Families who loved Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing a creative rut or needs a reminder that the world is much larger and more mysterious than their own backyard. It serves as a perfect bridge for children transitioning into more complex science fiction, providing a safe but thrilling environment to explore the concept of the unknown. While many books focus on the mundane, this story celebrates the absurd and the impossible, encouraging kids to think outside the box. Following the events of the chocolate factory, Charlie and his family are launched into orbit where they encounter shape-shifting aliens and gravity-defying adventures. The book touches on themes of bravery in the face of fear and the importance of family loyalty, particularly the bond between Charlie and his grandparents. It is an ideal pick for ages 7 to 12, offering a mix of high-stakes humor and imaginative world-building that rewards curious minds.
