Roald Dahl Book – Complete List of All His Works

Roald Dahl remains one of the most widely read authors in the world, with a bibliography that spans children’s novels, adult short stories, poetry, and autobiography. This guide offers a complete overview of his published works, explains which books are for children versus adults, and provides practical advice on where to start reading or buying.

From mischievous children outsmarting cruel adults to dark, ironic twists aimed at mature readers, Dahl’s writing has left a lasting mark on literature. Understanding the full scope of his output helps readers find exactly what they are looking for, whether for a young child or for themselves.

The information here draws on multiple authoritative sources, including the official Roald Dahl website, the Roald Dahl Museum, and bibliographic records from Wikipedia and booksellers. All facts are attributed and verifiable.

What Are All the Roald Dahl Books?

The complete list of Roald Dahl books is divided into several categories: children’s novels, children’s poetry and collections, adult fiction and short stories, autobiographical works, and posthumous anthologies. According to bibliographic sources, Dahl published approximately 21 children’s books and 9 books for adults, though the exact number varies by edition and format.

Key Insights

• Roald Dahl wrote 21 children’s books and 9 books for adults, including short story collections.
• His most famous works include ‘Matilda’, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘The BFG’, and ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’.
• Many of his children’s books were illustrated by Quentin Blake, creating a distinctive visual style.
• Dahl’s adult books often explore darker themes, such as ‘Tales of the Unexpected’.
• His first published book was a collection of adult short stories titled ‘Over to You’ in 1946.
• His first children’s book was ‘James and the Giant Peach’, published in 1961.
• Several of his books have been adapted into major films, stage plays, and musicals.

Snapshot of Notable Books

Which Roald Dahl Books Are for Adults vs. Kids?

Dahl’s bibliography is clearly split between works for children and those for older readers. His children’s books are characterised by dark humour, imaginative plots, and child protagonists who triumph over cruel or foolish adults. His adult fiction, by contrast, often features morbid twists, betrayal, and psychological complexity.

According to the Roald Dahl Official Website, the core children’s novels include ‘Matilda’, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘The BFG’, ‘The Witches’, ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’, ‘James and the Giant Peach’, ‘The Twits’, and ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’. These titles are repeatedly identified across bibliographies and bookseller lists as the essential children’s books.

Children’s Novels and Longer Fiction

These are the best-known Roald Dahl children’s books. They make up the main “kids” shelf for most readers, according to sources like Roald Dahl Fans and Wikipedia.

• The Gremlins (1943)
• James and the Giant Peach (1961)
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964)
• The Magic Finger (1966)
• Fantastic Mr. Fox (1970)
• Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator (1972)
• Danny the Champion of the World (1975)
• The Enormous Crocodile (1978)
• The Twits (1980)
• George’s Marvellous Medicine (1981)
• The BFG (1982)
• The Witches (1983)
• The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me (1985)
• Matilda (1988)
• Esio Trot (1989/1990)
• The Vicar of Nibbleswicke (1991)
• The Minpins (1991)

Adult Fiction and Books for Older Readers

Dahl also wrote a smaller but important body of work for adults. According to the Wikipedia entry on Roald Dahl, these titles include:

• Sometime Never: A Fable for Supermen (1948)
• Someone Like You (1953)
• Kiss Kiss (1960)
• My Uncle Oswald (1979)
• Switch Bitch