Dahl's 'The BFG' makes a giant leap on USA TODAY's list

Roald Dahl’s 1982 children’s book The BFG is marching up USA TODAY’s Best-Selling Books list as anticipation builds for Steven Spielberg’s movie adaptation, opening July 1.

The BFG (which stands for Big Friendly Giant) is No. 18, up from No. 29 last week. (The full list will publish on Thursday.)

It’s the story of a little girl named Sophie (played by Ruby Barnhill in the film) who encounters a benevolent giant (Mark Rylance) who refuses to eat children, unlike other giants.

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The centenary of Dahl’s birth is being celebrated this year, and his publisher, Penguin Young Readers, and the writer’s literary estate are marking the occasion. (The British author died in 1990.)

Besides the movie release of The BFG, there will be screenings of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory this summer, a Dahl birthday party in bookstores, libraries, and classrooms the weekend of Sept. 17, and new editions of Dahl classics.

Some of Dahl’s best-known books have made USA TODAY’s list over the years. James and the Giant Peach is Dahl’s biggest USA TODAY seller, reaching No. 7, while Charlie and the Chocolate Factory hit No. 11 and Matilda made it to No. 13. And there’s room for The BFG to make a big leap over the next few weeks, as well.