Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl I Book Review by Rishav
Rishav Das, a 13-year-old from Kolkata, reviews Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl as an engaging and memorable collection of real incidents from the author’s early years. Read the review here.
Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl I Book Review
Name : Boy: Tales of Childhood
Author : Roald Dahl
Boy: Tales of Childhood, written by the famous children’s author Roald Dahl, is the fabulous narrative of events in the writer’s life. It is not an autobiography, as said by the author in the book itself. It is only aptly described as a collection of experiences from Roald Dahl’s nascent and teenage years.
Roald Dahl writes of the unusual happenings of his life’s early years such as a motor car accident which almost separated him from his nose and the prank played on his half-sister’s lover.
This book is divided into chapters by the events only and does not share a common storyline, emphasizing the fact that this book is not an autobiography.
Roald Dahl’s writing is exceptionally fluid and gripping, encouraging the reader to finish the chapter. He vividly picturizes all of these stories with apt descriptions that obviate the use of pictures. But, accompanying the text are grayscale photos enhancing the imagery of the text and removing all uncertainty in visualization of characters. Also, there are some drawings. These are the creations of the illustrator of this book Quentin Blake. Since many of the things described in the book have not been witnessed or seen by the newer generations of readers, I belong to such a generation. Quentin Blake’s illustrations make these elements, often epochal to the stories, much easier to visualize even when the author’s description would have enough. Thought Blake’s drawings seem rudimentary and childish they have a certain charm which indicates Blake’s mastery of his discipline.
I feel this book deserves a seven and a half out of a total of ten (7½/10). It is a good and quick read emphasizing the joys and laments of childhood and draws contrast to childhood now and childhood at the time when the writer was a boy. I feel this book is can be read by any but was written for the younger audience of children and teenagers.
Rating
7½/10
Target Audience
Can be read universally by readers of any age but the targeted audience of children and teenagers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the author of Boy: Tales of Childhood?
The book is written by Roald Dahl, the famous children’s author known for his imaginative storytelling.
Is Boy: Tales of Childhood an autobiography?
No, it is not a complete autobiography. Roald Dahl himself mentions that it is a collection of true incidents and experiences from his childhood and teenage years rather than a detailed life story.
What is the book about?
The book shares memorable and sometimes unusual events from Roald Dahl’s early life, including school experiences, family moments, pranks, and even a serious motor car accident.
Who illustrated the book?
The illustrations in the book are by Quentin Blake, whose simple yet expressive drawings add charm and help readers visualize the scenes better.
Does the book follow a continuous storyline?
No, the chapters are based on individual events from Dahl’s life. Each chapter focuses on a different experience rather than forming one continuous narrative.
What makes this book interesting to read?
Roald Dahl’s writing style is fluid, engaging, and vivid. His detailed descriptions, along with grayscale photographs and illustrations, make the stories lively and relatable.
What age group is this book suitable for?
While readers of all ages can enjoy it, the book is primarily aimed at children and teenagers.
What rating would you give this book?
The book is rated 7½/10 for being a quick, enjoyable, and insightful read about childhood experiences.
How can you buy the books?
You can buy the books at Amazon and Bookosmia
Little Book For Us I Creativity, Mindfulness And Core Memory Journal
Looking for ways to spend more quality time with your child? This beautifully designed parent-child bonding journal by Trisha, ‘Little Book For Us A Core Memory Journal’ is more than just an activity book, with 121 vibrant, illustrated pages filled with engaging activities and thought-provoking prompts, this journal encourages quality conversations, laughter, reflection, and bonding.— it’s a guided experience filled with fun family activities, meaningful conversation starters, and memory-making prompts.
Created by a mom who understands how busy life gets, this journal helps families build a simple routine of connection through interactive activities, thoughtful questions, and shared reflections. It’s perfect for parents who want to strengthen their bond, improve communication, and create lasting memories together.
Start your journey of connection today. Buy your copy now and turn everyday time into unforgettable memories.
***
This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, bedtime stories and more related to kids and young adults.
Photo Credit – AI generated images from Chat GPT and Magic Media from Canva .
Want to publish your articles, reviews, stories, audio stories, bedtime stories and poems ?
Did you know that children can submit audio stories to be turned into Bedtime Stories and published on Bedtime Stories – A Podcast by Bookosmia?
Write to us at sara@bookosmia.com or submit your article at the link below
Read at Bookosmia
