The Witches is one of Dahl’s darkest and most thrilling books, following a boy who discovers that witches are real and plan to eliminate children by turning them into mice. The book’s eerie concept and suspenseful storytelling make it an exciting read, though its original ending, where the boy remains a mouse, is unusually bittersweet for a children’s book. Its multiple film adaptations, including a controversial 2020 version, have kept it a frequently discussed and reimagined story.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is arguably Roald Dahl’s most famous book, telling the story of Charlie Bucket’s visit to Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory, where each child faces consequences for their flaws. The combination of wonder, moral lessons, and deliciously vivid descriptions of candy has made it an enduring classic. With two major film adaptations and a recent prequel (Wonka), the story remains a significant part of pop culture.

The Twits is a hilarious and grotesque tale about a mean-spirited, filthy couple who constantly play cruel tricks on each other and mistreat animals. Their comeuppance—being tricked themselves and ultimately shrinking away—is one of the most satisfying endings in Dahl’s works. The Twits' absurdity has made them some of Dahl’s most memorable villains, frequently referenced in discussions about childhood books filled with dark humor.

The BFG is one of Dahl’s most beloved books, following Sophie, an orphan who befriends the Big Friendly Giant, who collects and delivers good dreams. Together, they devise a plan to stop the other, much nastier giants from eating children. The combination of whimsical language, heartwarming friendship, and thrilling adventure makes it a childhood favorite. The book has seen multiple adaptations, including a Spielberg-directed film.

George's Marvelous Medicine follows young George, who decides to teach his horrible grandmother a lesson by concocting a strange and unpredictable potion. When she drinks it, she experiences bizarre transformations, growing to enormous sizes before shrinking away. The book has remained popular because of its playful take on childhood creativity and its ability to turn something as simple as mixing household ingredients into an exciting adventure.

The Magic Finger is a short but impactful story about a girl with a mysterious ability to punish those who do wrong by pointing her finger at them, turning them into the very thing they mistreat. When she targets a family of hunters, they find themselves transformed into birds, learning firsthand what it’s like to be on the other end of the gun. The book is beloved for its themes of justice and empathy, presented in Roald Dahl’s signature darkly humorous style. 

James and the Giant Peach is a fantastical adventure about a boy who escapes his cruel aunts by traveling across the world inside a giant peach, accompanied by a group of oversized, talking insects. The book’s imaginative journey, filled with humor, danger, and friendship, has made it a staple of children’s literature. It was adapted into a stop-motion film that helped introduce it to new generations, reinforcing its status as one of Dahl’s most creative works.

Esio Trot is a sweet and humorous love story about an elderly man, Mr. Hoppy, who devises a clever plan to win the heart of his neighbor, Mrs. Silver, by secretly switching out her pet tortoise for larger ones. The book’s lighthearted take on romance and the gentle trickery involved make it a charming read. Though not as widely known as some of Dahl’s bigger hits, it remains a favorite among fans who enjoy its simple but touching story.

Fantastic Mr. Fox tells the story of a clever fox who outsmarts three greedy farmers to feed his family and fellow animals. The book’s themes of resourcefulness, family loyalty, and standing up to unfair authority figures have made it a favorite. It was adapted into a critically acclaimed stop-motion film by Wes Anderson, which gave it a stylish new look and expanded its audience.

Matilda is perhaps one of Dahl’s most enduringly loved stories, centering on a brilliant girl with telekinetic powers who stands up to her cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and her neglectful parents. Matilda’s love of books and learning makes her an inspirational character, and her story of overcoming adversity resonates with readers of all ages. The book’s success led to a hit film, a long-running stage musical, and even a Netflix adaptation, cementing Matilda’s place in pop culture.

The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me is a whimsical tale about a boy who teams up with a window-cleaning trio—a giraffe, a pelican, and a monkey—to help clean a Duke’s mansion. The book’s playful rhymes, colorful characters, and sense of adventure make it an easy favorite for younger readers. It captures Dahl’s love of animals and clever problem-solving.

Danny the Champion of the World is one of Dahl’s most heartfelt stories, centering on the bond between Danny and his father, who secretly poaches pheasants from a wealthy landowner. Unlike Dahl’s more fantastical works, this novel is rooted in a more realistic setting, making it feel deeply personal. The love between Danny and his dad, as well as the idea of an underdog outwitting a villainous authority figure, makes it resonate strongly with readers. 

The Enormous Crocodile is a shorter picture book that tells the story of a greedy crocodile who plots to eat children, only to be outsmarted by other jungle animals. The exaggerated villainy of the crocodile and the clever ways in which he is thwarted make the story exciting for young readers. Its simple but effective message about cunning versus brute force has kept it a favorite, and its colorful Quentin Blake illustrations bring the jungle setting to life.

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator is the sequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, following Charlie and Willy Wonka as they journey into space aboard the Great Glass Elevator. The story takes unexpected turns, introducing sinister alien creatures - the Vermicious Knids, and a chaotic visit to the White House. While not as universally adored as its predecessor, readers love its eccentric humor, outlandish concepts, and the exploration of Wonka’s unpredictable inventions. 

The Vicar of Nibbleswicke is one of Dahl’s lesser-known works but remains a hilarious short story about a vicar who suffers from a unique condition that makes him speak certain words backward, leading to comical misunderstandings. Though written near the end of Dahl’s life, it still carries his signature wit, and the wordplay makes it particularly appealing to language-loving readers. It has been appreciated for its clever use of dyslexia as a comedic but sympathetic condition.

The Minpins is Dahl’s last children’s book, telling the story of a boy named Little Billy who discovers a hidden world of tiny people living in trees, threatened by a fearsome beast. The book’s fairy-tale atmosphere, different from Dahl’s usual urban or home settings, gives it a magical, dreamlike quality. While it hasn’t had the same cultural impact as The BFG or Matilda, its beautifully detailed illustrations by Patrick Benson make it stand out among Dahl’s works.