The BFG

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The BFG

by Dahl, Roald

Sophie is snatched from her orphanage bed in the middle of the night by a giant, but she soon realizes she has not been kidnapped by a monster. Instead, she finds herself in the company of the Big Friendly Giant, a gentle, dream-catching outcast who speaks in a wonderfully tangled, nonsensical dialect. Their bond is the heart of the story, turning a terrifying premise into a cozy, high-stakes adventure across Giant Country. Reading this feels like curling up with a cup of tea while listening to a tall tale told by someone who understands that the world is much weirder and more magical than it seems. It is perfect for anyone who values kindness over conventional strength and enjoys stories where the smallest person in the room is also the bravest.

10 Books similar to 'The BFG'

If the friendship between Sophie and her giant companion left you wanting more, these titles were chosen to capture that same blend of whimsy and unexpected connection. We focused on books that master the outsider perspective, placing young, resilient protagonists into hidden worlds where they must navigate strange magic and larger-than-life dangers. Whether through the lens of folklore or surreal portal fantasy, these stories celebrate the idea that vulnerability is not a weakness. They are hand-picked for readers who appreciate narratives that balance lighthearted humor with the genuine wonder of discovering a secret, magical reality.

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James and the Giant Peach
James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Sharing the same whimsical imagination and distinct narrative voice as The BFG, this story features an underdog protagonist finding an unlikely family in a magical, oversized world. It perfectly captures Dahl's signature blend of dark humor and genuine heart.

The Phantom Tollbooth
The Phantom Tollbooth

by Norton Juster

Like The BFG, this book uses a fantastic journey to explore language, logic, and the wonder of discovery through a child's eyes. It balances clever wordplay with a surreal, adventurous atmosphere that feels deeply connected to Dahl's classic style.

A Monster Calls
A Monster Calls

by Patrick Ness

While tonally darker, this story mirrors the central dynamic of a child forming an unexpected, life-changing bond with a giant, ancient creature. It shares the same emotional depth and sense of wonder found in the friendship between Sophie and the BFG.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis

This classic portal fantasy captures the same sense of a child being swept away from a mundane reality into a dangerous, magical hidden world. Fans of the BFG's sense of scale and wonder will appreciate the immersive world-building and the battle between good and evil.

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Howl's Moving Castle
Howl's Moving Castle

by Diana Wynne Jones

This book features a delightfully quirky and magical atmosphere that resonates with Dahl's eccentric characters and inventive settings. It shares the 'fish out of water' feeling as the protagonist navigates a world of giants, wizards, and unpredictable magic.

Ella Enchanted
Ella Enchanted

by Gail Carson Levine

This retelling offers a charming and witty take on fairy tales, much like how Dahl subverts traditional narratives in his work. It features a strong, resilient lead character navigating a world filled with giants and magical beings, echoing Sophie's brave journey.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

by Grace Lin

Rich in folklore and imagination, this story captures the same sense of a grand, mythic adventure that feels both grounded and expansive. Readers who enjoyed the BFG's journey through a magical landscape will find this quest equally enchanting.

The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux

by Kate DiCamillo

This story shares a similar narrative charm and a focus on unlikely heroes finding their place in a world that feels too big for them. Its whimsical yet poignant tone will appeal to those who loved the gentle, kind-hearted nature of the BFG.

Coraline
Coraline

by Neil Gaiman

For readers who appreciated the slightly darker, more suspenseful undertones of Dahl's writing, this book offers a perfect blend of magic and mild peril. It captures the 'child in a strange world' trope with a unique, atmospheric voice.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

by Robert C. O'Brien

This story features intelligent, hidden creatures interacting with the human world, mirroring the BFG's secret existence. It balances a sense of wonder with deeper themes of survival and community, much like Sophie's experiences in Giant Country.