The BFG
by Roald Dahl
I was so excited when my group chose this book for our book club discussion because I distinctly remember reading it in Mrs. Froeschle's 3rd grade class and loving it. I love how the author jumps straight to the action from the start, not even allowing any time for a reader to get bored waiting for the plot to pick up. Plus, the quick action at the start of the book gets us excited knowing that there'll be a bigger climax to come.
Roald Dahl's language is indescribable and so many things at once: impeccable, breathtaking, intricate, and creative yet sloppy. I think it is one of the aspects that sets this book in a league of its own when it comes to children's literature. Some of my favorite words that he invented and used were "scotch-hopper," "humplecrump," "wraprascal," and "crumpscoddle," and of course, the infamous "snozzcumber." Just when you think there cannot possibly be any more strange words for him to come up with, he introduces more. He can't stop! And every new word stretches children's imaginations further.
The BFG himself is such a unique character too. Different and scrawnier than the other giants, and always trying to do the right thing, I've realized that he reminds me so much of one of my close friends, and I love having that personal connection to refer to whenever I please. The BFG is so lovable: as the book goes on, I think any young child would love to get abducted by him. One of my favorite quotes that he says, when he's distressed over his sloppy language, just makes me love him more: "But please understand that I cannot be helping it if I sometimes is saying things a little squiggly. I is trying my very best all the time" (50).
The BFG also sends such wonderful messages to children, as I referenced above, about choosing what's right over what's popular and showing character. He also makes a wonderful point about not having to see something to believe it: "Just because we happen not to have actually seen something with our own two little winkles, we think it is not existing" (48). I think this is such an important point for a child to learn early on and carry into their adulthood. Hooray for our favorite gangly, giant hero!
Roald Dahl's official website: http://www.roalddahl.com/
So neat that you remember reading it as a kid! I loved this book and many others by Roald Dahl growing up too. I agree with the way you describe Dahl's language as "creativity sloppy". As I read, I would try to figure out what words he combined to make these imaginative words. I think books like this one are perfect for children to continue to grow as creative readers.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you suggested this book for our group's reading and discussion. I was reluctant at first and took a bit before I really got into it, however the BFG certainly delivered. I learned to appreciate Dahl's choice of language and dug deeper as a reader to actually read into this book and make inferences. The BFG was great in that he is such a deep thinker and can definitely put life into perspective for both Sophie and the readers.
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