Celebrating Roald Dahl: 6 Must-Read Classics for Every Book Lover

As Roald Dahl’s birthday fast approaches, it's the perfect time to revisit some of his most beloved stories that have captivated readers of all ages. From magical adventures to quirky characters, Dahl’s books are timeless treasures. And the best part? You can use your One4all gift card at top bookstores like Waterstones, WHSmith, and isubscribe to dive into these enchanting tales. Here are six Roald Dahl classics that deserve a spot on your bookshelf or on your kindle!

1. Matilda

Kicking off our list is the iconic "Matilda." It's no wonder this story has been adapted into both a movie and a hit musical! Matilda, a brilliant young girl with psychic powers, faces off against the terrifying headmistress, Ms. Trunchbull, with a little help from her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey. This book is a delightful reminder that even the smallest among us can stand up to bullies.

2. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

A true classic that has left a mark on us all and hopefully many generations to come, "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" is every chocolate lover’s dream come true. Follow Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory, where adventure, wonder, and life-changing moments await. It's a story that never fails to ignite the imagination of children and adults alike. In the words of Willy Wonka himself “Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous”.

3. The Witches

Still scared of "The Witches"? You're not alone! This nail-biting tale reveals a world where witches disguise themselves as ordinary women, with one goal: to eliminate children. When a young boy stumbles upon their secret, he must find a way to stop their evil plan—even after being turned into a mouse! It’s a spine-chilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

4. The Twits

In my (very humble) opinion, "The Twits" might just be Dahl's best work. This hilariously grotesque story follows the vile Mr. and Mrs. Twit, who spend their days plotting pranks and tormenting each other in the most disgusting ways imaginable—think worms in spaghetti and worse. It’s a brilliantly twisted story that’s as fun to read now as it was the first time.

5. Esio Trot

If you haven’t yet discovered "Esio Trot," you're missing out on one of Dahl’s sweetest adventures. It’s a charming novel of love and a little bit of magic, where shy Mr. Hoppy concocts a genius plan involving tortoises, secret spells, and cabbage leaves to win the heart of his neighbour, Mrs. Silver. This lighthearted book is a gentle reminder that sometimes, all you need is a little courage!

6. The BFG

What could be more exciting than befriending a giant? In "The BFG," young Sophie is whisked away by the Big Friendly Giant, a kind-hearted creature who, unlike his fellow giants, prefers snozzcumbers and frobscottle to children. Together, they hatch a plan to save the world’s kids from the other, far less friendly giants.

Honoring Roald Dahl’s Legacy

There you have it—our top six Roald Dahl books that continue to inspire and be loved by readers around the world. As we celebrate what would have been his birthday, let’s raise a glass (of frobscottle, of course) to a true master of storytelling. Grab your One4all Gift Card, head to your nearest bookstore, and rediscover the magic of Roald Dahl. Happy reading!

“We are all a great deal luckier that we realize, we usually get what we want–or near enough.” — Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory