15 'James And The Giant Peach' Facts: Read This Popular Kids Novel

Do you have a favorite children's novel?

If so, it's probably a good one. One of the most popular kids' novels of all time is 'James And The Giant Peach.'

This story about a boy who goes on an amazing adventure has been enchanting readers for decades. 'James And The Giant Peach' has characters that are creepy crawlies. This is because Roald Dahl wanted to include a set of creatures that were not previously covered by Beatrix Potter and A.A. Milne.

Before settling on the giant peach, Roald Dahl considered many other giant fruits. He thought that the enormous fruit should be a cherry and was on the verge of naming the book 'James And The Giant Cherry.'

Let us now read 15 interesting facts about 'James And The Giant Peach.' After reading these facts, you'll be itching to read the book yourself.

Characters Of 'James And The Giant Peach'

The main character in 'James And The Giant Peach' is, of course, James Henry Trotter. He is a young boy who lives with his horrible Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker.

The other primary characters are the giant insects that James meets on his adventure. These include the Old-Green-Grasshopper, Centipede, Earthworm, Miss Spider, Glow-worm, and Ladybug. There are also a number of supporting characters, including James' parents, the Policeman, and the Witch.

James Henry Trotter is a seven-year-old boy who lives with his parents in England. After both his parents are killed by rhinoceros, he moves in with the two main antagonists of the novel, Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker.

In the novel, Aunt Spiker is defined as a tall, lean middle-aged woman who spits whenever she speaks.

Aunt Sponge is described as a short and stout woman with pig-like eyes. Both his aunts are extremely cruel. They give James a tough time and ban him from stepping out of the house.

Both these characters (Aunt Spike and Aunt Sponge) face a grim fate when they try to profit off of the enormous peach that is found in their backyard.

The Old Man is a character with an unusual appearance. He is dressed in green and offers James a paper bag with green magical things. The role of the Old Man ends here. He does not appear again.

The Centipede is one of James's friends. With 42 legs, the insect first scares James however, they eventually grow close.

Miss Spider has a scary appearance. Contrary to her appearance, she is gentle. Miss Spider also went through a lot due to the cruel behavior of Aunt Sponge. She helps take care of James and also provides him with valuable advice throughout his journey.

The Earthworm is a long insect in the book. This creature plays an important role in the story. It is responsible for James being able to leave his unhappy home and go on his grand adventure.

The Glow-worm is a character with minimal dialogues in the book. However, the role it plays is mighty. This character helps light up the giant fruit.

The Ladybug plays a pivotal role in the story. She is the one who helps James escape from his horrible aunts. She also teaches him how to use his magic powers. Without the Ladybug, James would have never been able to go on his marvelous adventure.

About The Author

The book was written by British author Roald Dahl. He has also written a number of adult novels, short stories, and screenplays.

Roald Dahl was born in Wales in 1916 and passed away in 1990. Dahl was a fighter pilot during World War II, and he flew missions over Germany and Greece. After the war, he became a writer.

He is well-known for his children's books, which are often dark and humorous. In addition to 'James And The Giant Peach,' Dahl also wrote 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory,' 'The BFG,' and 'Matilda.'

'The Gremlins' was the author's first children's book. In 1948, Dahl married American actress Patricia Neal. The couple had five children together: Olivia, Tessa, Theo, Ophelia, and Lucy.

Reviews Of 'James And The Giant Peach'

The book has been met with mixed reviews over the years.

Many people feel that the book is a great way to teach kids about determination and courage. However, some people believe that it is too dark or scary for children.

The book was also banned in some schools as it contains references to topics unsuitable for kids. Most people seem to agree that 'James And The Giant Peach' is a classic children's novel that should be read by all.

Awards Won

Though the book has been criticized, it still has not failed to bag a good number of awards.

'James And The Giant Peach' won the 1982 Massachusetts Children's Award. The 1996 film adaptation of 'James And The Giant Peach' won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

Did You Know...

In 2017, Roald Dahl Day was celebrated by using Lego bricks. Various characters from the book were created in giant statue forms by Lego enthusiasts all over the world.

The event was organized by Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in the UK. It took almost 160 hours to build James Henry Trotter, which was displayed at the Cardiff Castle.

The Dahl-Wade-Till valve was named after Dahl and two other people. Dahl worked with a toymaker and a few doctors to build this shunt after his son, Theo, had a severe head injury when his stroller collided with a taxi. This device helped over 3,000 children.

There is a musical based on this book. The musical adaptation was a huge success. The show debuted on Broadway and was nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

FAQs

What is the main message of 'James And The Giant Peach'?

The key message of 'James And The Giant Peach' is that it is never too late to make friends and have adventures. No matter how old you are, it is always possible to find new friends and go on exciting journeys.

Who are the five most important characters in 'James And The Giant Peach'?

James, Aunt Sponge, Aunt Spiker, Old Man, and the Centipede are the five main characters in 'James And The Giant Peach.'

What is the main problem in 'James And The Giant Peach'?

The main problem in 'James And The Giant Peach' is that James is stuck living with his two aunts. These aunts are not very nice to James, and they often make him do chores. Additionally, these aunts are always trying to keep James inside the house.

Who is the grasshopper in 'James And The Giant Peach'?

Simon Callow gives voice to the Old Green-Grasshopper in 'James And The Giant Peach'..'

What kind of spider is Miss Spider in 'James And The Giant Peach'?

Miss Spider is a giant black and white spider that can talk.

What happens at the end of 'James And The Giant Peach'?

The peach collapses on Empire State Building, and when James explains to the mayor that the insects are not harmful, James and his insect friends are allowed to live in the United States.

Why is it called 'James And The Giant Peach'?

The book is called 'James And The Giant Peach' because there is a giant peach involved. After James finds some magical green grass, he decides to plant it. Suddenly, a gigantic peach begins to grow in his backyard. The peach is so big that James can climb inside of it.

Is 'James And The Giant Peach' a real story?

No, 'James And The Giant Peach' is not a real story. It is a work of fiction by Roald Dahl.

How did 'James And The Giant Peach' become popular?

One reason may be that the story is relatable to children. James is an orphan who feels alone and misunderstood.

He goes on an adventure and learns that he is capable of great things. This message resonates with kids, who often feel like they are not in control of their lives. The book also has a lot of humor and imagination, which kids love.

What's so special about 'James And The Giant Peach'?

One of the reasons why 'James And The Giant Peach' is so special is because it has a great moral. The story teaches kids about the importance of being kind and helping others. In a world where bullying is such a big problem, this lesson is more important than ever.