them. So this became a book on the list for santa.
I really like reading about his memoirs and his thoughts and feelings when we wrote the various books, but I had never really appreciated them as much until I read this.
The only down-side to this book was reading extracts and reviews of the books I hadn't read, because I wouldn't know the story or in some cases, I wanted to carry on reading but it was only a chapter long, and couldn't get hold of a copy to read the full book!
I really like reading about his memoirs and his thoughts and feelings when we wrote the various books, but I had never really appreciated them as much until I read this.
The only down-side to this book was reading extracts and reviews of the books I hadn't read, because I wouldn't know the story or in some cases, I wanted to carry on reading but it was only a chapter long, and couldn't get hold of a copy to read the full book!
July 24, 2013
All in all a really rich collection of Dahl and definitely a book I'd bring out to help with bedtime stories when babysitting.
My only faults were that I don't think the excerpts were too well chosen and I don't think there was a particular target audience meaning you jumped from a story aimed at children to a memoir aimed at adults from page to page which made it tricky to adjust your mindset to each time. Perhaps a better chapter layout would have helped?
My only faults were that I don't think the excerpts were too well chosen and I don't think there was a particular target audience meaning you jumped from a story aimed at children to a memoir aimed at adults from page to page which made it tricky to adjust your mindset to each time. Perhaps a better chapter layout would have helped?
September 27, 2015
This extraordinary collection takes readers on a fascinating journey into Dahl's unique imagination. At over 400 pages, it's filled with Dahl's best-loved fiction for children as well as much autobiographical material. It contains stories, rhymes, and memoirs as well as unpublished poetry and letters. Lavishly produced and illustrated in full-color, it features artwork by such prominent illustrators as Quentin Blake, Lane Smith, and Raymond Briggs.
November 30, 2007
what i love and look for in roald dahl stories:
1. his characters are so excitable.. lots of exclamation points!
2. all the alliteration.
3. the rhyming.
4. quite simply, the man's amazing imagination and the way he uses the above techniques to write a fantastic story that children and adults can enjoy.
5. oh, and all the candy.
1. his characters are so excitable.. lots of exclamation points!
2. all the alliteration.
3. the rhyming.
4. quite simply, the man's amazing imagination and the way he uses the above techniques to write a fantastic story that children and adults can enjoy.
5. oh, and all the candy.
January 23, 2015
One of my all-time favorite writers. His books still hold the whimsy and charm that I found in them as a boy. His older, more mature writing is excellent as well, but his writing for children is his best.
This is a great collection because it contains new Quentin Blake illustrations and contains stories like "The Minpins" that are harder to find.
This is a great collection because it contains new Quentin Blake illustrations and contains stories like "The Minpins" that are harder to find.
March 21, 2010
I only read two Roald Dahl books as a child and they were Danny Champion of the World and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Although this book doesn't contain many complete books in it, alot of the extracts are complete chapters, rhymes or stories. Great introduction into the world of Roald Dahl !
March 28, 2011
This is on my shelf in addition to the individual full-length works. The book includes "moments" of his writing--the shorter stories, and extracts from the longer books. A nice volume, but not a complete collection. In fact, I would say it's not a good place to start with Roald Dahl as I believe the longer books are really his best work (thus the 3 stars here and not more).
May 27, 2013
I love Roald Dahl & can't wait till my daughter is old enough for me to share his books with her...this book is like a bit of nostalgia, you get that good feeling from each snippet & there's bits I'd never read so they were a real treasure...it's like eating a delicious box of assorted chocolates (not to sound too forest gump!)
May 22, 2013
The reason for the start of the Dahl era. Now I know his wit and observations are sharp and for school age kids, and he wrote such great stuff, but even my 4 year old's in love with his stories and especially his poems. Which made me realize, I should never undermine a 4 year old's choice in stories. He's awesome, and he must have been the oldest kid alive.
March 18, 2017
Gorgeous collection of Roald Dahl shorts, including an intro by his daughter Ophelia, perfect for bedtime. These stories don't patronize, I think that's what's so genius about them. Quentin Blake's color illustrations are practically as entertaining as Dahl's stories. I like how they're divided into 4 sections: Animals; Magic; Family, Friends and Foes, and Matters of Importance.
August 2, 2020
This book is fantaatic. All the roald dahl stories are amazing and entertaining especially the revolting rhymes. I can read them over and iver. I had this book as a kid and bought it again recently for my children who love it as much as me. I'd recommend this to any little roald dahl fan or family.
March 3, 2013
Fantastic book for kids! So imaginative and creative. Easy read that children will find delightful!
