Book review: "George's Marvelous Medicine" by Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl always pushed the envelope of children's literature. In books such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "James and the Giant Peach," he introduces wildly fantastical scenarios and does things that few children's authors would consider – child characters get hurt, parents die suddenly. The outrageousness makes his books memorable.

"George's Marvelous Medicine" is another example of Dahl's over-the-top style. A boy named George mixes a concoction of toiletries, paints, animal medicines, antifreeze, motor oil and many other things, and then gives it to his obnoxious grandmother – and she grows taller than a house. Farm animals also get a taste, and more amazing things happen.

It's funny, silly and delightful. I did find the ending a bit abrupt.

All that said, I can't imagine any teacher these days reading this book to a class. Who would risk having a student go home, start mixing together a bunch of chemicals and then drink it, thinking it would make him or her bigger. While I enjoyed "George's Marvelous Medicine," when I read it to my two kids, I said, more than once: "Don't try this at home!"


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