George's Marvelous Medicine

George’s Marvelous Medicine is a 1981 children’s fantasy/magical realism novella by Roald Dahl. Popular since its publication, the book featured in a 1986 episode of Jackanory, a television show designed to promote reading to children in England. It has also been released twice in audiobook format, featuring narrators Richard E. Grant and Derek Jacobi, respectively. In 2003, George’s Marvelous Medicine appeared 134th on the BBC’s “The Big Read,” which asked readers in the United Kingdom to name their favorite book. Citations in this guide correspond with the 2013 Puffin Books edition.

Plot Summary

Eight-year-old George Kranky lives with his parents and grandmother on a farm. One morning, Mrs. Kranky leaves George home to take care of Grandma. After Mrs. Kranky leaves, Grandma criticizes George and scares him as she talks about eating insects and using magic.

Hiding in the kitchen, George decides to replace Grandma’s usual medicine with something he hopes will have a more powerful effect. He carries a large pot throughout the house, adding all the liquids, powders, and sprays he can find to the mixture.