Roald Dahl is always brilliant! His stories and rhymes are fun and entertaining! Some of my all time favorites!! Such a great way to entertain children and get them interested in reading!
Roald Dahl is always brilliant! His stories and rhymes are fun and entertaining! Some of my all time favorites!! Such a great way to entertain children and get them interested in reading!
March 20, 2013
I love it. It serves bite-sized samples of his best works.
You're never too old for Roald Dahl, but in case you feel you are, a book like this makes an excellent gift for your children, nephews or nieces.
You're never too old for Roald Dahl, but in case you feel you are, a book like this makes an excellent gift for your children, nephews or nieces.
March 26, 2021
Amazing collective of Roald Dahl’s most iconic works. Although I read most of his stories growing up, rereading them as an adult makes me realize how much I’ve learned from his characters and stories. This treasury is so precious, with little excerpts from so many of his works!
November 5, 2020
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This is kind of a tricky one for me to rate. I specifically remember ordering this book as a young child and being so excited to have all of Dahl's stories in one book. It seemed like a great deal to me. Then the book came and I was very confused with the setup. I clearly did not understand what an extract was and didn't realize the book only contained samples of the longer stories. I read a smattering of tales, but was mostly confused by the extracts.
Finally, as an adult, I read through the entire book. By this time, I have read most of the novels/novellas featured in this book so I had a better handle on the extracts provided.
Overall, this is a good collection of stories and poems with a mix of fiction and non-fiction. It contains the full stories of "The Enormous Crocodile" and "The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me" along with various poems such as "Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf" and "The Emperor's New Clothes". There are also many extracts from longer stories and novels such as The Twits, The BFG, and Matilda. Some of these samples are entertaining on their own but I do feel it helps to have an idea of the whole story when reading them.
As with any Dahl creation, there are many dark and twisted happenings in this collection with many characters meeting rather unfortunate ends. I remember being horrified by Dahl's version of "The Three Little Pigs". Because of this, I would not recommend this for sensitive readers. Best fit for those who already enjoy Dahl's humor and story-telling style.
There are a few words some might find objectionable such as @ss (as in "Don't be an @ss"). The poem, "Cinderella", also does include the infamous "$lut" line. This isn't to say the collection is bad, but perhaps skip over this if it's not to your taste. There are also many not nice words used such as calling people stupid, etc. But again, that's pretty characteristic of Dahl (you know, the man who wrote a book called The Twits).
Entertaining, humorous, dark, and at times rather insightful. Overall, I enjoyed the collection. Nice mix of original Quentin Blake artwork along with newer artwork of varying styles. This is an interesting look at the life of Dahl and his various creations from talking foxes outsmarting humans to witches set on turning all children into mice. Dahl's works are sure to continue to inspire for generations to come.
This is kind of a tricky one for me to rate. I specifically remember ordering this book as a young child and being so excited to have all of Dahl's stories in one book. It seemed like a great deal to me. Then the book came and I was very confused with the setup. I clearly did not understand what an extract was and didn't realize the book only contained samples of the longer stories. I read a smattering of tales, but was mostly confused by the extracts.
Finally, as an adult, I read through the entire book. By this time, I have read most of the novels/novellas featured in this book so I had a better handle on the extracts provided.
Overall, this is a good collection of stories and poems with a mix of fiction and non-fiction. It contains the full stories of "The Enormous Crocodile" and "The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me" along with various poems such as "Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf" and "The Emperor's New Clothes". There are also many extracts from longer stories and novels such as The Twits, The BFG, and Matilda. Some of these samples are entertaining on their own but I do feel it helps to have an idea of the whole story when reading them.
As with any Dahl creation, there are many dark and twisted happenings in this collection with many characters meeting rather unfortunate ends. I remember being horrified by Dahl's version of "The Three Little Pigs". Because of this, I would not recommend this for sensitive readers. Best fit for those who already enjoy Dahl's humor and story-telling style.
There are a few words some might find objectionable such as @ss (as in "Don't be an @ss"). The poem, "Cinderella", also does include the infamous "$lut" line. This isn't to say the collection is bad, but perhaps skip over this if it's not to your taste. There are also many not nice words used such as calling people stupid, etc. But again, that's pretty characteristic of Dahl (you know, the man who wrote a book called The Twits).
Entertaining, humorous, dark, and at times rather insightful. Overall, I enjoyed the collection. Nice mix of original Quentin Blake artwork along with newer artwork of varying styles. This is an interesting look at the life of Dahl and his various creations from talking foxes outsmarting humans to witches set on turning all children into mice. Dahl's works are sure to continue to inspire for generations to come.
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