10+ Best Roald Dahl Books for 7-8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect way to introduce the whimsical world of literature to your young reader? Look no further than Roald Dahl books for 7-8-year-olds! Dahl's magical storytelling captures the imagination and hearts of children, making his books a fantastic gateway to a lifelong love of reading. Keep reading to discover various lists of Roald Dahl books that are just right for 7-8-year-olds, each promising adventure, fun, and a touch of mischief!

Fun Roald Dahl Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story follows Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her dim-witted family. She discovers she has magical powers and uses them to stand up to her tyrannical headmistress and an uncaring family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence, creativity, and the courage to stand up for oneself. It's also filled with humor and whimsy that can ignite a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about justice and using one's unique talents to overcome obstacles.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. It's a magical and marvellous journey through Wonka's world of wonders.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastical adventure that sparks imagination and teaches lessons about greed, gluttony, and the importance of being good-hearted.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical adventures and stories with quirky, imaginative settings.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on a mission to stop the man-eating giants.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of friendship and courage, filled with creative language and delightful humor that can help develop language skills and a sense of play in storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about friendships and fantastical creatures.

• Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Animal Tales, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Mr. Fox steals food each night from three mean and wealthy farmers. The farmers then try to capture him, leading Mr. Fox to devise a plan to outwit his enemies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases cleverness and resilience, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged. It's a great introduction to themes of justice and heroism.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy tales of adventure and clever antics, especially involving animal characters.

• George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: George decides to make a medicine to cure his grandmother's grumpiness, but the results are explosive. The medicine has unexpected effects, leading to a series of amusing events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and experimentation, wrapped up in a humorous and slightly mischievous story that can captivate young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a mischievous side and a curiosity about how things work.

Educational Roald Dahl Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: The story features a greedy crocodile who loves eating children and his clever plans to do so. However, the other jungle animals come together to foil his schemes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, moral reasoning, understanding of cause and effect
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging tale that teaches about the consequences of greed and the benefits of teamwork.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with animal characters and lessons about cooperation and cleverness.

• The Twits by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mr. and Mrs. Twit are a spiteful couple who enjoy playing cruel tricks on each other. Eventually, the animals they have mistreated get their revenge.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of right and wrong
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a humorous yet insightful look into the consequences of one's actions and the importance of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Children who like stories with a bit of dark humor and moral lessons.

• Esio Trot by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Mr. Hoppy devises a plan to win the heart of his neighbor, Mrs. Silver, by helping her pet tortoise grow using a fake magical spell.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, emotional intelligence, understanding relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet story that combines a gentle romance with a bit of magic and mischief.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of romance, animals, and clever plots.

• Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Jill Bennett
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: Danny and his father devise a daring plan to poach pheasants from a wealthy landowner's estate. Through their adventures, they strengthen their father-son bond.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Family values, strategic thinking, understanding of social class differences
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of family loyalty and ingenuity, all wrapped in an exciting, heartwarming story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate stories about family adventures and clever schemes.

Challenging Roald Dahl Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: The story follows a young boy and his grandmother as they try to thwart the plans of witches who disguise themselves as ordinary women to rid the world of children.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into dark themes and complex emotions, which can be more advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides thrilling suspense and a deep dive into good versus evil, which can stimulate critical thinking and imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling, spooky stories with a strong moral backbone.

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: An orphaned boy, James, embarks on a journey inside a giant enchanted peach with a group of friendly insects, learning about friendship and courage along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features sophisticated themes of loss, friendship, and self-discovery, intertwined with rich, imaginative settings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical story that encourages empathy and bravery, while also sparking creativity through its fantastical elements.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories of adventure and magical realism.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl with your 7-8-year-olds, you're in for a treat. To make the most of these delightful reads, here are some fun and effective exercises to help develop good reading habits. These activities are designed to enhance understanding, increase engagement, and make reading a memorable adventure.

• Create a Character Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that shows the relationships between different characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize and understand how characters interact within the story.
  • Tips: Use a large piece of paper and markers to make the activity more engaging and colorful.

• Story Prediction Box
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, write down predictions about the story on slips of paper and put them in a box.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and curiosity about how the story will unfold.
  • Tips: After reading, go through the predictions to see which ones were right, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

• Vocabulary Hunt
  • What it is: Identify new or interesting words in the story and write them down.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and aids in understanding the text better.
  • Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to new words, and try using them in sentences throughout the day.

• Illustrate the Scene
  • What it is: Choose a favorite scene from the book and draw or paint it.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and recall by translating text to visual memory.
  • Tips: Display the artwork near the reading area to keep the story alive and engaging.

• Question Jar
  • What it is: Write questions about the story on slips of paper and put them in a jar. Pull out a slip after each reading session and discuss.
  • How it helps: Promotes discussion and deeper understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Encourage creative questions that not only recall facts but also explore characters' feelings and choices.

By integrating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll help your young readers develop a deeper love and understanding of Roald Dahl's stories. These activities not only make reading more interactive but also enhance comprehension and retention. So, grab your favorite Dahl book, and let's make reading an adventure!