James and the Giant Peach The Fantastic Flying Fruit (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3) by Roald Dahl

This early chapter book adaptation brings Roald Dahl's classic fantasy adventure to life for developing readers, following young James as he escapes his miserable aunts inside a magical giant peach. The carefully leveled text maintains the original story's whimsical charm while making the vocabulary accessible for children building independent reading skills. Kids will delight in James' extraordinary journey across the ocean with his oversized insect companions, encountering both peril and wonder in equal measure.

What sets this reader apart is how it preserves Dahl's signature dark humor and imaginative storytelling while providing just the right challenge for children transitioning to longer books. The fantastical elements—from cloud-men to seagull-powered flight—spark creativity while the straightforward narrative structure supports reading comprehension. Young adventurers who enjoy magical transformations and underdog triumphs will find themselves completely absorbed in this timeless tale of courage and friendship.