James is an orphan who unfortunately has to live with his two extremely horrible aunts, Sponge and Spiker. One day, a mysterious man appears and gives James some magic crystals that are supposed to bring about marvelous things. However, James accidentally drops these precious crystals on the roots of an old peach tree that has never grown any peaches before.

To everyone's surprise, the magic starts to work on the tree, and it begins to grow an enormous peach. James curiously climbs inside the peach and discovers several giant insects living there. When the peach eventually breaks off the tree, they all embark on an exciting adventure together.

Most importantly, the insect characters that inhabit the peach are truly remarkable. Each one plays a crucial part in the journey and also helps to educate the reader about natural history. For example, the glow worms provide light, and the spiders use their webs to make hammocks.

The combination of Dahl's bizarre imagination and his complete disregard for rules makes him the perfect author for those who are easily distracted and have a vivid imagination. His stories transport readers to a world full of wonder and excitement, where anything is possible.

What I liked was that they traveled to America. The flight provided an opportunity for the children to engage in more creative writing. Additionally, if more characters were needed, more mini beasts could be added.

However, there were also some things I didn't like. Centipede was an unpleasant character. Nevertheless, at the end when they thought they were going to die, he made peace with everyone. The play version perhaps had too much narration, and some of the stage directions and suggestions for lighting were a bit prescriptive and outdated. It was a shame that they weren't purely actions, leaving the mechanics to the children's imagination.

Patterns: Similar to many of Dahl's stories, this one started with a tale of child neglect.

Puzzles: There was a mysterious man with crocodile tongues. Who was he, and how did he know about James? These questions added an element of mystery to the story, making it even more engaging for the readers.

I read this particular piece because I had plans to attend a musical adaptation of the book. I was eager to familiarize myself with the basic plot beforehand.

This adaptation is specifically designed for inexperienced theater makers. Throughout the text, there are detailed stage directions and technical suggestions. These offer guidance on how to manage the lighting and bring to life the various magical elements that are integral to the story.

Interestingly, there are even dedicated pages at the end that present costuming ideas. It's important to note that this version is not identical to the full-scale musical. The plot has been slightly adjusted to enhance coherence. The villainous aunts remain involved for a longer duration, and there are foreshadowings of the insects.

I find great enjoyment in the portrayal of the centipede in this version. He is unapologetically depicted as a "pest," yet he possesses the most poetic voice. This unique combination adds an extra layer of charm and complexity to the character.

I could read this book in one day.

It's truly remarkable how captivating this book is. From the moment I picked it up, I was completely engrossed. The story unfolds in such a vivid and engaging manner that I found myself unable to put it down.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for me to invest in their journey. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat.

Each chapter brings something new and exciting, and I just couldn't wait to see what would happen next. By the end of the day, I had finished the entire book, feeling a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

This book has definitely left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

It was okay.

It was only a filler until I got another book, so there weren't many thoughts.

To be honest, it didn't really capture my attention or engage me deeply.

It felt more like something to pass the time rather than a truly captivating read.

I found myself flipping through the pages rather mechanically, not really invested in the story or the characters.

However, I guess it served its purpose of filling the gap until I could get my hands on a more interesting book.

Maybe if I had read it under different circumstances or with different expectations, I might have had a different opinion.

But as it stands, it was just an average read that didn't leave much of an impression on me.

I'm looking forward to finding that next great book that will really draw me in and keep me hooked from start to finish.

A great book for children! It truly is a masterpiece filled with an abundance of creativity. One cannot help but wonder, who on earth could have come up with the ingenious idea of writing a book about a giant peach!? It's simply mind-boggling. This unique concept takes readers on an extraordinary adventure that is both captivating and enchanting. The story unfolds in a way that keeps children on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what will happen next.

From the moment they start reading, children are transported into a world where the impossible becomes possible. The vivid descriptions and imaginative characters bring the story to life, making it a truly immersive experience. It encourages children to think outside the box and explore their own creativity.

So, if you're looking for a book that will spark your child's imagination and provide hours of entertainment, look no further. This book about a giant peach is a must-read. Enjoy the magical journey it takes you on!

If I were a kid, I would probably give this book 5 stars.

But, as it is, it's really a 2 star read for me. However, I can't give it 2 stars.

