Remember that Barnes and Noble promotion I did for a free children’s book? Well all that reading paid off because I was able to get James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl for free!
I must confess as I child I never did read this story, but instead was simply satisfied with the movie version that came out. Years later, I am happy to say I have finally read the book!
This tale was a charming book about adventure and friendship, although I was surprised by how horrible poor James was treated by his horrid aunts in the beginning of the book. He is beaten and starved, a complete terror for a child reader that is borderline child abuse! However, such themes are not uncommon in children’s literature I suppose, considering the horrible treatment Cinderella received from her step family in the classic tale.
The writing style was in a narrative format and gave me the impression of being read to, which is perfect if one plans to read this aloud. It was a very Tim Burton-esque tale–somewhat creepy but in a very enchanting, harmless way. I was especially fond of the occasional poems within the novel. Below is a dialogue between the terrible yet hilariously self-centered hags aunt spiker and aunt sponge, written in an upbeat poem of conversation.
“I look and smell, ” Aunt Sponge declared, “as lovely as a rose! Just feast your eyes upon my face, observe my shapely nose! Behold my heavenly silky locks! And if I take off both my socks You’ll see my dainty toes. ” “But don’t forget, ” Aunt Spiker cried, “how much your tummy shows!” Aunt Sponge went red. Aunt Spiker said, “My sweet, you cannot win, Behold MY gorgeous curvy shape, my teeth, my charming grin! Oh, beauteous me! How I adore My radiant looks! And please ignore The pimple on my chin. ” “My dear old trout!” Aunt Sponge cried out, “You’re only bones and skin!” “Such loveliness as I possess can only truly shine In Hollywood!” Aunt Sponge declared. “Oh, wouldn’t that be fine! I’d capture all the nations’ hearts! They’d give me all the leading parts! The stars would all resign!” “I think you’d make, ” Aunt Spiker said, “a lovely Frankenstein. ”
The lovely thing about reading a children’s book is that the pages occasionally have illustrations that enhance the story. The visual details by Lane Smith add to the creepy aspect because his images are very stark and spidery, however, the illustrator is also able to give off a friendly vibe from certain images which work particularly well on the bug characters making them appear kindly rather than shuddersome, even if they are giant insects.
Some of the lessons in this book are questionable, so if this is read to a child I would make a few things clear. This is a story and accepting gifts from strangers (particularly old men in bushes) and running away from home are NOT good things to do. Besides that I really don’t have any major critics, and give this book a 6.5 out of 10 for overall enjoyment. By the end it gave me the warm and fuzzies and the strong urge to eat a peach!
Happy Reading! 😀
That was when I picked up 
I am a huge fan of romance within novels, in my opinion it always enhances a story for me (if appropriate). However, the romantic involvement in this story was stressful and (in my opinion) and little dull. I will say though that it was very realistic, relating to issues of love triangles and struggles than goes along with caring about another person who could potentially break your heart. It’s just not what I was expecting nor particularly wanted when I initially picked up this book.
Earlier this year I had heard a lot of positive things about 
The Beach Book Review 