Children's Books discussion

Please join us in reading The BFG by Dahl, prior to the Spielberg release.

I'm in! Will comment when done:)

Oh, I've been wanting to reread this!

Oh, I've been meaning to get to this and never have. I will absolutely try to cram this one in!!

Shoved it to my HP list the minute I seen the trailer! It is just a matter of getting my little mits on it as it has become obvious I was not the only one with the same notion!

I love the girl in this - a great central character (the BFG isn't bad, either).

I'd like to re-read this with my daughter. I haven't seen the trailer but my mom said it looked scary for little kids. I would like to see the movie, TBD if I bring my daughter. She gets spooked easily, even if she knows the story.

Jasmine wrote: "Please join us in reading The BFG by Dahl, prior to the Spielberg release."

How could I not? Thank you for inviting me, this was a great favorite in our house though I pretended I was tired of reading it!

Hey Hi,

I would like to read this book too!

I am wondering how to get this one, since I am new to such groups, please advice!!

Jasmine wrote: "Please join us in reading The BFG by Dahl, prior to the Spielberg release."
I'm In I'll comment when done as well. I love this book a reread would be awesome!

Yay! I was just getting ready to read this one. There's still a couple copies available at my library, so I'll pick it up and get started.

Vasudha wrote: "Hey Hi,

I would like to read this book too!

I am wondering how to get this one, since I am new to such groups, please advice!!"

Try local libraries, that is where most of us get our books (of course, the is always a chance the book will not be available). Amazon also will likely have the BFG on sale.

I'll be heading to the library to get a copy. I have a 3 year old at home that I've been meaning to read this to. Thanks for inspiring me to get on with that.

Count me in! It's a family favourite in our house and I was relieved when I saw the trailers- Mark Rylance is perfect for the role.

Ugh, I'm looking forward to hearing you guys' reviews because I just couldn't get into/through this one! Maybe it's because I never read it as a kid, maybe it's just a little too fantastical for me, but it just seemed like work last time I tried to read it. I'm hoping you all get me freshly inspired to give the BFG a new go!

Sam wrote: "Ugh, I'm looking forward to hearing you guys' reviews because I just couldn't get into/through this one! Maybe it's because I never read it as a kid, maybe it's just a little too fantastical for me..."

I have never read this and never have been all that much of a Roald Dahl fan, so I am hoping that this will not be as it was for you (but I am not all that optimistic).

I am not a huge Roald Dahl fan either but I really loved this book as a child. I am looking forward to rereading it.

Jenny wrote: "I am not a huge Roald Dahl fan either but I really loved this book as a child. I am looking forward to rereading it."

Because I lived in Germany until I was ten, I was not really ever introduced to Roald Dahl all that much. We did read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the sequel in grade five and six English (a year or so after we moved to Canada) but come grade seven, we were reading Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift and Charles Dickens in class, and I had discovered Louisa May Alcott, Judy Blume, and especially Lucy Maud Montgomery for my personal reading choices (as well as Frances Hodgson Burnett). So I never read any more Roald Dahl, and the fact that I have recently become aware of the fact that he was supposedly quite misogynist and anti-Semitic has kind of soured me on him (I have downloaded the BFG on my Ipad, but I wonder if I might end up reading the story with a much more and perhaps even an overly critical eye).

I never heard of him having lived in in Latin-america. Here in Germany he si also not known. But m son and I watched the trailer and loved it. He is 7 so maybe still too small to read it but it is on our list

Vavita wrote: "I never heard of him having lived in in Latin-america. Here in Germany he si also not known. But m son and I watched the trailer and loved it. He is 7 so maybe still too small to read it but it is ..."

I do not know if Dahl has ever been translated into German. He was unknown to me until we moved to Canada, and he still obviously is not that well known.

BFG ahh the memmories and the recurrent nightmares I had for years after this. I would advise not sharing this with a child under 12 unless you are certain they are bomb proof. Giants discussing the various flavours of different children from different nations was just the tip of a nightmare inducing iceburg. On saying that I look forward to revisiting the BFG himself.
"Fizz pop Wizz bang feel the bubbles go down!"

Elspeth wrote: "BFG ahh the memmories and the recurrent nightmares I had for years after this. I would advise not sharing this with a child under 12 unless you are certain they are bomb proof. Giants discussing th..."

Funny, how I generally only got nightmares from stories with creepy illustrations (or movies); text that was uncanny, I could handle but not if accompanied by visuals (still a bit like that even now).

I suppose I shall be truthful in my thoughts here.
I am shocked, I had no idea and honestly could not even concieve nightmares could arise from The BFG. I adored this book and grateful forever for having knowing it. The fantastic word play alone thrilled me. Just because we happen not to have actually seen something with our own two little winkles, we think it is not existing. Not only did this single sentence allow my imagination to soar but to this day I refer to "my own two winkles!" Boots! How else should I ever have been curious enough to discover Wellington was not just the name given Paddington Bears boots?! BFG as well I attribute a deeper understanding of the world. Cut flowers shall never grace any place within my home. Broken branches from a tree I do not pass without touching its wound and sharing a bit of strength in my own way. Maybe it is I misguided but laughed I did; the Bonecrushing giant but perhaps if his name had read Bob the giant it would not have been so scary for some. But for me thier very names and discriptions all the fantastic new words in no way brought fright to my door way.
When I seen the trailer I was not only excited, it brought tears! And knowing Spielberg is directing it I am confident.
My grandson is 6 and I did not hesitate to share this book. Nor will I hesitate to take him to see the movie.
We know ourselves and our children best. And our responsibility is first and foremost to respect how something may or may not effect them and act accordingly.
But, here in our house, Scrumdiddlyumptious!

Not sure why it affected me so badly I could read goosebumps 3 times a day and be fine .....
There was something in the BFG ........ at least there was for me.

Roald Dahl does not indulge in wordplay. He indulges in wordromp. And whoever matched illustrator Quentin Blake to Roald Dahl's children's books deserves to be awarded his or her weight in diamonds. Blake's Queen is to die for. Does anyone know if Queen Elizabeth ever commented on this story?

So, I'm still waiting on a copy from the library.. lol I was a bit late putting it on hold and all ten copies in our library system are checked out and I'm number 3. I was able to get the audiobook today, so, maybe I'll experience it that way. I'm just already in the middle of a couple audiobooks and short an actual book to read right now. I might just pick up a cheap copy and add it to the library system.

I'm on a waiting list, too, of course. I don't remember anything particularly disturbing - most of Dahl is naughty and vivid, though, so, yeah, some ppl, sensitive to some things, might want to take care.

I don't watch movies, but I might take a look at this one, once the DVD is in the library next year or whenever, if it gets good reviews.

Meanwhile, let's all cross our fingers for luck, for each other, that held copies come into our respective libraries soon.

It is interesting to me that The Goosbumps Series was brought forth. My daughter loved Goosbumps; I, however to this day meet the series with a bit of dread. I personally do not enjoy them as a matter of preferance because the books themselves are written very well and for all the kiddos out thier to include my own that made advid readers of~kuddos! My daughter, my mother, my sister; love horror and Stephen King has place of honor for them. Myself~his books scare the dickens out of me! My point is that for me to come to respect and even admire within a genre; I would otherwise avoid at all costs, I must utilize a great deal of emotional detachment.
Unsure of what creates a sensitivity to one thing as opposed another in us as individuals, maybe multiple facters.. I was raised with the horror genre at every turn as was my sister; yet, our responses to it very differant.
In the BFG I have heard some (not here) make a case for cannibalism in which I personnally think is extreme but I suppose it may not be much differant than the fact I see a case for vegetarianism. Maybe its all in where we are in life, personal experiences, maturities, etc.
In the end it seems however we should be able to experience what we do freely and sometimes maybe its less important to understand the why's and simply except that it just is. And enjoy the ability to converse in the vastness of individual experience.

Shellii wrote: "It is interesting to me that The Goosbumps Series was brought forth. My daughter loved Goosbumps; I, however to this day meet the series with a bit of dread. I personally do not enjoy them as a mat..."

I think what bothers me most is the fact that this book has been repeatedly challenged and even banned. Book banning is undemocratic, no matter what!

Manybooks wrote: "Shellii wrote: "It is interesting to me that The Goosbumps Series was brought forth. My daughter loved Goosbumps; I, however to this day meet the series with a bit of dread. I personally do not enj..."

Agreed!!

Shellii wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Shellii wrote: "It is interesting to me that The Goosbumps Series was brought forth. My daughter loved Goosbumps; I, however to this day meet the series with a bit of dread. I per..."

If you yourself do not want your child to read a certain book, fine. But it is not fine when you strive to impose your objections on e eryone, when you try to keep a book from everyone, from school curriculums or library shelves.

Manybooks wrote: "Shellii wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Shellii wrote: "It is interesting to me that The Goosbumps Series was brought forth. My daughter loved Goosbumps; I, however to this day meet the series with a bit..."

