Reviews of Roald Dahl's Danny, the Champion of the World highlight its charming father-son relationship and engaging storytelling. Readers praise its blend of humor, adventure, and warmth. However, some critique the whimsical plot's plausibility. Overall, it's deemed a heartwarming, imaginative tale, though not Dahl's most captivating work.

A reader who would enjoy Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl is likely fond of heartwarming tales with elements of adventure and a strong father-son relationship. They might also appreciate books like The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which combine whimsy, charm, and moral lessons in a captivating narrative.

In Danny, the Champion of the World, nine-year-old Danny, living in an old Romani caravan with his father, William, discovers his father's secret passion for poaching. Together, they devise a plan to poach pheasants from a wealthy, unpleasant landowner, Victor Hazell, using sleeping pill-laced raisins. Their clever scheme results in a thrilling and humorous adventure, highlighting their deep bond and the community's spirit. This book contains references to bereavement.

Adventurous / Emotional / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Playful

- Danny, the Champion of the World was first published in 1975 and is considered one of Roald Dahl's more autobiographical works, drawing on his own adventures in the English countryside.
- The book features illustrations by Quentin Blake, whose style is closely associated with Roald Dahl's stories and adds a unique charm to the narrative.
- Roald Dahl later adapted the story into a screenplay for a 1989 film version produced by Thames Television, showing his own involvement in bringing the story to life beyond the written page.

**Danny**  
Nine-year-old Danny, the narrator and protagonist, is a resourceful and brave boy who lives happily with his father in an old caravan. Despite growing up in poverty, he learns mechanics and other skills under his father's guidance, showcasing his ingenuity.

**William**  
William, Danny’s father, is a loving and dedicated parent who owns a small garage. He is known for his creativity, storytelling, and love for poaching, which he shares with his son.

**Doc Spencer**  
Doc Spencer is the village doctor and a friend of William, admired for his kindness and humor. Despite his age, he is an enthusiastic accomplice in William's plans and holds adversarial feelings toward Mr. Hazell.

**Mr. Victor Hazell**  
Victor Hazell is the wealthy antagonist, known for his greed and desire for social acceptance. He owns a large estate and brewery and is at odds with the local community, including Danny and William.

**Sergeant Enoch Samways**  
Sergeant Samways is the village policeman and a longtime friend of William, balancing his official duties with a covert alliance against Mr. Hazell. He adds a humorous element with his distinctive Cockney accent.

**Mrs. Grace Clipstone**  
Grace Clipstone is a respected village member, married to the vicar, who secretly assists William by leveraging her reputation. Her involvement adds a layer of mischievous respectability to the narrative.

Roald Dahl

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Danny, the Champion of the World reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Danny, the Champion of the World | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Danny, the Champion of the World and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Danny, the Champion of the World Summary and Study Guide

Background

Danny, the Champion of the World Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Danny, the Champion of the World Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Danny, the Champion of the World Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Danny, the Champion of the World Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

Danny, the Champion of the World Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

Danny, the Champion of the World Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

Danny, the Champion of the World Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-22

Danny, the Champion of the World Chapters 20-22 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Danny, the Champion of the World Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Danny, the Champion of the World Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Danny, the Champion of the World Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Danny, the Champion of the World Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Danny, the Champion of the World Essay Topics

Danny, the Champion of the World

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Danny, the Champion of the World?

Reading Age

Book Details