Book Report: JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

This book is called, ‘JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH’ written by Roald Dahl. It is about a little boy named James who lives with his horrible aunts. Poor James has no choice but to live with them, else, he would land up in an orphanage because his parents were no more. One day, James goes out for a walk. Little does James know that that walk would give him the entrance to a life away from his mean aunts. He meets a man who gives him something magical to drink. In his hastiness to get home, he spills it and it gets sucked into the roots. Oh, how tragic! But, suddenly in the backyard, a gigantic peach starts to grow. James’ aunts get people to see it and earn lots of money. One night when James is cleaning the backyard, he finds a small entrance that leads to the insides of the peach. It seems like a winding lane leading up somewhere. He glances around but his two aunts are nowhere in sight. As he creeps in, he finds a door and inside are insects. No, not teeny weeny insects. Insects who are exactly James’ size. Let me introduce you to these talking insects:

·       Ms. Spider produces lovely silk webs and ropes. She has shiny black skin and is nice to look at.

·       Mr. Centipede has a hundred boots, is quite funny and needs help with taking his boots off.

·       Mr. Old Grasshopper can make lovely, soulful music with his feet.

·       Ms. Glow-worm can produce some light every night.

·       Ms. Ladybug has a majestic scarlet shell- she’s kind and thoughtful and one of James’ favorite crew member.

·       Mr. Earthworm was a long and blind worm who talks a lot and argues plenty. He was also one of the funniest characters in the book.

·       Ms. Silkworm is mostly sleepy and inactive but does play a big role in trying to create silk ropes for James to capture some seagulls.

James and the rest of the insect crew embark on a long journey to somewhere they don’t know and overcome many hurdles before they get to the top of the  Empire State Building- far away from England! When at sea, for example, sharks are trying to peck at the peach and grab a bite of the lush flesh but luckily, James is quick on his feet and asks Silkworm to make some string to wrap around the seagulls legs and then release them so they can all fly away with them. Finally, the people in the US, hear James’ story and consider him  and his companions to be heroes. And all ends happily ever after!  

What I like about the book:

• This book is yet another from the famous author, Roald Dahl. Though it doesn’t have any funny words, all his humour and creativity has gone into the insect characters and their style of talking. Did I mention that Roald Dahl is also an amazing poet? Well, the Centipede comes up with entertaining poems to recite to the crew and those were composed by Roald Dahl.
• Roald Dahl hated punishments and cruelty and so he talks about it sometimes in his books. In this book, it is displayed in Aunt Spiker and Aunt Sponge who locked James up in the cold attic. I too don't like strong punishments!
• This is a fun, feel good book and an easy, quick read. I finished it in a few hours while my mum was shopping!If you are looking for a simple, easy read, James And The Giant Peach is perfect. 
• Finally... FUN TIME! Read the book and answer the questions:

1.    James Henry Brogtrotter is not James’ full name. True or False?

2.   James’ parents were eaten by a Kangaroo in the zoo and James lives with other people. True or False?

3.   Who is the person who got blinded in the story- one of the insects?

4.   James and the Silkworm become writers in the end, don’t they?

I WOULD GIVE THIS BOOK A 7 OUT OF 10 RATING!

FIND OUT WHAT I MEAN BY READING JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH!

YOU CAN BUY IT HERE ON AMAZON FOR $6.00!

YOU CAN BUY IT HERE ON GUARDIAN BOOKSHOP FOR £5.73!