For Fans of Roald Dahl
Have you been following the publishing news about the reissues of Roald Dahl’s novels? Penguin Random House announced that they would be publishing updated versions of the books with changes to suit modern readers, changing details about weight, race, and gender. There was backlash from those who believed that the text should be left alone, and the publisher announced in February that the would publish both the classic and the revised versions and let readers decide. What do you think? I’m inclined to believe that we should leave the text as originally written and use the occasions of racist, sexist, or fat-phobic language as a chance to discuss with our kids why it might have been used then and why we wouldn’t write it that way now.
I had fun introducing Matilda and Charlie and James and all Dahl’s creations to my kid. After you’ve worked your way through the Dahl oeuvre, what next? Whether you love the magic, wordplay, villains, or the food, here are more books in a similar vein to enjoy.
Half Magic by Edward Eager (1954)
A family who loves reading about adventures in books wishes that exciting things would happen to then. And then they do, sort of, when they discover a charm that makes wishes come half true. Funny, magical, and charming like Dahl’s Matilda. (Read a post with books that fans of Half Magic might like.)
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry (2008)
Siblings decide that they’d be better off without their uninterested parents and send them on a treacherous journey. Absurdist comedy and excellent adventures will appeal to Dahl fans. And check out the animated movie version.
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series by Maryrose Wood (started in 2009)
These books about a governess and her charges — three children who were raised by wolves — frequently have me laughing out loud. The clever word play reminds me of Dahl, and the mysterious elements resemble the suspense of The Witches.
Abominables by Eva Ibbotson (2012)
Published after Ibbotson’s death, this book is about a lovable family of Yetis and the humans who protect their privacy. Adventure and magic in our midst, like James and the Giant Peach. A sweet story with intrepid kids and hilarious yetis.
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series by Chris Grabenstein (started in 2013)
Chris Grabenstein’s character Mr. Lemoncello is a rhyming, punning descendant of Willy Wonka. He makes games and puzzles, some that you play at home with your family and some that are brought to life in reality-show style competitions. (Read a post about books that Lemoncello fans might like.)
Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart (2014)
Those who loved the contest aspect of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory may like this book’s protagonist who enters dozens of contests, including one to write a slogan for toilet paper. The plot also deals with grief and poverty, so less lighthearted than some of the other choices here.
The Midnight Gang by David Walliams and Tony Ross (2016)
A group of children at a hospital break rules and create adventures to fulfill wishes of their members. With an evil hospital matron and a craggy elderly porter, this book has often been compared to Dahl’s work.
Legendary Alston Boys series by Lamar Giles and Dapo Adeola (started 2019)
Two cousins battle suspenseful (and funny) supernatural mysteries in this great series. From time freezing to mirror worlds, readers will love these adventures worth of James or Matilda.
The Swifts by Beth Lincoln and Claire Powell (2023)
The Swifts name all their babies randomly from the dictionary and believe that the name creates one’s destiny. When the matriarch is attacked at a reunion, the family must find the culprit. Excellent word play and suspense.