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15 Authors like Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl is beloved for his whimsical children's books filled with imagination and humor. Classic works such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda remain favorites among readers.

If you enjoy reading books by Roald Dahl then you might also like the following authors:

  1. Lemony Snicket

    If you like Roald Dahl's playful darkness, you'll appreciate Lemony Snicket's wit and clever wordplay. Snicket combines humor and mystery with sharp observations about human nature.

    His series, A Series of Unfortunate Events, follows three siblings as they endure bizarre and hilariously grim adventures.

  2. Neil Gaiman

    Neil Gaiman shares Dahl’s talent for blending fantasy with slightly spooky storytelling. He writes imaginative tales about ordinary people caught in extraordinary situations.

    His book Coraline is about a curious girl who discovers an eerie mirror world that challenges everything she knows.

  3. Diana Wynne Jones

    Diana Wynne Jones offers whimsical fantasy worlds mixed with clever twists and humor that's often quirky like Dahl's. Her stories feature magical settings and relatable characters facing unexpected adventures.

    Her novel Howl’s Moving Castle explores a magical castle, a temperamental wizard, and a young woman learning about bravery and self-discovery.

  4. David Walliams

    David Walliams continues Dahl's legacy with energetic, comic storytelling. His style is humorous and sometimes mischievous, tackling real-life themes with heart and humor.

    Gangsta Granny is a great example, about a young boy unexpectedly caught up in his granny’s outlandish secret life.

  5. Saki

    If you're into Dahl's clever, biting humor, Saki’s short stories are worth exploring. Saki (real name Hector Hugh Munro) mixes satire, irony, and slightly macabre plots.

    His famous short story collection The Open Window and Other Short Stories showcases funny surprises and playful cynicism.

  6. Louis Sachar

    Fans of Roald Dahl's quirky characters and humor may also enjoy Louis Sachar's playful style. His stories blend humor, adventure, and a dash of the absurd, creating engaging tales for younger readers.

    In Holes, Sachar mixes mystery, humor, and subtle social commentary, crafting a story that's both funny and thought-provoking.

  7. Eva Ibbotson

    Eva Ibbotson charms readers with a delightful mix of whimsical adventure, magic, and gentle humor. Her storytelling carries warmth and imaginative detail, making her a great choice for fans of Dahl's wonder-filled tales.

    In The Secret of Platform 13, Ibbotson immerses readers in a magical world hidden in plain sight, filled with the lovable characters and exciting plotlines Dahl fans will enjoy.

  8. Shel Silverstein

    Readers who appreciate Roald Dahl's playful language and imagination might connect with Shel Silverstein's creative poems and stories. Silverstein combines humor and thoughtful insight, capturing imagination with a simplicity adults and kids both connect with.

    His book, Where the Sidewalk Ends, invites readers into a silly, funny, and sometimes poignant poetic world much like Dahl's clever verse.

  9. Terry Pratchett

    If Dahl's blend of humor and satire appeals to you, Terry Pratchett may quickly become a favorite author. His writing carries wit, imagination, and gentle critiques of society, delivered in an engaging, humorous style.

    In The Wee Free Men, Pratchett introduces Tiffany Aching—a clever heroine facing adventures and magical dilemmas that fans of Dahl's resourceful characters can appreciate.

  10. Frances Hardinge

    Fans of Dahl's darker undertones and sharp, inventive storytelling may find Frances Hardinge a captivating read. Her writing presents intricate plots, strange worlds, and richly imagined characters.

    In The Lie Tree, Hardinge weaves mystery, fantasy, and a sense of danger together in ways reminiscent of Dahl's bold storytelling.

  11. Frank Cottrell-Boyce

    Frank Cottrell-Boyce creates funny and imaginative stories that appeal directly to children's sense of wonder and humor. His characters often find themselves in unusual or whimsical adventures, similar to Roald Dahl's playful style.

    In Millions, two brothers unexpectedly discover a fortune in stolen cash and must decide what to do with it, leading to heartwarming, comedic, and thoughtful moments readers will love.

  12. Daniel Pinkwater

    Daniel Pinkwater writes quirky, absurdly funny stories featuring mischievous characters and bizarre happenings that readers who like Roald Dahl will enjoy. His playful tone and unconventional situations make his books memorable and entertaining.

    In Lizard Music, a boy home alone discovers a mysterious late-night TV show featuring anthropomorphic lizards, drawing him into a comical, surreal adventure.

  13. Kate DiCamillo

    Kate DiCamillo is known for beautifully written stories filled with hope, quirky characters, and genuine emotion. Like Roald Dahl, she balances humor with heartfelt moments to create memorable tales children and adults alike will treasure.

    In The Tale of Despereaux, a brave little mouse sets out on a daring quest through a castle full of eccentric characters, kindness, courage, and adventure.

  14. Chris Van Allsburg

    Chris Van Allsburg combines beautiful illustrations with fantastical scenarios to tell captivating stories. Like Roald Dahl, his books often blend the ordinary world with unexpected magical twists.

    In Jumanji, two bored children find a board game that ominously comes to life, turning their ordinary afternoon into a wild, suspenseful adventure.

  15. Paul Stewart

    Paul Stewart crafts imaginative and vivid fantasy worlds full of strange creatures, humor, and wildly creative adventures. If you enjoy Roald Dahl's imagination and exciting plots, you'll appreciate Stewart's inventive tales.

    In The Edge Chronicles: Beyond the Deepwoods, young Twig embarks on a thrilling adventure through mysterious and dangerous lands, encountering colorful characters and incredible threats along the way.