James and the Giant Peach
by Roald Dahl
Open Library readers: 3.93 / 5 from 137 ratings. Separate from ratings here.Catalogue checked 2026-10-02.
Roald Dahl's first and most widely celebrated book for young people continues to thrill readers around the world.
When James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree, strange things start to happen. The peach at the top of the tree begins to grow, and before long it's as big as a house. When James discovers a secret entrance-way into the fruit and crawls inside, he meets wonderful new friends—the Old-Green-Grasshopper, the dainty Ladybug, and the Centipede of the multiple boots. After years of feeling like an outsider in his aunts' house, James finally found a place where he belongs. With a snip of the stem, the peach household starts rolling away—and the adventure begins!
"This is a stunning book to be cherished for its story, a superb fantasy."—Chicago Tribune
"A beautifully written, fantastic book."—Christian Science Monitor
Your rating & review
Rate this book
Unrated
Ratings & reviews
No ratings here yet. Read it? Leave your mark in the margin.
Editions
Gathering editions from Open Library…
Something tucked inside your copy?
A pressed flower, a ticket stub, an inscription on the flyleaf. Photograph it for Found in Books.
Send your copy travelling
Print a numbered bookplate, pass the book on, and follow where it goes next.
About James and the Giant Peach
A few practical answers before choosing a copy.
Bibliographic source: Open Library- Who wrote James and the Giant Peach?
James and the Giant Peach is by Roald Dahl. The catalogue records its first publication in 1961. A later edition may have a different publication date on its copyright page.
- How long is James and the Giant Peach?
The catalogue records 144 pages for a representative edition. Pagination varies with the publisher, format, type size and translation, so check the edition you intend to read.
