Book Review: James and the Giant Peach

Yes, that quote was from James and the Giant Peach. We're are finishing it up today because we will be participating in a book discussion club in our area (sort of -- 30 minutes south of us) for homeschool kids. After the discussion, we'll be watching the movie over lunch and then joining the group at a play based off the book on Thursday evening.

My kids have been loving the book. Whenever it is time to stop reading, Mika begs for more. She's thoroughly enjoying it. Sammy is even remaining interested in it and able to sit through a few chapters at a time and stay awake. (He tends to fall asleep if you read to him to long.)

I'll have to admit that I had never read any of Roald Dahl's books until I started homeschooling the kids. I hadn't even heard of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (book or the Willy Wonka movie) before a few years ago when I was at a friend's house and the original movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, was on TV at her house. Then the Johnny Depp version came out a few years ago and I was interested in it. We've seen both movies now. That lead us to read the book and the sequel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. Both were lots of fun.

If you are familiar with Roald Dahl's wild and wacky tales, James and the Peach won't disappoint you. There's poor James, forced to live with his evil Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spike, who one day is rescued when he finds a door in the side of a giant peach and meets a host of giant insect creatures. Together, he and his new friends go on a crazy and unpredictable adventure. Throughout it all, we get treated to Mr. Dahl's wonderful descriptions and wacky story line. Reading his works really is a treat that all kids should have the opportunity to enjoy.

The play, for those who live locally, is being done by the Olympia Family Theater. This Thursday evening at 7pm is a pay-what-you-can performance.

**Disclosure: This review was provided of my own free will. I did not receive anything from the publisher, author, or anyone else for the review. I'm just sharing my feelings, opinions, and experiences that are part of our homeschooling experience.