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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will captivate your 8-year-old's imagination? Look no further than Roald Dahl books for 8-year-olds! These timeless tales are just the ticket for young readers ready to embark on unforgettable adventures. Keep reading to discover a variety of Roald Dahl books that are sure to enchant and entertain your young reader.

Fun Roald Dahl Books for 8-Year-Olds

• 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, an adventure filled with fantastical inventions and unexpected twists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative setting and quirky characters, making reading a delightful experience for children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magic, mysteries, and mouth-watering sweets.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child neglected by her family. Using her intelligence and telekinetic powers, she overcomes obstacles and stands up to her tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and resilience, encouraging readers to believe in themselves and stand up for what is right.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity.

• 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, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kind-hearted soul who delivers good dreams to children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and kindness through the adventures of Sophie and the BFG, highlighting the importance of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy tales of friendship and adventures in whimsical worlds.

• Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Humor
  • Synopsis: Clever Mr. Fox outsmarts his farmer neighbors to steal food for his family. The farmers, tired of Mr. Fox's tricks, band together to capture him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and fast-paced story that celebrates cleverness and cunning, perfect for encouraging problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and rooting for the underdog.

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After the tragic death of his parents, James Henry Trotter lives with two dreadful aunts. An enchanted peach grows into a gigantic size, and James embarks on a journey inside the peach with a group of friendly insects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of adventure and whimsy, ideal for sparking a love of reading and nurturing a vivid imagination.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who enjoy fantastical journeys and creative stories.

Educational Roald Dahl Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: The story follows a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches while staying with his grandmother in a hotel. The witches, who despise children, have a plan to turn all the children into mice.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of narratives, and character analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It is a thrilling tale that engages young readers with its mix of suspense and humor, while also teaching important lessons about bravery and love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy scary stories and magical adventures.

• George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: George decides to make a magical medicine to cure his cranky old grandmother of her unpleasant nature. The results are explosive and lead to some gigantic surprises.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, experimentation, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and scientific curiosity, making it a fun and educational read for children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love experimenting and those with a mischievous sense of humor.

• Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: Danny and his father devise a plan to sabotage the pheasant hunt of the wealthy, greedy landowner Mr. Hazell. This story of adventure and scheming is also a heartwarming tale of a father-son relationship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, ethical reasoning, and understanding family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines excitement with a touching narrative about family and justice, making it both entertaining and thoughtful.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about teamwork and clever plans.

Challenging Roald Dahl Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The story centers on a young boy named Billy who meets a giraffe, a pelican, and a dancing monkey. Together, they form the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company, leading to adventures involving a wealthy duke and a burglar.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces business concepts and unusual problem-solving scenarios, which are more complex than typical children's tales.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes teamwork and entrepreneurship in a fun and imaginative context, encouraging young readers to think creatively.
  • Perfect for: Young entrepreneurs and animal lovers who enjoy stories of collaboration and adventure.

• 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, their mischief extends to others, leading to a humorous and fitting conclusion.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dark humor and complex themes of revenge and morality offer a deeper level of narrative complexity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wickedly funny book that teaches lessons about kindness versus cruelty in an engaging and memorable way.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate humor and moral stories, and those who enjoy seeing mischief unfold and backfire.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl with your 8-year-old, you're in for a treat! To make the most of this literary journey, here are some fun and effective exercises designed to boost their reading habits and enhance their understanding of Dahl's stories. Let's get started!

• Create a Character Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that connects different characters and how they relate to each other.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding complex relationships and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different types of relationships like friends, enemies, or family.

• Design a New Book Cover
  • What it is: Redesign the book cover based on your child's interpretation of the story.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps them think deeply about the themes of the book.
  • Tips: Discuss the main elements of the story to inspire their artwork.

• Role Play a Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Act out a favorite scene from the book with costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of character behavior and dialogue.
  • Tips: Record the performance to watch together and discuss what was learned.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Pause at key moments in the story and predict what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and reasoning skills.
  • Tips: Encourage them to explain why they think their prediction might happen.

• Word Wizard
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words found in the book and look up their meanings.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Use these new words in daily conversations or writing exercises.

By engaging in these exercises, your 8-year-old will not only enjoy reading Roald Dahl's books but also develop stronger reading habits and comprehension skills. Have fun exploring the magical worlds Dahl has created, and watch your young reader's imagination and love for reading grow!