My youngest son and I had this conversation over lunch yesterday. He is a 3rd year University student-the age of passioned fearlessnes, I do so adore! He said a couple of things I would like to share. First; when I brought up the subject of book banning he said, "Book banning was the same as Book burning!" And, as the conversation continued he made another statement I just loved, "Its about what we bring with us not about what we take" So much depth and truth in that statement!
Here's how I see it, I live in a nation that is a free nation and I cherish this freedom but in order to remain free whether physically or emotionally I must be responsible for my freedom. And in a society now with access to all the information needed to make decisions needed for ourselves and those we are responsible for (until of age and maturity) it is our responsibility, our duty; to be informed and fair. To be able to recognized whether something is suitable at the time or not. It is a great responsibility to enjoy the abilities we have, to be educators, parents, individuals. I personally take these responsibilites very seriously and it is a privilege to know my children as well are and will always be strong, confident, free thinkers, readers, and doers. I trust in them as they trusted in me. We not always agree but we do always respect to the best of our ability not only our own rights but the rights of all others; to think, feel, speak, read, and write what is in them to.

It's a very hard children's book to beat! Always an all-time favourite for me and now my children.

I AM SO EXCITED this movie is coming soon. This is one of my favourite children's books ever. Combining the genius of two of the greatest storytellers of our time, Roald Dahl and Steven Spielberg, how can this movie be anything but fantastic? My son and I just started the book together. We have a deadline!

I should probably mention that I love Roald Dahl.

Went to a bookstore today with the idea of buying this book. But, then they had a vintage picture books display and after I'd finished picking stuff out of it I'd forgotten what I was there to buy.. lol

Oh well! Ordered it online since it will probably be a few weeks before I can get a copy at the library.

I love used book stores, they are just very distracting.. lol

Jennifer wrote: "Went to a bookstore today with the idea of buying this book. But, then they had a vintage picture books display and after I'd finished picking stuff out of it I'd forgotten what I was there to buy...."

Vintage picture books, I hope you found some great ones :-)

Jennifer wrote: "Went to a bookstore today with the idea of buying this book. But, then they had a vintage picture books display and after I'd finished picking stuff out of it I'd forgotten what I was there to buy...."
Even when your not in them.... :-) was on my way to the bank when i saw an illustrated how to drive your traction engine in the window......... I think i lost 2 hours in that place.

Elspeth wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Went to a bookstore today with the idea of buying this book. But, then they had a vintage picture books display and after I'd finished picking stuff out of it I'd forgotten what I ..."

Right after my own heart! A new independent bookstore is (hopefully) opening soon in my hometown. Do not know whether to cheer or whether to not allow myself to even enter (I cannot enter a bookstore without finding at least one book, and I have no more spaces for books, sigh).

Manybooks wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Went to a bookstore today with the idea of buying this book. But, then they had a vintage picture books display and after I'd finished picking stuff out of it I'd forgotten what I ..."

Nothing rare or anything like that, but, I did leave with about ten fun children's books. The one I was most excited about was Lio Lionni's "Let's Make Rabbits" a 1982 1st ed. 1st printing. I had never seen the book before, but, at some point in my childhood I had a plush rabbit made by one of my aunts that was exactly that patchwork rabbit. I had never realized that the rabbit was a book character and thought that it was just some rabbit made out of whatever fabric was lying around. It was a bargain purchase, only $2. Also found a Shirley Hughes book called "Bathwater's Hot" published in the UK. A bit of a surprise to find it here in Florida. Also an older, but not first edition "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" to serve as a reader copy for my daughter.

Several other things I can't remember from my work computer.. lol


I recently, last year or so, worked my way part of the way through the Konmari decluttering book, "Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up". I got rid of a lot of books. I pick them up at yard sales or thrift stores. Some of them turn into loved objects and some of them just never grow on me.

I'm still a clutterer, but, I figure if I work through the book every couple years I may be able to keep it at bay.. lol

Jennifer wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Went to a bookstore today with the idea of buying this book. But, then they had a vintage picture books display and after I'd finished picking stuff out of it I'd..."

I would rather get rid of furniture, clothing etc. Etc. than books, except perhaps trashy mass market paperback romance novels :-)

Manybooks wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Went to a bookstore today with the idea of buying this book. But, then they had a vintage picture books display and after I'd finished picking st..."

