By Nina TorskaFri. 19 Apr. 20243min Read

10 Best James and the Giant Peach Quotes

In this article, we explore our favorite quotes from Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach," about beloved tale of adventure and wonder.
10 Best James and the Giant Peach Quotes

In Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach," I am continually captivated by the rich tapestry of imagination and the delightful absurdity that defines this enchanting story.

This novel, brimming with whimsical characters and audacious adventures, serves as a celebration of childhood ingenuity and the transformative power of friendship. 

"My dear young fellow,there are a whole lot of things in this world of ours you haven't started wondering about yet." – Old-Green-Grasshopper


This line speaks to the boundless curiosity and wonder of childhood, a theme central to Dahl's work, encouraging James (and the reader) to always keep exploring and questioning the world around them.


"There are a thousand things that are made out of peach, James! Haven't you heard of peach juice and peach jam and peach jelly and peach pie and peach cobbler?" – Centipede


This enthusiastic declaration by Centipede not only showcases the wonderful absurdity and joy found in Dahl's writing but also highlights the magical possibilities of the giant peach.


"Sometimes, on the way to a dream, you get lost and find a better one." – John Silver


This quote is reflective of James' journey, where his desire to escape his bleak life with his cruel aunts leads him to a far greater adventure than he could have imagined.

"We are now about to visit the most marvelous places and see the most wonderful things!" – Old-Green-Grasshopper


The Old-Green-Grasshopper’s words encapsulate the excitement and wonder of embarking on an adventure, setting the stage for the extraordinary experiences that lie ahead for James and his insect friends.

"I'd rather be fried alive and eaten by Mexicans."  – Earthworm


Earthworm's dramatic exclamation adds a touch of humor and hyperbole, typical of Dahl's style, to the challenges faced by the characters during their journey. 

"You must never feel badly about making mistakes...as long as you take the trouble to learn from them." – Ladybug


This nurturing advice from Ladybug offers a life lesson about the importance of growth and learning from one’s errors, a comforting and encouraging message for children and adults alike.

"The walls are as thin as paper. We must be very quiet, you know. They might easily hear us."  –  Miss Spider


Miss Spider’s caution speaks to the fragility and precariousness of the peach as their vessel, adding a layer of tension and caution to their adventure.

"I'd never believed in miracles. I'd never believed in the extraordinary unless I could see it with my own eyes."  – James



James' realization marks a pivotal moment in his character development, highlighting his transition from skepticism to a belief in the magical and miraculous, which is a key theme in many of Dahl’s stories.

"When you've lived as long as I have, you tend to think you've heard everything, seen everything, done everything." – Old-Green-Grasshopper


This quote from the Old-Green-Grasshopper provides a reflective insight into the value of new experiences and adventures, no matter one's age.

"After all, that's what life is all about: Let's have a little fun and make a little noise!"  –  Centipede


Centipede’s lively exhortation is a celebration of joy, spontaneity, and living life to the fullest, embodying the spirit of freedom and adventure that defines "James and the Giant Peach."

Download James and the Giant Peach for Free


Image source: Wikipedia


Read “James and the Giant Peach” on PDF

Download PDF Reader Pro to quickly and easily enable “Read Mode” for a pleasant reading experience on your desktop, tablet or phone.

Get Started with PDF Reader Pro Today!


If you liked this collection of quotes, you will also like our list of classic romance novels, available to read about, download and to import to PDF Reader Pro, right here on our blog.

Get Started with PDF Reader Pro Today!