Celebrate Roald Dahl Story Day with five top books and games at Waterstones (aff)
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Roald Dahl Story Day is officially here. Supporting YEP Leeds Reads and the National Year of Reading, here are 5 fantastic picks from Waterstones to make family reading feel like pure play
Roald Dahl Story Day is officially here today (September 13), celebrating the author whose imagination gave us everything from friendly giants and chocolate factories to marvellous medicine.
As part of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Leeds Reads campaign - and with the National Year of Reading 2026 encouraging families across the UK to "Go All In" on reading for pleasure - there is no better time to inspire young minds with a brilliant book.
Sharing stories with children not only boosts confidence and literacy, but it also creates those cosy weekend moments that stay with them forever as Autumn draws in.
Be it introducing a young reader to these iconic tales for the first time or looking for hands-on activity books to keep them busy today, Waterstones currently has a huge range of Dahl titles in stock.
Here are five phizz-whizzing picks across different ages and formats to spark some marvellous magic today.
Five top Roald Dahl picks to celebrate Roald Dahl Story Day
The Classics: Matilda (Quentin Blake Paperback Edition)
- Price: £7.99
- Best For: Independent readers aged 7+
Featuring Quentin Blake’s iconic original illustrations, Matilda remains an unbeatable classic.
Telling the empowering story of an extraordinary little girl with a big mind and magical powers, it’s a must-have for any child's bookshelf.
The New Arrival: The Twits Next Door by Greg James & Chris Smith
- Price: £7.99 (Paperback)
- Best For: Fans of hilarious, mischievous adventures
Written by the creators of Kid Normal, this brand-new story brings Dahl’s most deliciously terrible couple back to life.
Chaos ensues when a sickeningly wholesome family moves in right next door to Mr and Mrs Twit.
Early Readers: The Enormous Crocodile’s Finger Puppet Book
- Price: £8.99 (Board Book)
- Best For: Toddlers and pre-schoolers
You don't have to wait until kids are older to enjoy Dahl’s playful language.
This interactive board book features an integrated finger puppet, letting parents bring the greedy, secret-plan-making crocodile to life right on the page.
Creative Play: Roald Dahl: George’s Marvellous Experiments
- Price: £8.99 (Paperback)
- Best For: Curious kids and hands-on weekend fun
If your kids love George’s wild concoctions, this activity book turns fiction into real science.
Packed with safe, easy-to-do home science experiments inspired by the story, it’s a brilliant way to keep young minds busy off-screen.
Family Game Night: Roald Dahl Top Trumps
- Price: £7.99
- Best For: Travel, quick games, and competitive young readers
Featuring all-time favourite characters from Willy Wonka to the Grand High Witch, this custom Top Trumps pack lets kids battle stats like "Mischief," "Brainpower," and "Phizz-Whizzing Factor."
Perfect for travel (say, to a theme park with an offer through Wowcher) or cosy Sunday afternoons.