Oh I got rid of tons of clothes.. lol
I have pretty much let my daughter select whatever books she has found interesting. Sometimes it's pretty thin pickings at the thrift store, but, the books are 10 for $1, so I let her bring home even fairly poor quality books. That habit necessitates pretty frequent weeding down of the collection.

Manybooks wrote: "Elspeth wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Went to a bookstore today with the idea of buying this book. But, then they had a vintage picture books display and after I'd finished picking stuff out of it I'd f..."

There is always room for books :-D we recently decided that we don't actually need that many clothes. So now we have an empty wardrobe OH is converting it to bookshelves as we speak sigh

I'm always on the watch for more spots to squeeze in a few more shelves. I have one closet which is completely empty which I hope to put shelving in. I'm just hopeful to find a readymade shelving unit which will fit in it. I built a floor to ceiling book case down the wall in my living room last year and just don't feel like building another. It was a lot more work than I thought it would be.. lol

I'm halfway through "The BFG". What a fun book! It's too bad I didn't read it in childhood. Though, I think I was too serious then to really enjoy it anyways. I'm glad I bought it. My 5 year old daughter will still probably think it's a bit too scary. That's alright though because I'll be ready to read it again in another year or two.

Jennifer wrote: "I'm always on the watch for more spots to squeeze in a few more shelves. I have one closet which is completely empty which I hope to put shelving in. I'm just hopeful to find a readymade shelving u..."

I tend to stack books on the floor because if they are shelved, I loose sght of them, they disappear into the shelves.

Finally got around to finishing The BFG. I thought it was wonderful, loved the mixed up words. I started out reading some of it to my daughter, but, she kept interrupting to ask if they were really eating people and I decided she just wasn't quite ready. She'll probably be fine by next year. Found a cheap copy to put on the shelf for when she's ready.

Manybooks, I used to stack books on the floor, I thought the arrangement looked interesting. But, Spouse has a fit about that kind of thing. I've gotten away with a few stacks here and there, only up on raised surfaces. We have a small display of vintage trunks stacked in a pile and the books look fine stacked on that. Otherwise, no stacks of books. I think spouse is afraid that that would be the first step toward living in a house negotiable only by goat path.. lol

I do need to find a way to keep up with what I already own, I accidentally buy a duplicate book now and then. So, yes, mine 'disappear' on the shelf too. I have to designate to a basket what I plan to read next.

I had a newspaper subscription for only a very short while and spouse was frantic about discarding the paper immediately after reading. I finally got rid of the subscription because he would hover over me asking if I was done with that section yet so he could throw it out. Not how I envisioned reading the paper. lol

He has seen too many episodes of Hoarders and I think really believes that anyone who likes collecting anything also wants to save every newspaper and shopping bag too. It would be awfully funny if it wasn't so inconvenient. :)

Jennifer wrote: "Finally got around to finishing The BFG. I thought it was wonderful, loved the mixed up words. I started out reading some of it to my daughter, but, she kept interrupting to ask if they were really..."

Well both my partner and I are messy, unorganised and book horders. We would drive your spouse batty, just like Imused to and still drive my German relatives batty.

LOL.. Yeah, my spouse isn't a reader so he doesn't get the book thing at all. I work in a library, so he doesn't understand why I see any need to own any books at all.

Jennifer wrote: "LOL.. Yeah, my spouse isn't a reader so he doesn't get the book thing at all. I work in a library, so he doesn't understand why I see any need to own any books at all."

Many of the books I own are NOT available at most public libraries in any case, at least not in North America. And others are only available at university libraries, and you have to actually be an alumnus in order to sign them out. I also ended up purchasing a number (not all, mind you, but a number) of especially secondary sources for my PhD dissertation, as many were not available at the University of Waterloo library and ILL can be a real pain (you can usually only sign a book out for about two weeks and often, resigning it out is not available for ILL books). Also, I tend to highlight and underline books I use academically, and that is not acceptable behaviour with library books (often, I actually ended up with two copies of a given academic book, one a working copy, and a second for presentation).

Oh goodness. This is a fantasy, not at all scary imo, unless perhaps in that 'deliciously shivery' way some folks talk about. But if it does bother you or your child, steer clear of all Dahl.

Dahl's Chickens, the author of Nicholas Nickleby, indeed.

I also particularly enjoyed the descriptions of dreams, like the one from (for?) the poor child whose creative writing is marked down for spelling and "puntulashon."

I like how, in my edition at least, the author photo shows Dahl wearing the kinds of sandals the BFG is described as wearing.

Wonderful story. Probably my favorite Dahl as it has so much heart.