I read this book because I had called Amazon help regarding my Kindle, and the person on the other end said his name was James, like James and the Giant Peach. That made me curious about the book.

I thought it might be a magical and exciting adventure. But unfortunately, after reading it, I was quite disappointed.

The story didn't grip me as I had expected. The characters didn't seem very real or engaging.

The plot felt a bit flat and predictable.

Maybe it's because I'm not a kid anymore and my perspective has changed.

But still, I can't help but feel that this book didn't live up to my expectations.

I'm curious no more about this particular book.

In college, I had the opportunity to take on various roles in a show. It was an incredibly enriching experience that allowed me to explore different aspects of my creativity and acting skills.

I played a diverse range of characters, each with their own unique personalities and traits. From a comical and bumbling sidekick to a serious and intense protagonist, I had to adapt and bring each role to life on the stage.

Taking on these different roles not only challenged me as an actor but also taught me valuable lessons in teamwork and collaboration. Working with the director, fellow actors, and the production crew, we all had to come together to create a seamless and engaging show.

Overall, performing in this show was a highlight of my college years. It gave me the confidence and experience to pursue my passion for acting and left me with memories that I will cherish forever.

Spoiler Free Summary
The story revolves around a young boy named James Trotter. After the tragic death of his parents, he is left to live with his cruel and mean aunts.

One fateful day, James's life takes an enchanting turn. He discovers a mysterious giant peach growing on a withered old tree. James climbs inside the peach and encounters a group of magically enhanced insects who quickly become his new friends.

Together, James and his newfound friends embark on an extraordinary journey to New York City. They fly the peach, which is attached to 502 seagulls. Along the way, they face numerous perilous obstacles.

This book's memorable characters, imaginative plot, and timeless themes of friendship and courage make it a captivating read for all ages.

Commentary
Another beloved book that has been adapted into a film, James and the Giant Peach holds a special place in the hearts of both readers and viewers. The book allows your imagination to soar with the hungry sharks they encounter and the rhinoceros cloud. However, seeing it brought to life on the big screen truly takes the imagination to new heights.

In a way, it's like a reverse Cinderella story. James escapes the harsh realities of his home life with his aunts and embarks on an adventure. With the movie available on Disney+, it makes for an excellent novel to read and then watch the film afterward to see how the story comes alive.

Application
For the application of this story, the focus of the class will be on watching the 1996 Disney-made movie adaptation. During the movie, students will take notes of the pivotal events and notate the symbolism within each event. For example, magical green objects might represent the hope for a good and better life.

Students will identify these objects and discuss their representation in both the book and the film. This will help them gain a deeper understanding of the story and its themes.

I firmly believe that this book is an extremely nice one.

The reason for my belief is that it caters to the age group ranging from 7 years old to 12 years old.

Although it might seem a little childish at first glance, it still manages to be an amazing book.

It has the power to engage and captivate the minds of young readers, taking them on wonderful adventures within its pages.

The stories and characters are well-developed, making it easy for children to relate to and become immersed in the narrative.

Moreover, the language used is simple yet effective, allowing kids to understand and enjoy the book without any difficulties.

In conclusion, this book is a great choice for children in the specified age range, offering both entertainment and valuable learning experiences.

This is truly an outstanding children's book!

It has captured my heart and imagination from the very first page.

My absolute favourite character within its pages was the ladybird.

The ladybird was so charming and full of life.

It had a unique personality that made it stand out among all the other characters.

The way the author described the ladybird's adventures was simply captivating.

I found myself completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

This book is not only entertaining but also educational.

It teaches children valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance.

I would highly recommend this book to all children and adults alike.

It is a must-read that will bring joy and inspiration to everyone who picks it up.

So, go ahead and give this wonderful book a try.

You won't be disappointed! Enjoy!

We had a wonderful time today.

After we read the book, we did a really fun craft. I was so excited to get started. I used my imagination and painted a huge peach on a big piece of paper. It looked so realistic! And then, I added all the bugs that were in the story. There were so many of them, and I made sure to paint each one carefully.

I also included James in the painting. He was right there in the middle of the peach, having an adventure. It was so much fun to create this scene.

After we finished our paintings, we sat down and watched the movie. It was so cool to see the story come to life on the screen. I loved every minute of it.

Today was a great day filled with reading, crafting, and watching a movie. I can't wait to do it again! - age 6