10+ Best Roald Dahl Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect literary adventure to captivate your 7-year-old? Look no further than the whimsical world of Roald Dahl! Our curated list of Roald Dahl books for 7-year-olds is packed with stories that spark imagination and instill a love of reading. From magical chocolate factories to giant peaches soaring across the sky, Dahl's books are just the ticket for young readers. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to delight your budding bookworm!

Fun Roald Dahl Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This story follows Matilda, a brilliant and sensitive child unappreciated by her crude and ignorant family. Matilda discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to stand up to her oppressive school principal, Miss Trunchbull.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and creativity, encouraging young readers to believe in their abilities and stand up against unfair treatment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories of triumph and have a keen sense of justice.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The tale of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the eccentric Willy Wonka.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative and vivid setting, and teaches lessons about greed, pride, and humility through the fates of the children in the story.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical adventures and whimsical stories.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A little girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike other giants, does not eat children. Together, they embark on a mission to stop the man-eating giants once and for all.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of friendship and courage, filled with unique language and humor that can help develop young readers' vocabulary and creative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about unlikely friendships and fantastical creatures.

• Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story of Mr. Fox and how he outwits his farmer neighbors to steal their food from right under their noses.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and clever story that promotes problem-solving and quick thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and tales of adventure and cunning.

• George's Marvelous Medicine by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: George decides to make a medicine to cure his grandmother's grumpiness, but his concoction has some bizarre and oversized effects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and experimentation, showing kids the magic of trying new things (in a safe, fictional way).
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a mischievous side and a curiosity about how things work.

Educational Roald Dahl Books for 7-Year-Olds

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of a young boy, James, who escapes from his dreadful aunts by entering a gigantic, magical peach. Along with the fascinating insect friends he meets inside the peach, James embarks on a thrilling journey across the ocean.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving skills; introduces basic concepts of friendship and adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines whimsy and adventure, making it a captivating read that sparks imagination and teaches the importance of friendship and courage.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and dreamers who enjoy stories of magical journeys and overcoming obstacles.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A young boy stumbles upon a society of witches, whose main goal is to eliminate children by turning them into mice. With the help of his loving grandmother, he must find a way to stop them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking and strategy; explores themes of good versus evil and bravery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thrilling and engaging, with just the right amount of scare, teaching children about bravery, resilience, and the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like a bit of a scare mixed with humor and those who enjoy tales of heroism and clever tactics.

• Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Danny and his father devise a plan to sabotage the pheasant hunt of the wealthy, greedy Mr. Hazell. This story of a father-son duo embarking on an elaborate animal rescue mission is heartwarming and inspiring.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral reasoning, creativity in problem-solving, understanding of social justice issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the bond between a father and son while embedding important lessons about standing up to injustice and using one's wits to overcome obstacles.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories about teamwork, adventure, and clever schemes.

Challenging Roald Dahl Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a young boy, Billy, who meets a giraffe, a pelican, and a monkey who together make up the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company. They embark on an adventure involving a wealthy duke and a burglar.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a sophisticated plot and a rich vocabulary that can help develop language skills in young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical tale that encourages teamwork and entrepreneurship through its unique characters and their business adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about teamwork and unusual friendships.

• The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a girl who has the ability to punish people when they make her angry by pointing her magic finger at them. This power changes the lives of her neighbors, who are avid hunters.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex moral questions and consequences of actions, which can be thought-provoking for advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about empathy and the impact of one's actions on others, all wrapped up in a magical and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with a moral and are interested in themes of justice and responsibility.

• Esio Trot by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Mr. Hoppy concocts a plan to win the heart of his neighbor, Mrs. Silver, by helping her tortoise grow. The plan involves a bit of deception and a lot of tortoises.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative involves subtle themes of affection and ethical dilemmas, which require a deeper level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that combines humor, love, and a bit of trickery, offering a unique way to discuss ethics and emotions with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of romance, humor, and ethical questions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl with your 7-year-old, you're in for a treat. Alongside enjoying stories like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Matilda," it's a great opportunity to develop solid reading habits. Here are some fun exercises designed to make reading a habit that sticks, while keeping the joy in every page turn.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special place at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a dedicated, comfortable space that can make reading a special part of the day.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, toys, or decorations.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Pause your reading to predict what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and keeps the reader engaged.
  • Tips: Make it fun by taking turns to guess and discussing why you think that might happen.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child, taking on the roles of different characters.
  • How it helps: Helps deepen understanding of the characters and plot.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-playing more exciting and memorable.

• Book-Themed Crafts
  • What it is: Create crafts that are themed around the book you are reading.
  • How it, helps: Enhances creativity and helps children connect with the story on a deeper level.
  • Tips: Use everyday household items to make the crafts simple and fun.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Keep a chart that tracks reading milestones and rewards achievements.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading through a visual progress display and rewards.
  • Tips: Set realistic goals and let your child choose the rewards to boost motivation.

• Discuss and Draw
  • What it is: After reading, discuss the story and draw scenes or characters based on the discussion.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory of the story details and allows for creative expression.
  • Tips: Display the drawings around the house or in the reading corner to keep the stories alive.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, engaging, and enriching part of your child's daily life. So, grab those books, dive into these activities, and watch your little one grow not just in their reading skills but in their love for literature. Happy reading!