In Other Words – A Book Review by Mark Pintar

Of

The Roald Dahl Treasury
By: Roald Dahl

the roald dahl treasury
By: Roald Dahl

“The Roald Dahl Treasury” is a wonderful compilation of book excerpts, unpublished letters, poetry, and short pieces from one of my favorite writers, accompanied by incredible illustrations. Roald Dahl was one of the most imaginative, interesting writers for children, or adults, that I have ever read. His books include, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and The Twits. Several of his stories have been made into classic films.

Dahl does a great job of putting protagonists you can relate to against extreme foes who are sometimes exceedingly evil. He creates fantastic worlds with enough reality in them to make them believable. He keeps you on the edge of your seat anticipating what happens next. He makes you laugh out loud. Above all, Dahl does not talk down to his readers.

While reading “The Roald Dahl Treasury,” I was sent back to my childhood, reading while stretched out on the couch on a sunny afternoon, with a peanut butter and honey sandwich for a snack. Maybe that’s why Dahl’s stories were and are still popular. They take you somewhere else. They take you to another world and show you the best, and sometimes worst, in people. They show good triumph over evil. They make you laugh. Or maybe, it’s because they illustrate Dahl’s belief that kindness is the number one attribute of a human being.

Whatever the reason for his popularity, Dahl brought to life wonderful worlds and characters to please children and the adults who read the stories to them. Introduce your children (and yourself) to Roald Dahl, you’ll be glad you did.

--- © 2004, In Other Words, A Book and Movie Review by Mark Pintar

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