The Magic Finger

Name: The Magic Finger
ISBN: 9780140386165

by Roald Dahl

When an unnamed girl gets angry, her 'magic finger' zaps people with unpredictable consequences. After a family of hunters makes fun of her, they wake up as tiny birds, forced to live like their prey

About This Book

Roald Dahl's 'The Magic Finger' is a whimsical yet impactful story about a young girl with a mysterious power that activates when she's angry. When her hunting neighbors, the Greggs, dismiss her pleas to stop, she zaps them, transforming them into bird-sized creatures with wings. This forces the Greggs to experience life from the perspective of the animals they hunt, leading to a profound change of heart. The book explores themes of anger, justice, empathy, and animal welfare through Dahl's signature blend of humor and fantastical elements, making it an excellent conversation starter for children aged 4-11.

Originally published: [New York]: Harper & Row, 1966.

Concepts

Anger & Frustration Justice & Fairness Empathy & Kindness Good vs. Evil Resilience & Perseverance Self-Confidence & Identity Curiosity & Wonder Freedom & Independence Honesty & Integrity Being Different Sibling Rivalry Fantasy & Magic Animals Family & Siblings Birds

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

Scary Scenes

Discussion Prompts

How does the girl's magic finger work? What makes it activate?

Do you think the Gregg family deserved what happened to them? Why or why not?

What did the Greggs learn from their experience as birds?

Have you ever felt so angry that you wished you had a magic power? What would you do with it?

What are your thoughts on hunting animals, and how does this book make you feel about it?