By: Roald Dahl

I have always loved Danny the Champion of the World. My dad used to read it to his fifth and sixth grade classes, so this story has always had a special place in my heart. Reading it again as an adult brought back so many memories, and it was every bit as wonderful as I remembered.

This is such a sweet story about a father and his son. Danny and his dad don’t have much, but they have each other, and their relationship is what makes this book so special. Their love, trust, and sense of adventure shine through on every page.

I also listened to the audiobook this time around, and the narration was excellent. It made me smile more than once and really captured the warmth and humor of the story.

Like so many of Roald Dahl’s books, the children are the real heroes. Danny is clever, kind, and brave, and when he comes up with his unusual plan for hunting pheasants, it’s impossible not to cheer him on. The whole adventure is funny, exciting, and completely unforgettable.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is:

“It’s impossible to make your eyes twinkle if you aren’t feeling twinkly yourself.”

Danny says this about his dad because his smile reaches all the way to his eyes. I love that description. It reminds me that the happiest people have a joy that can’t be faked.

What I appreciated most reading this book again was how much heart it has. As a kid, I loved the adventure. As an adult, I found myself paying more attention to the relationship between Danny and his father. It’s a beautiful reminder that the best childhood memories aren’t about having the most—they’re about feeling loved.

Some childhood favorites don’t hold up when you revisit them years later. I’m happy to say this wasn’t one of them. Danny the Champion of the World is just as charming, funny, and heartwarming as I remembered, and I’m so glad I picked it up again.