Book Summary:
James starts out as a happy child, but then, his parents die and he is left with his fat Aunt Sponge and skinny Aunt Spiker, who are mean to him and never feed him. They never even call him James, but instead use terrible names like "beast." One day, a little old man give James some magic beans, which he lets fall into the ground, out of which grows the famous Giant Peach. He is hungry and so, takes a bite, seeing a large whole in the side and then, crawls inside. He finds a small door in the pit and knocks.... Once inside, he sees an awesome sight! And the adventure begins...
APA Reference:
Dahl, R. (2001). James and the Giant Peach. New York : Puffin Books.
My Impressions:
I really love this book. This is the quintessential fantasy book for any child who fancies him or herself to be mistreated and is seeking an escape. Barring a bag of green beans from an old man, this is the best alternative. ... One of my favorite parts is the battle with the Cloud-Men, started by the Centipede who was insulting them as the Peach flew by their cloud. As a result, they were pelted hard with hailstones... What an adventure! I have always wanted to see the Cloud-Men.
Professional Review:
The 2001 reissue of this fantasy classic features delightful Quentin Blake illustrations. Liberally sprinkled throughout the brief chapters, the quirky, cartoonish drawings illuminate the daring action. James is the lonely, abused orphan victim in the hands of dreadful Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker until an old man emerges from the garden bushes with a bag of tiny green things. The strange things spill into the earth under the old peach tree. Quickly the story moves into adventure mode when a giant peach grows mysteriously to the size of a house. James is inside the peach with his insect companions. They deal with frothing sharks, captive seagulls and angry cloudmen. James problem-solves, while the mutated insects play the roles expected of a cast of characters on a sinking ship. Incredible remarks are casually made by James such as, "Rainbow-paint dries very quick and very hard," while the insects speak factually about the number of spots on ladybugs and earthworms swallowing soil. It is the craziest of fantasies wrapped tightly in a chapter book perfect for a first grade read-aloud or for the young, independent reader. The book is not dated after 40 years. In the end, the giant peach participants all become rich and successful in America. 2001(orig. 1961), Puffin Books, $5.99. Ages 8 to 12.
Library Uses:
Illustrating your own pictures to go with the book. For example, the cozy living room inside of the peach (how would you decorate it), flying peach on the run, or any of the characters. It would be fun, also, to build the animal characters in the book using craft items, such as papier mache or cardboard, whatever supplies are on hand.
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